A score goes up when the gaps are found, not when more questions are assigned.
Large prep classes move at one pace. Your student has a specific set of gaps: a rule of grammar never quite learned, an algebra step that fails under time pressure. I find those first, and teach to them.
One tutor, start to finish
Your student works with me in every lesson. No rotating instructors, no handoffs.
Built for the digital SAT
Preparation matches the test as it is now: adaptive, taken in the Bluebook app, two hours and fourteen minutes, with a calculator available throughout Math.
Parents kept informed
A diagnostic and written goals at the start, and an optional written progress report after every four sessions.
A limited roster
I teach a small number of hours each week, so every student gets prepared lessons and a prompt reply.
Questions first. Then answers that last.
Wonder
Begin with a real question. Curiosity is the engine, so every topic starts with why it matters.
Probe
Find the exact gap. Diagnostic questions show where understanding breaks, not just which answers were wrong.
Build
Connect each idea to the last one. Students explain the reasoning in their own words before moving on.
Prove
Apply it under test conditions. Timed practice shows what has truly stuck, and sets the next lesson.
In person on weekends. Online all week.
In person, Fairfield County
Same price as online. Saturdays and Sundays, 9am to 12pm, at your home or a local library. Weekend places are few and fill first.
Online, one-to-one
Tune-Up, 10 hours, $1,300. Core, 20 hours, $2,600. Complete, 30 hours, $3,600. Core and Complete also include all seven study guides, an extra full practice test with a written report, and a 30-minute college-funding call. SAT and ACT Premium on Google Meet. The private link goes to the parent, and you are welcome in any session.
SAT pairs
Two students at the same level and test date, online. A good fit for friends or classmates.
SAT trios
Three students in the same score band, preparing for the same test date, online. I form the groups.
The No-Surprises Promise
No score is guaranteed. What is promised: a baseline score, a target and a written plan before the first paid lesson; a timed practice test every fourth session, with a written report to you within 48 hours; and if your student is doing the assigned work and practice scores are not rising at the midpoint, I meet with you, rebuild the plan and add two sessions at no charge.
A brother or sister of an enrolled student pays $120 an hour on any package, and a new family's first paid lesson is risk-free. Founding-family rates for the first five families, until 7 November: see the offers. Monthly lessons are paid in advance, with a minimum of two sessions a month and 10% off for six or more. See the cancellation policy. Need financial flexibility? Apply privately for an Access Seat.
Along the Metro-North New Haven Line, and a little beyond.
In-person lessons are available in every town on the line from Bridgeport to Greenwich, plus New Canaan, Weston, Easton and Redding.
- Greenwich
- Stamford
- Darien
- Norwalk
- Westport
- Fairfield
- Bridgeport
- New Canaan
- Weston
- Easton
- Redding
Also on the line: Old Greenwich, Riverside, Cos Cob, Noroton Heights, Rowayton, Southport and Green's Farms. Elsewhere in Connecticut or the US? Online lessons work the same way.
Kristen Amendola
I grew up in Connecticut, graduated from Hopkins School, and studied Economics and Mathematics at Columbia and mathematics at City College, where I was a student researcher. I am now at Harvard Extension School in computer science, moving to the joint master's in Data Science and AI.
I am a three-time Connecticut state foil champion, and I spent 17 years running New York restaurants, nine as an owner. Both taught me what I teach students: preparation beats nerves. My Connecticut Department of Education background check is on file.
SAT tutoring in Fairfield County: the details
Where do in-person SAT lessons take place?
In Fairfield County on Saturdays and Sundays between 9am and 12pm, in towns on the Metro-North New Haven Line from Bridgeport to Greenwich, plus New Canaan, Weston, Easton and Redding. Lessons are held at your home or a local library. Every other lesson is online on Google Meet.
How much does SAT tutoring cost?
SAT and ACT Premium packages are $1,300 for 10 hours, $2,600 for 20 hours and $3,600 for 30 hours, the same price in person or online. SAT pairs are $75 an hour per student and SAT trios $65 an hour per student. A brother or sister of an enrolled student pays $120 an hour on any package. You receive an exact quote after the free consultation.
When should my student start preparing for the SAT?
Most students do best starting three to four months before their first test date, usually in the spring of sophomore year or the summer before junior year. Juniors taking the PSAT/NMSQT in October benefit from starting over the summer.
How many lessons will my student need?
It depends on the starting point and the target. After the diagnostic I give you an honest estimate in writing. Most students meet once or twice a week, with timed practice between lessons.
Do you teach the ACT and PSAT as well?
Yes. I prepare students for the SAT, the ACT and the PSAT/NMSQT, and I can help your student decide between the SAT and the ACT using a diagnostic of each.
How will I know it is working?
Every student begins with a diagnostic and written goals. You can choose a written progress report after every four sessions, comparing current work with that baseline.
Other ways I teach
Choose a time that suits you
Twenty minutes, no obligation. The calendar shows every slot in your own time zone.
Calendar not showing? Open the booking page in a new tab, or email hello@upperhandtutoring.com to join the waitlist.
Already had your consultation? Enroll here.
Start with a free consultation.
Twenty minutes to talk through your student's test date, starting point and goal. No obligation.
Book a free consultation