I'm Martin Levy. I don't know if you remember me but I tutored
with you a couple of months ago for the SAT. I'm e-mailing to thank you for
working with and to say that the strategies and help you gave me improved my scores
tremendously to a 2220. Thank you so much.
Martin Levy, Charlotte Catholic High School
This SAT prep class has been extremely rewarding. Before it, I was in the dark. I was feeling like I was not going to score high at all. Then, when I walked into this class, my feelings of uneasiness were vanquished. I learned valuable techniques in all three areas, but found this course especially helpful with the essay and the passage - based critical reading. I am glad that I found such a great instructor in my hour of need. Every penny was well worth spent. Thank you so much!
Chirag Patel, Ashbrook High School
We were enormously pleased with the time,
effort and attention you gave our twins in their SAT Preparation. Your
efforts were well beyond any test strategy, which you did offer generously
also. Your teaching was much more than that. You presented them with
focused academic concepts which helped them to analyze and understand the
problems presented to them in the SAT Test. Hands down, each of the twins
said that there were multiple questions that they could answer because of the
time spent in concentrated preparation with you. Moreover, this was not a
cram and forget. They continue to see benefit in their classroom
skills too, particularly in English grammar. Thank you for helping them
make scores of 1870 and 2070 on the SATs as sophomores taking the tests for the
first time.
Parents of Molly and Tommy Bruce, Cannon and Davidson Day Schools
I
just got my scores back for the SAT I took just last month :) I got a 2150
overall! I think I wanted to die of a heart attack! Thank you soooooooooooooo much, and I hope
classes are going well!
Tabby got her SAT scores
back. She totaled 2080 with a 200 point jump in her Math score from when
you first met her back in the summer over at Cannon. Thank you!! You’ll probably
hear from her today that she wishes to continue SAT Math (including subject
Math) prep with you, and maybe adding the Writing prep component to it now. Thank you!! You
continue to do miracles with her. We
really appreciate your continued positive impact on Tabby. We are very
grateful that we have met you.
Parents of Tabby
Horney, Cannon School
At first, I was not sure if the SAT prep course was truly necessary
with all the prep books out there, but the SAT prep course has exceeded my
expectations. This SAT prep course is unique because you get specific feedback
on what you are doing wrong and how you can fix it - unlike what many
"big" sat companies do. The tutors are extremely knowledgeable and
truly care about your success. I would recommend the SAT prep course to anyone
who is struggling to to improve their score with a prep book and have had bad
experiences with the big sat companies. The SAT prep course helped me improve
my already good score by an additional 280 points!
Pranav Maddi, Olympic High School
My scores have gone up 160 points from the test I took in June. Thank you so much for what you have done for me.
Shiv
Patel, Gaffney High School
Hitch
Hiker’s Guide to College tutored me in SAT math for 16 weeks. Before I tutored
with them, my SAT score in math was 510. I did
not understand how math worked. Quite frankly it frustrated me. Of all the
school classes I've ever taken, none befuddled me so much as math.
Unfortunately in school, teachers do not have the time to explain all of the
whys in great detail. I've honestly had teachers who didn't know themselves.
When I worked with Hitch Hiker’s, I was the only one in the class. I could ask
questions as long as I wanted to, and no matter what boggled me, it didn't
boggle the tutor. He articulated to me what I needed to hear in a way that
assured I left the sessions with good understanding. One of the first things
Hitch Hiker’s ever told me was that there are three types of SAT takers in this
world. Out of 100 there will be one or two geniuses; there will be a hand
full of hopeless cases, and there'll be those like us: people who have every
ability to comprehend the material but need to work to reach that goal. One
can't pry into someone's mind and do the thinking and understanding for them,
but Hitch Hiker’s develop and gave me every necessary tool to understand the
material. I went into their classes with misunderstandings in the most basic algebra.
Math was a formula to me - it worked and I didn't know why. After working with
Hitch Hiker’s, math has taken on new vitality. I now have the tools to
understand very difficult math concepts, even figure them out on my own. I
worked with what I had and Hitch Hiker’s filled in the holes -- the result: I
now get math! As I've said, I began tutoring with a 510 on my math SAT. I
finished with Hitch Hiker’s Guide, took the SAT, and now have a 710 on the
math. Going up 200 points in the entire SAT is very difficult, going up 200
points in one section is unheard of. I could never recommend anyone for
anything more than I can recommend Hitch Hiker’s Guide to College for SAT
tutoring.
Christopher Spargo, Gaston Christian
High School
I just wanted to let you know that I have been
accepted to UNC at Chapel Hill! I have also been
accepted to Clemson with a $56,000 Scholarship and Drexel with a $12,500 scholarship. Thank you
sooooooooo much for your help throughout this entire process.
