Strong grades. Disappointing test scores. Let's close that gap.
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1:1 and smallâgroup coaching for highâachieving students whose SAT/ACT and advanced class performance lag their potential.
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See how to work with Kevin
Is this your child?
Many of the families I work with say:
- âTheir GPA is strong, but their SAT/ACT scores are lower than they should be.â
- âThey understand the material in precalculus / AP chem, but test grades are disappointing.â
- âThey study a lot, feel like they did well, and then the score comes back and it hurts.â
- âTheyâre aiming for selective schools, and weâre worried scores will hold them back.â
If that sounds familiar, your student doesnât need more random practice problems. They need a system for how to prepare and perform when it counts.
See how I work with families.
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How I help
I focus on a small number of motivated students in two main areas:
1. SAT / ACT test prep (flagship)
For highâachieving students whose scores lag their GPA, I help them:
- Choose the right test (SAT vs ACT)
- Build a plan around fullâlength timed practice exams
- Review every miss to fix thinking and patterns, not just individual questions
- Develop coping strategies for test anxiety so they can execute on test day
Coaching is offered in:
- 1:1 format for families who want maximum personalization
- Small groups for students who like a team environment and want a more affordable way to use the same system
Weâll decide which format fits best on the fit call.
2. Advanced math & science classes
For students doing well in class but underperforming on tests in courses like precalculus, calculus, chemistry, or physics, I help them:
- Turn scattered studying into clear weekly plans
- Use practice tests and textbook problems strategically
- Build repeatable approaches for complex, multiâstep questions
Same principles, different context: clear systems, full practice, deep review, and consistent weekly work.
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Why families choose Kevin
Parents tell me they choose to work with me because:
- I stay calm and steady when scores dip instead of hitting the panic button.
- I use full tests and deep review so students learn how theyâre thinking, not just which answers are wrong.
- Iâm personally invested in each studentâs goals, and I stay in touch so parents always know whatâs happening.
- The systems we build spill over into AP classes and college coursework, not just one exam.
âOther tutors hit the panic button when scores dip. Kevin stayed calm, kept the goal on the table, and simply said, âLetâs change the strategy.â That made all the difference.â
â Parent of a testâprep student
Results from students like yours
Here are a few examples of what families see when we put a system in place:
- A highâachieving student whose grades outpaced his test scores pivoted to the exam that fit him best, drilled full practice tests, and raised his scores enough to earn admission to a highly selective, topâ10 university.
- A student went from a 31 ACT with a 26 in math to a 36 overall with a 35 in math after using a more methodical study approach and learning to identify why he was missing questions instead of just âtrying harder.â
- A student who felt she was âjust bad at standardized testsâ saw her scores improve within a few sessions and gained confidence that carried over into her advanced classes.
âOther tutors hit the panic button when scores dip. Kevin stayed calm, kept the goal on the table, and simply said, âLetâs change the strategy.â That made all the difference.â
â Parent of a highâachieving testâprep student
âI went from a 31 ACT with a 26 in math to a 36 overall with a 35 in math. Kevinâs methods work, period.â
â Charlie
Want to see more outcomes?
See more student resultsHow working together works
Step 1: Short application + choose a time (2â3 minutes)
Youâll pick a time on my calendar for a 20âminute fit call then answer a few questions about your student (grade, recent SAT/ACT scores or advanced class performance, goals, key dates, and how willing they are to do weekly work). I also ask you to confirm that you understand this is a premium, 1:1 coaching relationship so weâre on the same page from the start.
Step 2: 20âminute fit call
On this call, weâll talk through:
- Your studentâs situation and goals
- Whether SAT, ACT, or courseâspecific coaching makes the most sense
- What kind of plan and commitment would realistically be required
If I donât think Iâm the right fit, Iâll tell you plainly.
Step 3: Customized plan
If we decide to move forward, Iâll map out:
- Session cadence (typically weekly 1:1, with smallâgroup options for SAT/ACT)
- Practice test expectations and review rhythm (for SAT/ACT) or test plan (for advanced classes)
- How weâll communicate about progress and adjust along the way
Step 4: Weekly execution + progress checks
Your student and I meet regularly, run the plan, and adjust based on real scores and real tests. You stay in the loop without having to micromanage.
About Kevin (and speaking)
Iâm Kevin Doty, a tutor and coach who helps highâachieving students turn âI thought I was just bad at testsâ into consistent, confident performance on the days that matter.
I combine an engineering background with years of testâprep and advancedâclass coaching to build systems that work under pressure, not just on homework. Families describe me as calm, evenâkeeled, and deeply invested in their kidsâ goals.
In addition to 1:1 and smallâgroup coaching, Iâm available to speak to:
- School and counselor groups
- Parent associations
- Community organizations
Typical topics include building effective study systems, handling test anxiety, and helping strong students whose scores lag their grades.
Interested in having me speak to your group? Contact me here.
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Final call to action
If your studentâs story sounds like the ones on this site, the next step is simple.
See how to work with Kevin