Get results. Guaranteed.
We're proud of our students and the improved scores they've achieved. We believe your student can do the same. That's why we promise to help them get a better score or we'll give you your money back.*
If you're a student at an institution such as Catlin Gabel School or Lake Oswego Senior High School, Varsity Tutors would be happy to connect you to the best Portland SAT preparation opportunities. The SAT is a standardized exam accepted by all United States colleges and universities. Many students take this exam for the first time during junior year of high school. This comprehensive exam measures a student's readiness for college and is often the first obstacle faced when preparing to begin the college entrance process. As a critical step in your academic journey, you'll want to do everything you can to prepare to put your best foot forward to impress an admissions office. The right Portland SAT prep class or instructor can be an invaluable tool as you work towards your academic goals.
What can Portland SAT prep cover?
The SAT consists of three required sections and an optional Essay section. If you choose to take all four sections, your exam will last for three hours and 50 minutes. Scores on the SAT are based on your number of correct answers and there is no penalty for guessing. The three required sections assess your knowledge in Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. Each section receives a separate sub-score which can provide insight into your particular strengths. During the exam, you will get one 10-minute break and one 5-minute break. Let's take a closer look at each individual section, starting with the optional essay.
When you elect to take the Essay portion of the SAT, you will have 50 minutes to showcase your ability to understand an argument, present it, and support it with sound evidence. You will need to read a passage and consider the author's use of examples to support his or her claims, the reasoning used to develop the ideas, and how the author used the word choice to add power to the ideas in the passage. Your essay should not give your own viewpoint on the argument. This portion of the test evaluates your ability to determine effective usage of text evidence, support and develop claims with examples from the passage, and produce a focused, organized essay response using standard English conventions. A prep course can help you practice developing your ideas clearly.
The next section we'll talk about is the Math assessment, which is actually split into two separate parts. The two sections combined contain 58 questions which you must finish within 80 minutes. You may only use your calculator for one portion of the math assessment. The content of the math assessment can include skills learned from algebra, problem-solving, or data analysis. A prep course can help you practice carrying out mathematical procedures accurately and efficiently so you can move through this portion of the exam with confidence. You'll need to be able to make connections between properties of linear equations, their graphs, and the information that they are representing. You will also need to be able to analyze real-world problems and represent these problems mathematically in order to come to a solution.
The Reading section assesses your reading comprehension and reasoning skills. This portion of the SAT consists of 52 questions which you must finish within 65 minutes. Passages in the section can come from contemporary world literature, United States founding documents, a social science selection related to sociology or psychology, or even a science passage examining concepts found in physics or biology. Using these passages, you must find evidence to support an answer or provide the basis for a logical conclusion. You will need to be able to utilize context clues to understand a word or phrase meaning and you must be able to draw conclusions from the passages. If any of these skills are one of your weaknesses, a prep course can help you improve.
The final section is the SAT Writing and Language section. This section is 35 minutes long and contains 44 questions. You will not need to have any prior knowledge of the information in the passages in this part of the test to do well as the answers come directly from the passages. This portion of the SAT measures your grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and ability to understand words through context. You will want to demonstrate your ability to improve a passage with style, syntax, or tone. You'll be asked to answer questions about the passage's impact using organization and be able to make structural and word choice changes to improve clarity. A prep course can help you review standard English conventions such as parallel construction, subject-verb agreement, verb tense, punctuation usage, and proper sentence structure.
Any and all of these skills can be improved when you work with an expert SAT instructor.
What are the advantages of the different types of Portland SAT prep?
Varsity Tutors is happy to be able to connect you to two exceptional prep options: an interactive online prep course or private SAT instruction.
If you enjoy the structure and social setting of a traditional classroom, we can sign you up for an online Portland SAT prep course. These courses give you the opportunity to join an expert instructor and your peers in a collaborative online platform. You'll be able to engage in group discussions, participate in collaborative activities, and speak to your teacher as if he or she is sitting in the room with you. These types of collaborative lessons have been shown to help a student understand content more fully.
If you prefer a more one-on-one approach to learning, we can connect you to an excellent Portland SAT tutor to suit your particular academic and scheduling needs. This gives you the opportunity for customized lesson plans based on your exact areas of strength and weakness. You'll be able to move through lessons at your own pace and adjust study sessions to reflect your personal progress.
Some students may wish to take advantage of both options, which can give you the best of both worlds.
How do I get started with Portland SAT prep?
All you need to do to get started with a Portland SAT prep class or private SAT instructor is call and speak with one of our directors. Once you choose between a two-week course, a four-week course, or private instruction, we can get you started with exceptional SAT prep immediately. If you're ready to get started, call Varsity Tutors today and get connected with the best Portland SAT prep options available.