SAT
I think, that for a person to truly understand how to perform well on a test,
he or she should completely understand the test. And, this is what taking
classes at Hitchhiker's did. After taking the classes and going through the
motions of what the test comprises and how to attack each problem, I felt
confident in taking the SAT. Even after, the courses, all that I had learned,
including techniques on how to approach certain problems, I still practiced on
my own time, and was able to reach my SAT score goal, increasing my score 180 points.
The unique learning environment encourages group thinking and individual
curiosity, which when combined, provide the optimal learning experience. For
some students it is easy to improve; while for others, like me, it takes a
while. So, while working in a diverse group with students who have different
strengths, instead of feeling intimidated, I was able to see how my peers
worked. The classes also did something I think was the most important in my
learning: it built my confidence. I think once this mental battle is conquered,
which the course helps do through instruction from the coach, peers and self,
it helps the student focus on getting his or her goal. I am very satisfied with
what I gained from these classes and I'm sure the colleges will agree when they
see my score.
Priyanka
Vakil, Providence High School
College
Advice/Application
As I have found, as a busy senior with a tough class load and a multitude of extracurriculars, the college application process is quite complicated and sometimes too complex for a student to decipher. Realizing that I was clueless about the whole process and realizing that I wanted to make college see the best me, I decided to seek help. Hitchhiker's has pretty much made the college application process much easier and less of a hassle for me, allowing me to focus on the applications but also on my other work. What I find really helpful, is the advice about the college essays. Many colleges now require at least one essay and many of them stress the essays' importance in their decision factor, so making mistakes or not doing them the right way would not be acceptable. With Hitchhiker's I was able to better understand how to pick essays, respond to them to ensure that colleges will remember me. Most of the advice given is even applicable in writing for school. I know that for many families the whole college application process is very important as it determines childrens' futures for the next four years of their lives and like every parent who wishes well for his/her child, being familiar with the process and understanding what is being asked will help optimize the student's chances to get into his or her college. I would really like to thank Hitch Hiker's for such a phenomenal job in guiding me and making the whole process feel like a piece of cake!
Priyanka
Vakil, Providence High School
Hitch
Hiker’s Guide to College has been an invaluable resource in preparing me for
college. Without their assistance I doubt I would have been able to squeak 2000
on my SAT, much less the 2210 that I ultimately received. Their mentoring was
extremely beneficial in that they not only made me aware of what to expect on
the SAT, but also prepared me to overcome each possible question that I might
encounter. In addition to SAT and SAT II preparation, HHG2C has also aided me
in finding, applying to, an interviewing for colleges. All of their services
have proven themselves equally valuable and have made the entire college
process much easier for myself and for my parents, who would have otherwise had
to advise me despite their inexperience with the process. I couldn't thank
HHG2C enough for all the help they have been! I only wish I had discovered them
sooner!
Sebastian Monroy, son of Mrs. Monroy,
teacher at Providence High School
Sorry
for replying so late, but i wanted to get my scores first. I really enjoyed the
class. It was entertaining, informational and productive. The one-on-one
interface provided me a better learning environment. I tried online classes but
the technical issues and distance with the tutors did not help me improve. I
improved a lot compared to my preSAT scores and past scores. I received a 620
in critical reading, 710 in math and a 600 in writing. I didn't receive my
essay score yet. I will inform you the moment I get it. I will probably come
back for a refresher class next year.
Rohita Darga, Ardrey Kell High School
After
taking my PSAT and scoring somewhere in the high 1700’s, I had some concerns
about my ability to achieve an acceptable score in the SAT. As a result, I
sought the help of HitchHiker’s Guide To College with the hopes that attending
the classes offered would help me improve my score. At first I was fairly
nervous about the whole idea, but once I began attending the classes, all
feelings of anxiety quickly vanished. With only a few students in every class,
each class feels comfortable and relaxed, while simultaneously stressing an
engaging academic environment. The constant process of taking practice tests
and then reviewing each section of these tests (including the essay) provides
the experience necessary to make the SAT seem as routine as possible (and
therefore easier to take). Old mathematics and grammatical concepts are
reviewed to compensate for a curriculum that may not coincide with the
requirements of the SAT, and vocabulary required for the SAT is
taught in every class. As a result of all of these effective teaching
techniques, my final SAT score improved dramatically - I scored a 2200 on the
2400 point scale. I strongly recommend the HitchHiker’s Guide To College course
to anyone seeking to improve their score in the SAT.
