Private SAT Tutoring — NYC, San Diego & Online
Personalized one-on-one SAT preparation 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
From Evidence-Based Reading and Writing to both calculator and no-calculator Math, every section of the digital SAT is addressed. No need for multiple tutors — Dr. Donnelly covers the entire exam.
Proven Score Gains
Students working with Dr. Donnelly consistently 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. Since March 2024, the SAT is delivered in a fully digital adaptive format using the Bluebook testing application on a student's own laptop or tablet.
Test Structure
The digital SAT consists of two sections:
- Reading and Writing — Two modules of passage-based questions testing reading comprehension, vocabulary in context, grammar, and rhetorical analysis.
- Math — Two modules covering algebra, advanced math, problem solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry. A built-in graphing calculator (Desmos) is available for the entire Math section.
Key Facts
- Total Score Range: 400–1600 (200–800 per section)
- Test Length: Approximately 2 hours 14 minutes
- Format: Digital, multistage adaptive (the difficulty of the second module adjusts based on first-module performance)
- Offered: Seven times per year at test centers nationwide
Our SAT Tutoring Approach
Dr. Donnelly's teaching methodology addresses every component of the digital SAT with precision and clarity.
Evidence-Based Reading
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.
Writing & Language
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 heart of algebra through advanced 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.
What Our SAT Students Say
I came to Dr. Donnelly with a 1220 and felt stuck. He identified exactly where I was losing points in Reading and built a strategy around those weaknesses. After three months of sessions, I scored a 1430 — a 210-point improvement. I could not have done it without his guidance.
The Math section was always my weakness. Dr. Donnelly broke down every concept clearly and taught me strategic approaches for the types of problems I kept getting wrong. My Math score went from 580 to 740 in about ten sessions. His teaching style is patient, thorough, and incredibly effective.
We did all our sessions online and it worked perfectly. Dr. Donnelly used screen sharing to walk through practice questions in real time, and I could re-watch recordings before my next session. I improved from a 1150 to a 1370 and got into my first-choice school. Highly recommend.
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. Since March 2024 the SAT is fully digital in the United States and internationally. The digital SAT is shorter than the old paper test (about 2 hours 14 minutes), uses a multistage adaptive format, and is taken on a laptop or tablet using the Bluebook application. Dr. Donnelly's tutoring program is fully aligned with the current digital SAT format and incorporates digital-specific strategies.