Max: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...academic goals as they work their way towards college. I volunteer in New Haven as a math teacher and coach at a public middle school (my team of 7th graders just won the 2016 New Haven regional championship!), and I've been tutoring middle and high school students for over 7 years. On top of all of that, I'm an aspiring professional in the business world - this past summer I worked at an internship in...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- College Economics
- AP Economics
- High School Level American History
- +104 subjects

Tessa: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...race is nothing like the satisfying moment of writing "Q.E.D." on a difficult proof. I'm a scholar of the Western canon, greatly influenced by great thinkers and writers of the past such as Plato, Virgil, Aquinas, and Anselm. I love to read and to discuss what I've read, and I heartily appreciate a good philosophical argument. Extracurricularly, I write musicals, one of which premiered at Yale last year, and attend Yale Political Union meetings to...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Mathematics and History
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- Spanish 3
- AP Music Theory
- Arithmetic
- +106 subjects

Ethan: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...policy. Through my interests in music, teaching, and research the most valuable skill I have learned is the ability to communicate material in a clear and approachable manner. Past students have remarked that my teaching style is animated and are surprised at their ability to focus and understand concepts even after a long day of school, practice, or work. When I am not teaching or grading papers, I can usually be found playing some brass...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelor in Arts, Environmental Science and Public Policy
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- SAT Mathematics
- Algebra 3/4
- English
- +71 subjects

David: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...successful communication both of elementary topics, such as algebra 1 or German word order, and complex ones, such as deontological critiques of utilitarian ethics. By valuing all levels of difficulty, I am able to give students a firm foundation, with which they can grasp truly complex ideas in the topic at hand and in their future learning. While my interests in the areas described are powerful and abundant, I also enjoy painting, composing, hiking and...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- Languages
- Elementary School Writing
- Social Studies
- +55 subjects

Joy: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...a math problem. As long as she felt grounded enough to access her innate understanding of the world around us, she progressed. Later on, my extensive experience in the classroom as a Jumpstart Corps Member taught me to adapt my teaching style to each childs needs. While some learned better through mnemonics and letter-to-word associations, others preferred to process information and teach content back to me themselves. The greatest lesson I've learned as a tutor...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Current Undergrad, Physiology and Neurobiology
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- Medicine
- AP English Language and Composition
- Anatomy & Physiology
- +99 subjects

Alexander: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...to a prep school in Connecticut. In mathematics in particular I have strong experience working with students who have learning disabilities. I'm near-fluent in German and Spanish, have a year of Chinese under my belt, and have introductory familiarity with Turkish, Korean, French, Italian, and Japanese. If you ever need a conversation practice partner for German/Spanish, let me know! Talking again about math, I have the most experience teaching Pre-Algebra through Algebra II, but I'm...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- ACT English
- High School Writing
- High School Geography
- +80 subjects

Asir: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...mentally disabled children. Asir is currently pursuing theoretical physics research in the field of quantum information. He also has experience with researching with Wolfram Research Inc where he investigated the meaning of dimensionality. He took the Edexcel A levels in high school and achieved either A's or A*'s in the subjects he took which are Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Further Mathematics. He also got perfect scores in almost all the units of mathematics and physics....
Education & Certification
- Minerva University - Bachelor of Science, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- Computer Science
- Languages
- Trigonometry
- +44 subjects

Michelle: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...strong passion for learning about and teaching anything math or science related. These subjects are incredibly important in our everyday lives, and I can only hope to extend my passion and excitement to my students. I have a relaxed, hands-on teaching style with the belief that visual cues and plenty of practice involving real-life examples are both key to understanding a topic. Focus areas I enjoy teaching include biology, most levels of math, earth science,...
Education & Certification
- Boston University - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering
- Tulane University of Louisiana - Masters, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- Geometry
- Algebra
- Elementary School Science
- +26 subjects

Katherine: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...prove to the world that we retained what we learned that year. But are we *actually* learning? My goal as a tutor is to make your studies enjoyable. I love to use visual and real world examples to help you grasp difficult concepts. At the end of our sessions, it is my mission to make sure that you can not only solve sample problems, but actually understand your coursework on a deeper level!
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, Human Development & Family Studies
- Fairfield University - Current Grad Student, School Counseling
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- Social Work
- AP Human Geography
- ACT Reading
- +65 subjects

Zach: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...Not surprisingly, I have always considered tutoring and education among the most noble of professions where both parties, student and teacher, benefit and learn. What makes me an excellent tutor? Over the course of my life I have had the good fortune of cultivating a variety and number of skill sets, some of which are academic and social in nature. While I certainly consider academic prowess important for the success of any instructor, I would...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- ACT Science
- A Level Mathematics
- Geometry
- +35 subjects

Ashley: Portland SAT test prep instructor
I am passionate about literature and writing; I have been teaching in a classroom for the last eight years and would like to extend my expertise by helping students one on one. ... I believe that students learn best through modeling, guided practice, and independent practice. I personally believe that students are more successful when they take responsibility for their learning.... I would ask a student to describe his/her goals and what he/she hopes to achieve through tutoring. I would also discuss the student's strengths and weaknesses in a particular area so we can improve the weaknesses and challenge the strengths throughout the tutoring sessions.
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, English
- Quinnipiac University - Masters, Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- High School English
- American Literature
- English
- +13 subjects