Matthew Matola, Charlotte
Catholic School
My
SAT prep experience helped me understand key concepts which I repeatedly saw on
the real SAT. Reviewing with you not only helped me grasp concepts which I
could not learn on my own but also taught me excellent study habits for the
SAT and other standarized tests. Your college advice and prep skills helped me
organize all of my college
applications and get ready for the next level in my education. I
truly appreciated your time in helping me with my college essays and
applications. It made the painful task of applying to college much easier!
Bishal Johal, Gaston High School
Usually
when you hear of SAT/PSAT preparation classes, you may find yourself thinking
of the grueling pain and boredom you may have to endure. HithHiker’s Guide to
College classes are fun and knowledgeable. They incorporate humor and SAT facts
together so you can better grasp the concepts. In addition to help on the
SAT/PSAT, their classes also help you in school. I have never encountered such
an extremely patient and understanding tutor. If you do not understand a math
concept or a grammar question, they will help you in whatever way they can. So
thank you for your valuable advice and much, much more, HHG2C. It truly was a
pleasure to receive guidance from you.
Anisha Padma, Ardrey Kell High School
Carson has greatly
enjoyed and benefited from your SAT prep sessions. I believe that they have
helped him in school in general, especially in math and writing.
Carson Coggins, Cannon High School (Testimonial from his
Dad Monty Coggins, Teacher at Cannon)
I wanted to send a
quick thank-you for the great tutoring Rachel received this summer. We
were very pleased with her results - a 190 point increase in Reading and
Math. Her confidence with this test has increased dramatically and her
results as compared to her peers who received tutoring from other individuals
were by far the best. As she has just begun her junior year, she is planning to
take the SAT again in June, 2008 after she completes her Pre-calculus and AP
Langauge/Composition classes. We would like for her to come back to you
in April for a "refresher" course before the June date. Is this
something you would be able to arrange? Again, thank you. It has been a
pleasure and we look forward to working with you again.
Rachel Presley, Gaston High School (Testimonial
by Rachel's Mom, Penny)
At first when I joined this SAT Prep Course, I was a bit skeptical of
how much it would actually help improve my SAT score. But instead, I found it
to be quite helpful. I got helpful tips on time management, which is crucial
for a test such as the SAT, as well as tips on which angle
to look at different types of questions. Not only did the class help
improve my SAT score, but it was also an enjoyable experience. The class size
was fairly small with only 4-5 students per class, so it you would get to talk
with the teacher much more personally instead of how it would be with a class
size that is much larger. The small class size also helps the tutor understand
each student individually, as well as his/her strengths and weaknesses in each
of the three SAT sections. He can take this information and try and help the
student in certain areas of need.
Rushi Gajjar, East Mecklenburg High
School
I just wanted you to know that your
tutoring has helped me so much - because of the SAT score that I subsequently
received, I have gotten the following awards and admissions: UNC at Chapel
Hill, Elon University - Honors Program (Presidential Scholar), Clemson
University - $48,000 in scholarship, Boston University, North Carolina State
University, and University of South Carolina - Honors Program. Thank you so
much.
Prashanth
Iyer, East Mecklenburg High School
Thanks for your coaching and support. Sanketh was able to
improve his SAT score by over 250 points.
Sanket Sukesh, Ardrey
Kell High School
The
SAT prep was very helpful and improved my scores. Also, most of the tips not
only applied to the SAT but also to my English and math
classes. Your feedback with colleges helped me narrow my search and you
also gave me an optimistic outlook. I was very satisfied with my final scores
and happy that I increased them after your tutoring. I have been accepted to a
few colleges already, but I am hopefully waiting to hear back from some more. Thank you so much for making the SAT and ACT
prep so much fun!!!!!
Chelsea Rowland, Marvin Ridge High
School
In preparation for
the SAT it was helpful to me to receive instruction on how to prepare for it
from someone who had prior knowledge of the SAT. I learned important techniques
and strategies for taking the SAT. HHG2C is staffed with people from
universities and hence, they are very effective in helping you since they know
what colleges are looking. If you follow their instructions and advice, it will
make taking the SAT much easier.
Kushal
Patel, Jay M. Robinson High School (Cabarrus)
This ACT prep was one of the
most amazing educational experiences I have ever had because the tutor managed
to take the drab subject of ACT prep and used multiple methods to make it
interesting for us to study. I actually got motivated to study for ACT! After
just 4 classes, I was able to achieve a great ACT score that I never thought I
was capable of.
