Optimum Educational Solutions
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FAQs

What’s included with the Accelerated SAT Mastery Course?

This system is a comprehensive course for teaching the fundamentals of SAT Mastery. Our Accelerated SAT Mastery program is the fastest and most impactful SAT prep program available online or offline. It combines the best of everything your teen needs to succeed on the SATs.  We teach:

  • Mastery of the content and reasoning process for all sections on the SAT
  • Time management
  • Stress management

In addition, we provide coaching, support, and engagement strategies to ensure students get maximum value from the course. Our easy, flexible logistics allow students to complete the course on their own time within six months, using any tablet or computer with an internet connection. For more details click here.

How long will I have to complete the course?

You have six months to complete the online course.  Coaching is included for the first six weeks, and we strongly recommended that students complete the course in that time to maintain focus.

Is it possible to try it out?

By signing up you will have three days to evaluate the program, and if you decide it is not for you just let us know and we will promptly refund your purchase price. Student results vary according to each student’s time invested, study skills, commitment, and innate skill. Some students who complete this course choose to supplement their SAT prep with additional individual coaching.

Does Your SAT system cover all five sections of the SAT?

Yes.  It covers the Writing Skills, Reading, Math with calculator, and Math without calculator portions of the SAT, as well as the essay in depth.  Students can do a light review or a deep review of any section depending on their personal needs and interests.

Does your program provide practice tests?

There are three published full-length tests included in the course.  Upon completing the course students will be shown how they can practice on many additional exams.

What books do I need to for the Accelerated SAT Mastery course?

All materials are provided.  Students who complete this course may buy a book from the College Board with additional practice exams.

Are parents updated on their child’s progress in the course?

Yes. Parents will receive several updates as their kids progress through the course. In addition parents will get video tips emailed to them as their kids proceed through the course with helpful suggestions on how best to support their kids.

When should my child start prepping? Is my child too young to start?

Your child should start prepping for the SAT as soon as possible.  Students that begin early tend to do much better.  We have personally taught quite a few students who began in 8th grade who eventually scored in the top 99% of the country.  It helps them in school as well, builds their confidence, and takes pressure off the higher stakes academics from 10th through 12th grade.

My child has a learning disability. Will this program work for him/her?

Yes, it will.   This system is very adaptable for students to proceed at their own pace, pausing and repeating lessons as often as needed, and even speeding up or slowing down individual lessons, and helping them to stay motivated. We give special attention to managing and even overcoming test anxiety.  For learning disabilities, one of the most important things to do is obtain a special accommodation, which usually means your teen will have 50% additional time on the test, which makes a huge difference on test day.  The College Board has a very specific qualification process for this which takes additional time. So start early if you are seeking this accommodation.

My child is very advanced. Will your system work for him/her?

Yes. This system is designed to work with students of all levels. We show them how to customize the course to fit their individual needs, whether that’s math, grammar, writing skills, critical reading, or sentence completion/vocabulary–or all of these.  By customizing the course, each student can advance in the fastest and most efficient way possible, rapidly whittling down the areas of confusion. The course is designed to move quickly towards integration and mastery.

Can I retake the Accelerated SAT Mastery course if I want?

Yes, students may revisit any part of the Accelerated SAT Mastery online course for a full six month period.  The office hours and group coaching are available for the first six weeks of enrollment, and we urge students to complete the course in that time.  Students who complete the course in less than six weeks will have more time to focus on practice tests and improve their integration.

What do I do if I want to take the ACT? Will your system help me with that?

Generally, most students should take both the SAT and the ACT. Once they hit their target score, then they really are done, since there is a direct conversion scale between the two tests.  Keep in mind that the SAT and ACT both factor into the decision for merit-based scholarships with many schools and foundations.  Almost every school in the US accepts both, and very few schools prefer one over the other.  This system will prepare you for the SAT primarily but there are some transferable skills.  Most students who do additional prep for the ACTs do it as a supplement, modifying and tweaking what they learned for the SAT for the ACT.   For more information click here.

Which is better, the SAT OR ACT?

We generally recommend you do both tests.  Most kids will generally test around the same on the two tests, and since they carry so much weight in college admissions and take little marginal time prepare for, they may as well do both, and see on which they are able to achieve a higher score.  Often students will focus more on one or the other, however this is often a matter of preferring one style to another or because they have scheduling or logistical issues that make one test more convenient.  Students with more lead time will tend to want to do both, while those with less lead time may have to choose only one.

