Henry M. Gunn High School • SAT · ACT · PSAT
The California NMSQT Selection Index cutoff is among the highest in the country. Gunn students who understand the gap between a Commended Student score and a Semifinalist score, typically 15 to 25 Selection Index points, and who begin preparation with enough lead time to close it are the ones who make the Semifinalist list.
The PSAT happens once. There is no retake. The October junior year test is the only qualifying opportunity for National Merit recognition. Michael's recommendation for Gunn students with National Merit ambitions: start in January of sophomore year. PSAT preparation that connects directly into the spring SAT cycle is not twice the work; it compounds.
“Among many useful strategies, he taught me how to better pace myself, recognize the intent behind each question, minimize silly mistakes, and meditate before tests. Mr. Romano genuinely cares about the students he tutors. He both helped me improve my scores and gave me fond memories to look back on.”
Isaac Oh · Gunn High School 2023
The digital SAT's adaptive module structure rewards students who understand how Module 1 performance determines Module 2 difficulty. Gunn students who grasp this, that strong execution in Module 1 unlocks the harder questions where 1500+ scores live, approach the test with a strategic advantage.
The ACT changed in 2025. Science is now optional and no longer counts toward the composite score. For Gunn students who previously avoided the ACT because of the Science section, that logic no longer applies. Michael assesses both tests during the free trial and recommends based on how each student actually performs.
The Trial Session
The free trial on Zoom includes a diagnostic, direct work with Michael, and a follow-up call with both student and parent. Michael presents a specific recommendation: which test gives the student the best opportunity, how far their score may be able to go, a recommended training plan, and which upcoming test dates are most strategic. No financial commitment until both sides agree.
Every Session
Sessions are two hours long and combine individualized coaching, structured practice, and timed work using official SAT and ACT material. Students stay actively engaged while receiving ongoing guidance and feedback from Michael throughout the session. No homework.
The Guarantee
Students who complete the agreed program and are not satisfied with their results continue at no additional cost after the agreed session cap until they are satisfied or available testing opportunities have been exhausted.
Throughout the process, students develop the habits, strategies, and performance skills needed to perform closer to their true potential on test day.
The Mr. Test Prep Method™ builds the execution strategies and pattern recognition that transfer directly to test conditions. A-Game Access™ is the mindfulness and peak performance system built into every session — addressing the gap between practice performance and test-day performance.
Preparation timelines vary based on a student’s goals, starting point, and target test dates.
Michael’s free trial session includes a diagnostic and personalized timeline recommendation based on each student’s individual situation — not a generic template.
The diagnostic produces a specific recommendation: which test gives the student the best opportunity, how far their score may be able to go, a recommended training plan, and which upcoming test dates are most strategic.
The cutoff shifts slightly year to year. The pattern is consistent. California runs 4 to 6 points above the national average. Michael tracks the current cycle and factors the California cutoff into every PSAT preparation plan he builds for Gunn students.
Gunn students often have high internal standards. When a practice score falls short of expectation, the anxiety response can compound over subsequent sessions and carry into test day. The Mr. Test Prep Method™ builds the execution strategies and pattern recognition to reduce uncertainty going in. A-Game Access™ works on the mental preparation and performance state management that allows a student to perform at their actual ceiling on the day it counts.
27 Gunn High School families have written about working with Mr. Test Prep — students and parents both. They are collected together in the full archive, alongside every testimonial received since 1997.
The trial is a two-hour Zoom session where your student works through a diagnostic with guidance and feedback from Michael throughout. Afterward Michael calls both student and parent with a specific recommendation: which test gives the student the best opportunity, how far their score may be able to go, a recommended training plan, and which upcoming test dates are most strategic.
The trial is free with no obligation to continue.