Santa Monica · SAT · ACT · PSAT
SAT Tutor in Santa Monica.
SaMoHi and Crossroads students both need strong scores — for very different college lists.
Santa Monica produces two distinct student profiles when it comes to SAT prep: SaMoHi's strong public school students competing for UC admission and selective private universities, and Crossroads students targeting top-tier schools where the SAT is one of many high-pressure factors. Both need real preparation — just built differently. Tiana starts with a diagnostic to understand your student's actual starting point, identifies the specific math and reading/writing sections costing the most points, and builds a plan around the score target that makes sense for your student's college list. No canned curriculum; a real plan.
How it works
Three steps. No pressure.
Tell us where your student is stuck and we'll map out support that builds confidence, stronger habits, and real academic skills.
1. Free intro call
Tell us what's going on. We listen, ask questions, and get a feel for where your student stands.
2. A plan that fits
A custom plan — subjects, pace, and how often we meet. No templates, no fluff.
3. Sessions begin
We close the gaps holding your student back, then build forward — adjusting as they grow.
Reviews
What Students & Families Are Saying.
I had to learn how to create an AI Agent for a job interview, and Tiana got me a finished product in 2 hours. She is one of the most intelligent young people I have ever met — and most importantly a phenomenal teacher. — David (a CEO and Harvard MBA)
I couldn't read even a Dr Seuss book or do simple multiplication before I met Tiana. Thank you so much for your help.
We were really stressed about our two kids failing their final exams. Then we found Tiana and honestly, she changed everything.
Common questions
SAT & ACT Prep Tutoring in Santa Monica — FAQs
My student goes to Crossroads — is the SAT still important?
Yes, though the weight varies by school. For students applying to highly selective schools, Crossroads applicants are expected to have strong scores alongside their strong profiles. A score significantly below a school's median can raise questions; a score at or above it removes doubt. Tiana works with Crossroads students to make the SAT a strength, not an asterisk.
When should a Santa Monica High student start SAT prep?
For the fall of junior year test, starting the previous spring or summer is ideal. That gives time for real content mastery rather than last-minute cramming. PSAT prep in 10th grade is also worth doing — the PSAT is a genuine diagnostic for where SAT prep should focus.
SAT or ACT — which is better for a Santa Monica student?
It depends on the student. The SAT rewards careful reading and mathematical reasoning. The ACT is faster-paced with a science section. Tiana can help your student take both a diagnostic SAT and ACT practice test and determine which format plays to their strengths before committing to one.
Can tutoring really raise a score significantly, or is the SAT mostly aptitude?
Significantly, yes. The SAT tests specific skills in specific formats — and those formats can be learned. Most students leave points on the table not because they lack the knowledge, but because they haven't learned how the test asks for it. Consistent, targeted prep almost always produces meaningful score gains.
Ready when you are
The first call is always free.
No commitment — just a conversation about where your student is and where they want to be.