Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Our FAQ page is your go-to resource for all things related to our Digital SAT and ACT tutoring services. Whether you’re curious about our tutoring methods, pricing, scheduling, or how our experts can help you achieve your best score, you’ll find clear and concise answers to many of your questions. Designed with both students and parents in mind, our FAQ section ensures you’re fully informed.

Tutoring Machines FAQ

Your child is going to learn test-taking strategies and methods that are typically not taught in high schools.
  • Expert-Designed Curriculum — Created by renowned standardized test prep strategist Kimani Williams, PhD. This courseleverages over a decade of his proven strategies and intellectual expertise to help students achieve their highest possible standardized test scores.
  • Engaging Instructors — Our instructors are experts who have mastered the Digital SAT and ACT, and understand the value of every minute, making the most of students’ limited time outside the classroom.
  • Authentic Questions — Students will encounter a diverse range of Digital SAT and ACT questions and concepts, ensuring they’re fully prepared for what they’ll face on test day.
  • Impressive Results — Our Digital SAT students typically see a 200+ point improvement, while our ACT students often boost their scores by 4+ points.
Yes! The SAT officially went digital in America in March of 2024. Our courses, Digital SAT books, and video resources have been updated accordingly to reflect what you’ll see on test day.
Anyone can use Tutoring Machines! Our prep works best for students who fall into one of the following categories:
  • High school students aspiring to go to college: maximize your standardized test scores to make yourself competitive for college admissions.
  • Students pressed for time: those who don’t have the time or flexibility in their schedule for in person tutoring.
  • Self-studying students who prefer to prep at their own pace with tutoring support as needed.
  • Video-lovers: students who learn better by watching videos than by reading. Most Tutoring Machines Digital SAT practice questions have a video explanation on how to solve it.
No! Previously having taken the test is not required. Many of our students are first-time Digital SAT or ACT test-takers, so if you’re ready to start studying now, you should go ahead and sign up. Our courses will teach you everything you need to know about the Digital SAT or ACT, and our instructors go in-depth on topics you may not have fully covered in your classes at school.
We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, as well as PayPal. All transactions are securely processed through PayPal, ensuring your credit card information is protected. We also gladly accept checks.
You definitely can. Email us at info@tutoringmachines.com and we’ll work something out with you.
Students will attend eight 2.5-hour classes over a period of 8 to 10 weeks, leading up to their scheduled test date. Each class is designed to provide in-depth instruction on test prep strategies and key content areas, with instructors demonstrating how to tackle every type of test question. Students will also have the opportunity to review and discuss previous practice tests and homework. Throughout the course, they will take practice tests under simulated test-day conditions, helping them build both stamina and confidence for optimal performance on test day.
The cost of our test prep courses is $1,999 per student. Email info@tutoringmachines.com to inquire about private one on one tutoring or small group tutoring, which is different from our classroom courses.
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and students may occasionally miss a class or practice test during the course. For students enrolled in our online courses, recordings of missed classes are available for review. If needed, students can also schedule tutoring sessions to catch up on any material they missed.
When Is an ideal time for my child to take a Digital SAT or ACT course? Ideally, students should begin test prep at the end of their sophomore year (during the summer before junior year). This allows them to complete their test prep and testing during their junior year, leaving senior year free to focus on college applications.
A National Merit Scholarship is a prestigious academic award in the United States that recognizes high-achieving students based on their performance on the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), which is typically taken in the junior year of high school.
To determine the best test prep approach for each student, we have them take both a practice Digital SAT and a practice ACT. The results from these assessments help us create a customized test prep plan tailored to their strengths and needs. It’s important to note that colleges and universities do not favor one test over the other. However, preparing for the SAT also serves as excellent preparation for the PSAT, which is given in October of the junior year and can qualify students for National Merit scholarships.
Our online classes are hosted on the Zoom platform, where students can see both the instructor and a virtual whiteboard. Designed to mimic a traditional classroom experience, the lessons are delivered in real time, with the instructor presenting content just as they would in person. Students can actively engage with the instructor and classmates, participate in live discussions and Q&A. Additionally, every session is recorded and available for future viewing, ensuring students can review material or catch up on any class they may have missed.