Lauren Harbury, Charlotte Country Day School
After
taking the SAT twice, I realized that I needed help to achieve an acceptable
SAT score. Thus began my research into major SAT tutoring companies. However, I
could not find a program that I felt would help me get to my goal. Then one day
as I was going through the regional Saathee magazine, I stumbled upon Hitch
Hiker’s Guide to College. I called them and set up an appointment rightaway –
and now I am absolutely glad that I did so! During the course, I learned to
discipline myself and practice singlemindedly for the SAT along the
tried-and-tested guidelines which were given to me. They took the time to
explain the different tricks and techniques required to succeed in the SAT and
helped me strengthen my testing abilities. Whenever I needed any kind of help,
I did not feel hesitant to call or email them. Thank you so much!
Pooja Shah,
Gaffney High School
Many people claim that their SAT classes elsewhere, were a waste of money
and time because they did not improve their scores at all. However, every student
of this course will beg to differ. This SAT prep has has improved my score by
250 points to cross the 2100 mark!! The unique style of teaching makes the
students really understand a concept, and also makes them remember their
mistakes from that point on. The casual classroom environment makes learning
easier, fun and less intimidating. The most helpful part of the class was the
individual analysis of every weekly test. We would go through each problem, and
solve several like it, to ensure that if we ever saw a similar problem
again on the real test, we would answer it without any difficulty. I am so
glad I took this class and am excited to see what colleges admit me with my new
SAT score.
Shiwani Kumar, Providence High School
The best part about the HitchHiker program is the confidence that it gave me
about my own abilities. Practicing problems made me feel comfortable and
capable of completing the task ahead of me. I feel like I improved my skills in
the small group setting which allowed time for personal instruction, along with
the group work. I started looking forward to my sessions because I was having
fun while still focussing on the material. The group setting helped me feel at
ease and focused at the same time, because the entire group was aiming for the same
set of goals. If I had the choice, I would definitely do it again. Your
tutoring increased my score by over 200 points, while turning out to be an
overall enjoyable experience. Thank you SO much for helping me!! You have no
idea how much I appreciate it, and I am so glad that I achieved the goal you
set for me!!
Tracy Oleinijczak,
Providence High School
I broke 2100!!! I am really excited ... at least now I have a fighting chance.
Thank you SO MUCH for everything you have done! I can honestly say that I could
not have done it without you!! Thanks !!!
Kashmira Kale, Providence High School
Your tutoring and
mentoring have proved to be enormous assets in my educational experience
dealing with college entrance examinations. As a newcomer to NC, I set my eyes
on the first college from where I could get a prestigious degree for the life
that awaits me - UNC Chapel Hill. After taking 2 full Princeton Review courses
and attaining a mere 1780 in the SAT, I doubted my chances of getting into my
dream college and continued searching for better guidance. Your skilled
tutoring methods and strategic puzzle-buster tactics proved far more effective
than those of Princeton Review. After only 6 weeks of tutoring, I received
my third SAT score in late December 2006, and was frankly bewildered at the
marked improvement. I had earned 1960, almost 200 points higher than the
Princeton Review guarantee! I became ecstatic 2 weeks later when the admission
letter from UNC Chapel Hill reached me by mail. My dream has come true, and I
will be enrolling at UNC Chapel HIll in Fall 2007. Thanks to your exemplary teaching
methods, including dynamic group learning activities with other students, I am
now on the road to success.
Naman Rawal, Sun Valley High School
I
wanted to let you know that your tutoring for PSAT really helped. I felt a lot
more confident walking in to the test center after taking your course.
Eshaan Khandekar, Providence High
School
The
SAT course was special to me because I was tutored in a unique learning
environment - I became a lot more confident since joining the course. My score
went up by about 400 points!!
Vikesh Patel - Junior, Ardrey Kell High School
The
tutor is a charismatic and enthusiastic person - his dedication in teaching is
why students succeed. He sets realistic goals and is more than willing to help
you achieve them.
K.B., Charlotte Country Day School
The
Hitch Hiker's Guide is an excellent tutor. The many methods he uses are based
on specific problems that can be solved in an one-on-one environment, and on
common problems which can be solved in a group. His tutoring helped me do well
in the PSAT, and I will be coming back to be tutored for the SAT.
Binoy Kapadia, Providence High
School
The
PSAT course helped me a lot in the reading and writing sections. I learned
techniques that helped me narrow down choices and manage time smartly. For the
writing section, I got valuable insights like choosing the most concise among
several correct answers. My PSAT score went up by 40 points to 190 after just 6
classes!
Akash Shah, Butler High School
I had a
great PSAT preparation, and the teaching techniques used were cool and unique.
Arjun Puri, Myers
Park High School
With
each week's practice tests and in-class brainstorming sessions, I was able to
understand the subject matter much better. In doing so, I achieved a much
higher SAT score than before.
Praveen
Benjamin, Providence High School