Justin: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...I recently graduated from Georgetown University (Summa Cum Laude) with a B.S. in Human Science and a minor in Music. This Fall, I will be starting a Masters program in Music History at the Hartt School of Music. Throughout college, I took multiple upper-level courses in the basic sciences and music, and would be capable of tutoring in these fields. My strongest subjects are music history/theory and anatomy/physiology, although I also have a lot of...
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Bachelors, Human Science
- Hartt School of Music - Current Grad Student, Music History
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- Drum and Percussion
- AP Biology
- Art
- +30 subjects

Katie : Portland SAT test prep instructor
I graduated from the University of Connecticut with degrees in both Accounting and English. I worked as an accountant for a year before I went back to school to earn my Masters in Education. I currently teach high school English and Theater. As a tutor, I use modeling and mini-lessons to help my students reach their potential.
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, English and Accounting
- University of Connecticut - Masters, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- ACT
- Math
- College Essays
- +18 subjects

Jessica: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...I love working with students of all ages in order to highlight their potential and strengthen any areas of concern. My teaching experience includes teaching for over nine years at the high school level, I have taught all levels of high school English including AP Language and Composition, 9th grade Honors, 9th grade College Prep and remedial English, as well as test prep. My tutoring experience includes tutoring students of all levels, including SAT and...
Education & Certification
- Fairfield - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Sacred Heart - Master of Arts Teaching, Education/Reading
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- 3rd Grade Writing
- 8th Grade Writing
- 4th Grade Reading
- +61 subjects

James: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...tutoring students is demonstrating that they can conquer the subject material at hand. As a tutor I believe it is my job to not only help the student with the specific coursework they requested but also address underlying issues with study habits or test taking strategies if applicable and desired. Every student deserves tutoring sessions that are personalized to account for the student's strengths and weaknesses in order to help accelerate the student's education.
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor in Arts, Undeclared Business
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- Geometry
- SAT Reading
- Pre-Algebra
- +27 subjects

Landon: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...the student to where they are comfortable with seeking assistance and communicating their feelings and frustrations with me. Once a rapport is established, I'm able to identify the students' disconnects and convey the confusing concept or strategy in a new and understandable way. My goal is to help students develop a love of learning, and I seek to achieve that by inspiring motivation and confidence both inside and outside of the classroom.
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Public Relations and Government
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- Persuasive Writing
- Geography
- CAHSEE ELA
- +166 subjects

Eric: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...grammar, and other linguistic elements such as phonetics to help with teaching pronunciation. Professionally, I've been an English educator for the past 6 years, teaching everything from beginning ESL to college-level argumentative writing. My students have ranged in age from middle school students to adults. My credentials include being a certified ESL instructor, a trained and experienced middle/high school language arts professional, and an adjunct professor of writing at Southern Connecticut State University.... My philosophy of teaching is that students learn best when they can link what they need to know with what they already know. I strive to help my students realize that they have the ability to master the skills they need for success by helping them build on the talents they innately possess.
Education & Certification
- Plymouth State University - Bachelors, Philosophy
- Boston University - Masters, Theology
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- Graduate Test Prep
- ACT Aspire
- ACT Writing
- +33 subjects

Raymond: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...friends and work peers know me as one who always carries a hardcopy book and a kindle tablet. And if they saw the backseat of my car, they would observe a mini bookcase, with some of my favorite books. I have a deep passion for learning. Accordingly, I believe whole hearted in education. It enriches the human situation and serves one for a better life. I wish my students - sometimes in poor districts -...
Education & Certification
- Vanguard University of Southern California - Bachelors, Electrical Engineering
- University of Technology Sydney - Masters, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- Algebra 2
- Algebra
- PHP
- +10 subjects

Louie: Portland SAT test prep instructor
I am a junior at Southern Connecticut State University where I recently transferred to study Exercise Science after completing my first two years at Yale University. I have extensive experience tutoring the SAT/ACT, but my favorite subject to tutor is math. Though it can be a daunting subject for many students, I strive to make math accessible and even enjoyable. In my spare time I enjoy weight training and spoken word poetry.... Motivation is internal. I would help a student find a compelling reason to work hard instead of trying to instill purely external motivation.
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Exercise Science
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- Algebra 2
- English
- Trigonometry
- +16 subjects

Cecilia: Portland SAT test prep instructor
...nerd just like her. I try to overcome people's distaste of math by making it fun. Above all, I focus on test-taking and study strategies, something that I feels is overlooked by schools. I promote life-long learning, encouraging my students to dig deeper and never be afraid to ask 'why'. Education doesn't stop after you leave school. In high school, I played volleyball, attended Model UN conferences, and served as President of my high school's...
Education & Certification
- Saint John Fisher College - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- SAT
- Math
- English
- Spanish 3
- +10 subjects