Digital SAT FAQ

The Digital SAT is an adaptive standardized test that is an updated version of the traditional SAT (paper based SAT) that is administered entirely on a computer rather than on paper. The transition to a digital format is part of the College Board’s ongoing effort to modernize the test and improve the testing experience for students.
The Digital SAT consists of two main sections:
  1. Reading & Writing (64 minutes) – two sections of 27 questions each that test reading comprehension, grammar, and language usage.
  2. Math (70 minutes) – two sections of 22 questions each that test arithmetic, algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, linear equations, and advanced functions topics.
  3. A student’s score ranges from 200 to 800 in each section: total score ranges from 400 to 800.
The Digital SAT features a multistage adaptive design. Each section of the test—Reading and Writing, and Math—is split into two equal-length, separately timed modules. You’ll begin by answering a set of questions in the first module, then move on to the second. The difficulty of the questions in the second module is determined by your performance in the first: if you do well in the first module, you’ll be given a more challenging set of questions in the second module.
Students can take the Digital SAT on a laptop or tablet. They can use a personal device or a school-issued device.
Students can take the Digital SAT as many times as needed to achieve their desired score. Most students typically require two to three test attempts to reach their goal.
Superscoring on the Digital SAT refers to the process of combining the highest section scores from multiple test attempts to create a new total score. Instead of taking the highest total score from one test sitting, superscoring allows colleges to consider your best Reading and Writing score and your best Math score across different test dates.
Taking the Digital SAT more than once generally doesn’t hurt your chances of college admission, and in many cases, it can actually help—especially if you can improve your scores through superscoring.
No, most colleges don’t care if you take the Digital SAT more than once, and in fact, many see it as a positive. Colleges are primarily interested in your best scores, and if you improve your score after retaking the test, it can strengthen your application.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges temporarily waived standardized test requirements as part of their admissions process. Some institutions shifted to test-optional policies, allowing students to choose whether or not to submit scores. However, as of 2024, an increasing number of colleges are reinstating standardized test requirements for future admissions cycles. Whether or not you need to take the Digital SAT depends primarily on the policies of the schools you’re considering. Be sure to review the testing requirements for each college you’re applying to and reach out to admissions counselors if you need clarification. Even at test-optional schools, submitting strong SAT scores can still provide an advantage—especially if your scores are exceptional. A high test score can enhance your application and make you a more competitive candidate in the admissions process.
A “good” Digital SAT score depends on your college goals and the competitiveness of the schools you’re applying to. For the Digital SAT, a score of 1200-1300 is above average, while 1400-1500 is strong and competitive for many schools. Highly selective colleges often look for scores above 1500, with 1600 being a perfect score. Keep in mind that scores are just one part of your application, and each school may have different expectations, so it’s important to research specific requirements and consider how your scores compare to other applicants. Ultimately, a “good” score is a score that gets you accepted to a college of your choice.
For the Digital SAT, scores are typically available 2 to 3 weeks after your test date, and you can access them through your College Board account.
Your Digital SAT percentile represents how your score compares to other test-takers. For example, if you’re in the 90th percentile, you scored higher than 90% of students who took the test. A higher percentile indicates better performance relative to others. Percentiles help colleges understand your score in context, as they show not only your raw score but also how you rank compared to the broader pool of test-takers. Generally, the higher your percentile, the more competitive your score is for college admissions.
Score Choice is a feature offered by the College Board for the Digital SAT that allows students to choose which test scores they want to send to colleges. For the SAT, Score Choice lets students select specific test dates’ scores to send. This gives students the flexibility to withhold lower scores and send only their best performances, although some schools may require all scores to be reported, so it’s important to check each college’s policy.
A common misconception is that the Digital SAT administered in a specific month—such as October—is easier or harder than usual. While the difficulty of the test can fluctuate slightly from one administration to the next, data shows that no month is consistently more difficult or easier than the average.
The Digital SAT does not provide students with a copy of their test. When you first receive your scores via your College Board account, you’ll see your section scores—Reading and Writing and Math—along with the corresponding percentiles. About a week later, you will receive a more detailed report showing the number of correct, incorrect, and omitted answers across various categories. However, this report does not include the actual test questions.
Yes, the Digital SAT is available internationally. The College Board began rolling out the digital version of the SAT outside the United States in 2023, and it is now offered in select countries around the world. This digital format allows students outside the U.S. to apply to colleges and universities in the U.S. and other regions that use standardized test scores for admissions.
Yes, you can change your test date or test location for the Digital SAT, but it depends on availability and may incur a fee. It’s important to check the specific policies and deadlines on the College Board website for detailed instructions.
A headshot photo, information about your high school courses, and a credit card. The registration process can take up to 40 minutes.
No, you don’t have to send your Digital SAT scores automatically when you take the test. The Digital SAT allows you to choose which scores you want to send to colleges after you receive your results. You can use the College Board’s Score Choice feature to select specific test dates to send. However, you can also send all your scores if you prefer. Keep in mind that sending scores is typically done after you get your scores back, not at the time of registration or testing. Just ensure that you send your scores to your chosen colleges before the deadline has passed.
To apply for testing accommodations on the Digital SAT, students must submit a request through the College Board website. This involves completing an online application and providing documentation of the disability or condition that requires accommodations. The documentation must be from a qualified professional and outline the specific accommodations needed, such as extended time or a separate testing room. The request must be submitted well in advance of the test date (typically several weeks before registration) to allow for processing and approval. Once approved, the accommodations will be applied for the digital test, and students will receive specific instructions for test day.

