Carlmont High School • SAT · ACT · PSAT
Carlmont High School's student body has consistent UC application volume. The UCs are test-blind for admissions, but test scores are required for merit scholarship consideration across the UC system, and they support post-admission course placement. For private universities on a typical Carlmont list, scores matter for admissions directly, and the preparation Michael builds transfers across both contexts.
Michael's trial session connects preparation to each Carlmont student's actual college list. A student focused on UC Santa Cruz or Cal Poly Humboldt may need a different score profile than a student focused on Berkeley or UCLA, and the recommended training plan is built around that individual situation.
The Sequoia Union High School District's college counseling infrastructure supports Carlmont students in building realistic college lists and understanding their competitiveness at specific schools. Michael's preparation integrates with that process: when a student knows their list, the diagnostic can clarify which test gives the student the best opportunity, how far their score may be able to go, and which training plan is most strategic.
The 2025 ACT format changes are worth understanding for Carlmont students. Science is optional. Composite is from four sections. Total time is approximately two hours. For students who previously found the ACT more manageable without the Science section, or who now find it more manageable after the Science section is removed. Michael's trial diagnostic determines which test gives the better score for each student.
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 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.
Preparation timelines vary based on a student’s goals, starting point, and target 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 Belmont 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 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.