Curvebreakers is happy to answer questions that students and parents have about test prep and working to improve their grades. Below are most frequently asked questions Curvebreakers receives from families.
Students should start with a full-length, timed SAT or ACT Practice Exam. And if you're unsure which test to focus on, we recommend taking both an SAT and ACT. Then, the owner, Nick LaPoma, will review your test results and recommend the best path that makes sense to reach your score goals.
This is a question that is better answered after taking a diagnostic exam. The list of diagnostic exams can be found here This decision is based on a variety of factors such as time management and natural ability in math, English, reading, and science. We are happy to discuss your individual student!
This is a question that is better answered after taking a diagnostic exam. The list of diagnostic exams can be found here This decision is based on a variety of factors such as time management and natural ability in math, English, reading, and science. We are happy to discuss your individual student!
Yes. Because our program is so individualized, we have great success. Our tutors are trained to focus on the individual student’s learning style and needs, so we are always prepared to instruct students no matter the situation.
This depends on the student. The ACT differs from the SAT in many ways. For example, you get much less time per question on the ACT than the SAT. We can help determine if your child is better at the SAT or ACT naturally through diagnostic testing and in person consultations. Colleges prefer the highest score possible, so it is important to find out which test aligns best with your skills. You do not need to submit scores from both tests to be accepted to college. Last year more students took the ACT than the SAT by a wide margin.
All of our tutors score in the 99th percentile on the SAT or ACT test to qualify for tutoring. We actually hold qualification exams in our offices where potential tutors come in and get graded. After qualifying in score, they must pass an interview process with the staff and owner, Nicholas LaPoma. Once the tutor qualifies and passes through the interview process, Nick then trains each tutor in a one-on-one setting until the tutor is ready to work with students. Many of the tutors have vast tutoring experience prior to joining Curvebreakers, but since Curvebreakers holds its staff to such a high standard, everyone is hand trained in our methodology. All of our tutors possess the skills and personality necessary to connect with your student and teach them what they need to know for success.
With all of our classes we provide office hours, which are set times where the teacher of the class will be available to answer student questions, just like you would see in a college class. These hours are meant for students who want that continued individualization that is not found in other class programs. This private instruction is exactly what separates Curvebreakers from the rest. We never have and never will use cookie cutter programs to instruct our students.
We offer private one-on-one tutoring for standardized exams including, but not limited to, the SAT, ACT, PSAT, SHAT, CHSEE, TACHS, SAT IIs, LSAT, Regents Exams, and APs. We also have courses ranging from short, one-time review classes to full-length courses. Students may also take proctored, full-length practice exams complete with an diagnostic score analysis to guide their test preparation.