Hillsdale High School • SAT · ACT · PSAT
Hillsdale High School's International Baccalaureate program and its AP course offerings reflect a school that takes academic rigor seriously. Students in these tracks are used to extended essays, internal assessments, and demanding curriculum across multiple disciplines. The SAT and ACT ask for something different: speed, pattern recognition, and a specific kind of timed execution that IB and AP coursework do not specifically train.
Michael's diagnostic identifies where a Hillsdale student's gap is relative to their academic preparation. IB students, in particular, often have strong analytical skills that translate well to the evidence-based reading sections of the SAT, but may find the timing of the digital SAT's adaptive format requires specific adjustment. The ACT's time-per-question is tighter in some sections than the SAT, which is relevant for Hillsdale students who are deliberate thinkers.
The 2025 ACT changes (Science now optional, composite from four sections, approximately two hours) make the test worth reconsidering for Hillsdale students who previously avoided it. Michael assesses both tests during the free trial.
For Hillsdale families: Bay Area test centers near San Mateo fill 5 to 6 weeks before test day. Students should register on the first day the window opens. The College Board and ACT both publish specific test center information at collegeboard.org and act.org. Michael includes test date and registration guidance as part of the plan he presents after the trial session.
Preparation timelines vary based on a student’s goals, starting point, and upcoming 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 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 clear 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 testing opportunities are exhausted.
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 upcoming test dates. Some students begin as early as January of their sophomore year, particularly those with National Merit goals. Many students begin preparation during the summer before junior year, with the period after July 4th being a common starting point. Students entering senior year often begin preparation during the summer before senior year, depending on their goals and testing plans. Michael’s free trial session includes a diagnostic and personalized timeline recommendation based on each student’s individual situation.
Several test centers are available in the San Mateo and surrounding Peninsula area. Check current availability at collegeboard.org (SAT) or act.org (ACT). Bay Area centers fill 5 to 6 weeks before test day, register on the first day the window opens.
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 clear 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.