Private SAT Tutoring — NYC, San Diego & Online
Personalized one-on-one preparation for the digital SAT with Dr. Stuart Donnelly, Oxford Ph.D. Build the skills and confidence to reach your target score.
SAT Tutoring with Dr. Stuart Donnelly
The SAT is one of the most important exams a high school student will take, and the right preparation can make a significant difference. At Tutors of Oxford, Dr. Stuart Donnelly provides private, one-on-one SAT tutoring designed around each student's individual strengths, weaknesses, and target score.
With a Ph.D. from the University of Oxford and over twenty years of professional tutoring experience, Dr. Donnelly brings a depth of subject knowledge and teaching expertise that sets his SAT preparation apart. Every session is tailored to the student — from foundational skill-building to advanced strategies for the highest scorers.
Sessions are available in person in New York City and San Diego, or online via Zoom from anywhere in the world.
What Makes Our SAT Tutoring Different
Every student receives a program built specifically for them — not a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
Personalized Approach
Dr. Donnelly begins with a diagnostic assessment to identify each student's strengths and weaknesses. From there, a customized study plan targets the areas where improvement will have the greatest impact on your overall SAT score.
All Sections Covered
Reading and Writing and Math — both sections and all four modules of the digital SAT are addressed, plus the PSAT/NMSQT. No need for multiple tutors — Dr. Donnelly covers the entire exam.
Proven Score Gains
On average, students working with Dr. Donnelly see score improvements of 150 to 250+ points. A structured approach to practice testing, content review, and strategy development drives measurable results.
Flexible Format
Choose in-person sessions at our NYC or San Diego offices, or meet online via Zoom. Switch formats at any time with no penalty. Many students use a hybrid approach that fits their weekly schedule.
About the SAT
Understanding the structure of the SAT is the first step toward preparing effectively.
The SAT is a standardized college admissions exam administered by the College Board and accepted by virtually all four-year colleges and universities in the United States. The SAT is now fully digital and multistage adaptive (internationally since 2023 and in the U.S. since March 2024), taken in the Bluebook app on a laptop or tablet. There is no essay and no paper version.
Test Structure
The digital SAT consists of two sections:
- Reading and Writing — 54 questions in 64 minutes, split into two modules. Each question has its own short passage and tests comprehension, vocabulary in context, grammar, or rhetorical skills.
- Math — 44 questions in 70 minutes, split into two modules, covering algebra, advanced math, problem solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry. A calculator is allowed on the entire Math section, including the built-in Desmos graphing calculator.
Key Facts
- Total Score Range: 400–1600 (200–800 per section)
- Test Length: 98 questions in 2 hours 14 minutes, plus a 10-minute break between sections
- Format: Digital, multistage adaptive (the difficulty of the second module adjusts based on first-module performance)
- Fee (through June 2027): $68 registration; $38 late registration
- PSAT/NMSQT: same digital format and timing, scored 320–1520
Upcoming SAT Test Dates (2026–27)
- November 7, 2026 — register by October 23, 2026
- December 5, 2026 — register by November 20, 2026
- March 6, 2027 — register by February 19, 2027
- May 1, 2027 — register by April 16, 2027
- June 5, 2027 — register by May 21, 2027
Weekend dates from the College Board’s 2026–27 calendar. Late registration closes about four days after each regular deadline. Always confirm dates and fees on the College Board website.
Our SAT Tutoring Approach
Dr. Donnelly's teaching methodology addresses every component of the digital SAT with precision and clarity.
Reading: Information & Ideas, Craft & Structure
Students learn to navigate the shorter, single-question passages that define the digital SAT. Dr. Donnelly teaches active reading techniques, evidence identification, and vocabulary-in-context strategies that help students work efficiently under time pressure. Emphasis is placed on understanding how the College Board constructs answer choices and how to eliminate distractors systematically.
Standard English Conventions & Expression of Ideas
Grammar and rhetoric questions on the SAT follow predictable patterns. Dr. Donnelly covers every tested grammar rule — subject-verb agreement, punctuation, sentence structure, and transitions — and teaches students to recognize the conventions the College Board rewards. Students build speed and accuracy through targeted practice with real SAT question types.
Math
SAT Math tests algebra, advanced functions, data analysis, and geometry. Dr. Donnelly builds fluency in core concepts and then layers on the strategic shortcuts and problem-solving techniques that save time on test day. Students practice with the built-in Desmos calculator and learn when to use it and when mental math is faster. Every problem type is covered, from linear equations through advanced math, geometry, and trigonometry.
Adaptive test strategy: The digital SAT adjusts difficulty between modules. Dr. Donnelly trains students to maximize performance on the first module — which determines whether the second module is harder or easier — a critical factor in reaching top scores.
Deciding between the SAT and the ACT? Compare formats on our private ACT tutoring page, strengthen fundamentals with math tutoring, or book a free consultation for a personal recommendation.
What Our SAT Students Say
“Doctor, Eijiro was just offered a place at Cornell! Thank you so much for all of your help in tutoring her and helping her to prepare for her SAT exam. I don't think she would have made it without you.”
“Hello Dr. Donnelly, I just wanted to let you know that Lev, your student, was admitted to Harvard this fall. Your contribution was invaluable. Many thanks.”
“Stuart Donnelly gave my daughter amazing guidance in her SAT / ACT prep which resulted in a top score. We had worked with him for SHSAT prep as well and he is a reliable and professional tutor and gave her the prep she needed to excel. I highly recommend Stuart and his service, top quality!”
SAT Tutoring FAQs
Tutoring rates depend on the package and number of sessions. Contact Dr. Donnelly for a free consultation to discuss your goals and receive a personalized quote. Packages are available for all budgets and timelines.
Most students work with Dr. Donnelly for 10 to 20 sessions over 2 to 4 months, though the exact number depends on your starting score, target score, and how much independent practice you complete between sessions. A detailed study plan is built during your free consultation.
Yes. All SAT tutoring sessions are available online via Zoom. Online sessions use a shared digital whiteboard and screen sharing for real-time problem solving. Many students use a hybrid approach — meeting in person when convenient and switching to online when needed. There is no price difference between formats.
Results vary by student, but most students who complete a full tutoring program with Dr. Donnelly see improvements of 150 to 250+ points on the SAT. Students who combine tutoring with consistent independent practice tend to see the largest gains. Dr. Donnelly will set realistic score targets during your initial consultation based on your diagnostic results.
No. The SAT has been fully digital internationally since 2023 and in the United States since March 2024. The digital SAT is shorter than the old paper test (98 questions in 2 hours 14 minutes), uses a multistage adaptive format, and is taken on a laptop or tablet using the Bluebook application, with a calculator allowed on the entire Math section. Dr. Donnelly's tutoring program is fully aligned with the current digital SAT format and incorporates digital-specific strategies.
The remaining 2026–27 weekend SAT dates are November 7, 2026; December 5, 2026; March 6, 2027; May 1, 2027; and June 5, 2027. Regular registration closes about two weeks before each test, and the registration fee is $68 through June 2027.