Mountain View High School • SAT · ACT · PSAT
The PSAT happens once. The October junior year test is the only qualifying test for National Merit recognition and the most useful baseline for SAT preparation. Students who begin PSAT preparation in January of sophomore year build a foundation that carries forward into the SAT cycle. Michael's approach treats PSAT and SAT preparation as a connected track, not two separate programs.
The digital SAT's adaptive module structure is particularly relevant for students aiming for 1400 and above. Module 1 performance determines which Module 2 a student receives, students who understand this and execute accordingly unlock the question range where strong scores are built.
The ACT changed in 2025. Science is now optional. Mountain View students who previously avoided the ACT have a different set of options now. Michael assesses both tests during the free trial.
The documented Mountain View outcome, a 400-point improvement from PSAT baseline to final SAT score, with enrollment at Claremont McKenna College, reflects a preparation approach that treats the PSAT and SAT as one connected track. That student did not start over when the SAT cycle began. The work she did building PSAT skills carried forward, and the progression from PSAT baseline to final SAT score was continuous.
Mountain View High School students who want to replicate that track should begin no later than January of sophomore year. The PSAT administered in October of junior year is the ceiling for National Merit consideration, starting in the fall of junior year means students have missed the preparation window entirely.
Mountain View High School's location gives students access to the school's own testing facility, reducing logistical friction on test day. Michael factors this into the timeline he builds for Mountain View students, using the local test center for official attempts and structuring the trial-to-test timeline around when registration opens.
The ACT change in 2025 matters particularly for Mountain View students who have been in science-heavy programs. Science is now optional and does not count toward the composite score. Students who previously saw the ACT's Science section as a barrier should reassess. Michael's diagnostic during the free trial gives each student specific data on which test currently gives them the better score.
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.
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.
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.
Michael’s free trial session includes a diagnostic and personalized timeline recommendation based on each student’s individual situation — not a generic template.
Mountain View High School itself is a registered test center for both the SAT and ACT. Bay Area centers fill 5 to 6 weeks before test day, registration should happen 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 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.