ACT FAQ

The ACT is a standardized college admissions test used in the United States. It assesses a student’s readiness for college by testing their knowledge and skills in four main areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. The ACT is widely accepted by colleges and universities for admission purposes and provides a score that helps institutions evaluate applicants’ academic abilities. The test is typically taken by high school students in their junior or senior year.
The ACT is a standardized college admission test consisting of four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each scored on a scale of 1 to 36. An optional Writing section (essay) scored on a scale of 0 to 12. The English section assesses grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical skills, while the Math section covers algebra, arithmetic, data analysis, geometry, and basic trigonometry. The Reading section tests comprehension of passages, and the Science section evaluates data interpretation and scientific reasoning. The composite score is the average of the four main sections, rounded to the nearest whole number. The entire test lasts about 2 hours and 55 minutes, or 3 hours and 35 minutes with the essay.
Students can take the ACT as many times as needed to achieve their desired score. Most students typically require two to three test attempts to reach their goal.
Superscoring on the ACT refers to the practice of combining the highest section scores from multiple test dates to create a new composite score. If a student takes the ACT more than once, the best scores from each individual section (English, Math, Reading, and Science) across different test sittings are used to form a higher overall score, rather than just using the score from a single test date. This gives students the opportunity to showcase their best performance in each section and may result in a higher composite score.
Taking the ACT more than once generally doesn’t hurt your chances of college admission, and in many cases, it can actually help—especially if you can improve your scores through superscoring.
No, most colleges don’t care if you take the ACT more than once, and in fact, many see it as a positive. Colleges are primarily interested in your best scores, and if you improve your score after retaking the test, it can strengthen your application.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges temporarily waived standardized test requirements as part of their admissions process. Some institutions shifted to test-optional policies, allowing students to choose whether or not to submit scores. However, as of 2024, an increasing number of colleges are reinstating standardized test requirements for future admissions cycles. Whether or not you need to take the ACT depends primarily on the policies of the schools you’re considering. Be sure to review the testing requirements for each college you’re applying to and reach out to admissions counselors if you need clarification. Even at test-optional schools, submitting strong ACT scores can still provide an advantage—especially if your scores are exceptional. A high test score can enhance your application and make you a more competitive candidate in the admissions process.
A “good” ACT score depends on your college goals and the competitiveness of the schools you’re applying to. On the ACT, a score of 25-29 is competitive for many colleges, while 30-34 is strong for selective schools, and 35-36 is excellent for top-tier universities. Keep in mind that scores are just one part of your application, and each school may have different expectations, so it’s important to research specific requirements and consider how your scores compare to other applicants. Ultimately, a “good” score is a score that gets you accepted to a college of your choice.
The ACT usually releases scores within 2 weeks, though it may take 3-4 weeks for tests with the optional writing section. You can view your scores for each section (English, Math, Reading, and Science) and your overall composite score (average of the scores on the previously mentioned sections) through your ACT account.
Your ACT percentile represents how your score compares to other test-takers. For example, if you’re in the 90th percentile, you scored higher than 90% of students who took the test. A higher percentile indicates better performance relative to others. Percentiles help colleges understand your score in context, as they show not only your raw score but also how you rank compared to the broader pool of test-takers. Generally, the higher your percentile, the more competitive your score is for college admissions.
Score Choice is a feature offered by ACT, Inc. that allows students to choose which test scores they want to send to colleges. Students can choose which test date scores to report. This gives students the flexibility to withhold lower scores and send only their best performances, although some schools may require all scores to be reported, so it’s important to check each college’s policy.
A common misconception is that the ACT administered in a specific month—such as September—is easier or harder than usual. While the difficulty of the test can fluctuate slightly from one administration to the next, data shows that no month is consistently more difficult or easier than the average.
The ACT offers the Test Information Release (TIR) option, which allows students to access a copy of their test with the actual test questions. This option is available for specific test dates, typically in April, September, and December.
Yes, the ACT is offered outside of the United States. The ACT is available internationally in numerous countries, with testing centers located around the globe. However, only the digital format of the ACT is available internationally. This test allows students outside the U.S. to apply to colleges and universities in the U.S. and other regions that use standardized test scores for admissions.
Yes, you can change your test date or test location for the ACT, but it depends on availability and may incur a fee. It’s important to check the specific policies and deadlines on the official ACT website for detailed instructions.
A headshot photo, information about your high school courses, and a credit card. The registration process can take up to 40 minutes.
No, you don’t have to send your ACT score automatically when you take the test. The ACT allows you to choose which scores you want to send to colleges after you receive your results. The ACT lets you send scores from particular test dates. However, you can also send all your scores if you prefer. Keep in mind that sending scores is typically done after you get your scores back, not at the time of registration or testing. Just ensure that you send your scores to your chosen colleges before the deadline has passed
To apply for testing accommodations on the ACT, students must submit a request through the ACT website. This involves completing an online application and providing documentation of the disability or condition that requires accommodations. The documentation must be from a qualified professional and outline the specific accommodations needed, such as extended time or a separate testing room. The request must be submitted well in advance of the test date (typically several weeks before registration) to allow for processing and approval. Once approved, the accommodations will be applied for the digital test, and students will receive specific instructions for test day.