Test Wise Tutoring
Test-Wise: adjective. describing people who have taken a large amount of tests and are thus, more adept at taking tests than people who are fairly new to the testing procedure.
My Story
Hello! I have taught every grade from 6th - 12th, spending most of my career at Winter Springs High School in Central Florida. While teaching English as a profession, I tutored both SAT and ACT. In 2013, I left full time teaching to tutor full time. I am certified to teach both English and Mathematics in 6th - 12th grades. I have a Bachelors Degree in English Education from the University of South Florida, a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Duke University, and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from University of Central Florida.
​
I teach all the sections of the SAT and ACT. As mentioned above, I’m certified in both English and Math. Test taking begins and ends with strategies. That is my focus, but I will address content as needed while we work through each section. Yes, I can focus on just one section or the other, but I generally find that everyone can benefit from learning some strategies in all sections.
I have worked with all types of students in all levels of classes. One of the joys of one on one tutoring is the ability to adapt to each student’s particular needs.
I was also a debate coach for 10 years. My team traveled across the country winning state and national championships. My love of speech and debate is something I inspire in students who are even afraid of speaking in front of others.
I also love working on those dreaded college essays with students. I do NOT write them for your student, but I can help them bring out the best in their own writing!
​
- Kathi Wells Macomber
years of expertise, real classroom experience, ability to adapt to student needs
All Sessions are held via Zoom
I have my computer to see my students and for them to see me, and I have the iPad in zoom as well so students can follow what I'm writing on the screen. I know it may not be as great as sitting across a table, but it works very well.
​
What I Offer
Pricing
55 Minute Sessions
One Student
$70
​
Two Students
$90
($45 each)
​
Three Students
$120
($40 each)
​
25 Minute Sessions
One Student
Only in conjunction with the video series.
$35
SAT
ACT
GRE
ISEE
Classwork
Homework
​
Whether working individually or in a class setting, all students will have homework.
​
Homework will be from REAL tests. I only use tests that have been given in the past. Occasionally, supplemental homework will be assigned in areas where a student needs more context practice.
Keep up with the latest Covid-19 news from the SAT and ACT.
click the pictures below
Number of Sessions
I suggest you try to meet once a week for one hour at a time. This gives you consistency but also time to do homework in between appointments. All students will be given homework between sessions. Homework must be completed in order to learn the strategies I'm teaching. As for the number of sessions, it really depends on the student.
Supplies
If you are booking for SAT, ACT, GRE, or ISEE you will need the following BEFORE we meet:
​
SAT / PSAT: You can download tests from the College Board (test 5-10) and print them. (I can email them to you as well for printing.) Or you can purchase the NEW CollegeBoard The Official SAT Study Guide 2020 edition with 8 tests (published in May 2019) If you decide to print them, keep in mind, each test is about 50 pages. I only use official CollegeBoard tests.
ACT: The Official ACT Prep Guide is ok, but newer tests are available. Just email me and I'll send them to you. Again, I only use official tests.
​
GRE: The Official GRE book
​
ISEE: Success on the Lower Level ISEE
ETC
Why is it 55 minutes? I need a few minutes for students to come and go between sessions. Some students get cheated a few minutes if I don't have a cushion between. Please be respectful of other's time.
Check out the Video Series for a different way to begin your studies.
​
If you are interested in groups of four or more, we will have to arrange a private class. I do not recommend this many students at once due to scheduling conflicts. Email me to find out more.
Testimonials
I’m a proud student of Kathi Wells. I knew I wanted to work on improving my SAT score with her right after our first meeting. From the very start, Ms. Wells has always been very invested in my progress towards increasing my SAT score. I would go to her after completing practice tests to understand why I answered certain questions incorrectly, and what helped me so much was the fact that she never moved on to the next question until I was fully satisfied with the explanation and truly understood my mistake. Ms. Wells is also very personable and endearing which always made me look forward to working with her and made it easier to continue asking more questions. Given that I am quite rigid in my test taking strategies and that I find it difficult to answer SAT test questions using new methods, the fact that Ms. Wells was always patient with me and helped me find strategies to fit my own test taking preferences allowed me to see a significant increase in my test score. I have always been weak in the critical reading section. In fact, when I first started tutoring with Ms. Wells, I used to miss an average of 10 to 11 questions in just the critical reading section. After working with her, I have managed to improve my critical reading score to where I consistently only miss 3 questions on average in that section. Ms. Wells helped me attain a test score to allow me to match the student profile of universities I am interested in, and I cannot be more thankful for her guidance
-Nidhi Ohri, University of Pennsylvania Student
"My son had difficulty with Algebra and reading comprehension skills. He had worked with several tutors and although he said he wanted to improve his skills, he resisted the tutoring sessions. When he began working with Kathi Wells Macomber, I saw a change in his attitude toward receiving additional help. Kathi never made him feel inadequate and confidence in his skills continued to grow. As a learning disabilities teacher I have also recommended Kathi to parents who have inquired about tutors for their middle school students. I would recommend Kathi Wells Macomber to any student looking to improve reading, English, and math skills as well as SAT prep work."
​
- Parent and Guidance Counselor
"Kathi Wells Macomber has done an amazing job preparing my daughter for the SAT & ACT. She is patient and kind and has a deep understanding of what and how children are being tested today. She prepares her students to be thinkers, to strategize, and most importantly gain the confidence they need to put their knowledge and skills to work. My daughter has raised her ACT score by 6 points since working with Kathi and I plan to send my son to her when he begins to take these exams as well. I have and would recommend Kathi to any high school student looking for individual attention and has a desire to do well in school. She has been phenomenal!"
​
​
-Jessica Binkley, High School Principal
"I was struggling to pass my SAT and a few of my friends recommended Kathi Wells Macomber. Kathi really takes the time to learn about each student’s strengths and weaknesses and focuses on enhancing their overall knowledge of the test and ability to raise their scores. I would highly recommend Kathi Wells Macomber considering the fact that I have been to many tutors, and I was the most successful with her."
- Genia Sprinkle, Lake Brantley H.S Grad
I received my November SAT score yesterday, and it is an 100 point increase from my first test. Thank you so much for all of your help; I couldn't have accomplished a 1460 without it!
​
Clare Kingsley, Former Student