Can the SAT help me if I did poorly in school?

The simple answer for that is yes. Most colleges consider your overall trajectory in school, so they look primarily grades from sophomore year, junior year, and half of the senior year.  However, colleges use the SAT as an additional reference point, since school grading is subjective. For this reason, the SAT often carries considerable weight in the application for admission; in some cases, it is weighed as much as all of the grades from high school combined. So if you did poorly in school, the SAT provides an opportunity to tilt the scale in your favor with the least amount of effort.

How can I dramatically raise my score with the least amount of work?

Make sure you get the easy points on the test. The questions are for the most part in the order of increasing difficulty. Hard questions are not worth more points–they are just harder! Teens should aim to collect as many points as possible and not waste valuable time on problems that are unlikely to yield additional points. We cover this in more detail throughout the course.

How long does it take? The test? The prep?

The test itself takes about 4 hours with the essay portion. The biggest time investment is the prep, not the actual test. Some students will only need a few hours of prep time while others may need up to 40 hours.

When should I study for it?

You should start studying as soon as possible.

How quickly can I expect results?

Most students see significant improvements between their first and second diagnostic tests. This course is designed to be both structured and self-paced. The core strategies are taught in the first five modules.  These are reinforced and reviewed again in the sixth module. Upon completion of the course, students will be directed to additional study to fully integrate and master the material. Every student is different, but most students appreciate having additional time to prepare, so it helps to start as early as possible, and have time to practice skills on additional practice tests.  Some students do as many as 10 additional practice tests to refine their skills and reach their personal maximums.  It’s better to start early.

Does your program provide practice tests?

There are three published full-length tests included in the course.   Upon course completion students will be shown how they can practice on many additional exams.

We contacted you in a panic because our son needed help with his college essay and he was adrift.  You helped to flush out the story that helped him put everything together, connecting engineering with video games, international studies, and global citizenry.  I am so proud of him.

Diane B. - Paris Parent

5.0
2018-12-03T16:42:50+00:00

Diane B. - Paris Parent

We contacted you in a panic because our son needed help with his college essay and he was adrift.  You helped to flush out the story that helped him put everything together, connecting engineering with video games, international studies, and global citizenry.  I am so proud of him.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/diane-bachour/
Thank you for your past help with SAT/ACT prep and with my college admissions essay.  I got into UC Santa Barbara and studied abroad multiple times.  Your help at the second stage with my application to graduate school has been invaluable as well.  Thank you so much!

Olivia N. - UCSB Class of 2017

5.0
2018-12-03T16:43:15+00:00

Olivia N. - UCSB Class of 2017

Thank you for your past help with SAT/ACT prep and with my college admissions essay.  I got into UC Santa Barbara and studied abroad multiple times.  Your help at the second stage with my application to graduate school has been invaluable as well.  Thank you so much!
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/olivia-nemec/
As the first one in my family to go to college, neither I nor anyone else in my family really understood what it would take to get ready and get into college.  We started way too late, but you were able to help me get an 8 point increase on the ACT and coached me to write very powerful application and scholarship essays.  Gaining admission and a full scholarship to college has changed my life and our entire family.

Shelby S. - Saint Mary’s Class of 2022

5.0
2018-12-03T16:45:42+00:00

Shelby S. - Saint Mary’s Class of 2022

As the first one in my family to go to college, neither I nor anyone else in my family really understood what it would take to get ready and get into college.  We started way too late, but you were able to help me get an 8 point increase on the ACT and coached me to write very powerful application and scholarship essays.  Gaining admission and a full scholarship to college has changed my life and our entire family.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/shelby-schatek/
I had no idea if you or anyone else could help me when we first started to talk.  My high school experience was altered a couple years ago with a life threatening illness that shook my confidence in myself and derailed me.  You helped me raise my ACT score 11 points, and you also helped me put it all together and articulate who I am as I go off to college.  Thank you for all your help!

Justin A. - Class of 2018

5.0
2018-12-03T16:46:29+00:00

Justin A. - Class of 2018

I had no idea if you or anyone else could help me when we first started to talk.  My high school experience was altered a couple years ago with a life threatening illness that shook my confidence in myself and derailed me.  You helped me raise my ACT score 11 points, and you also helped me put it all together and articulate who I am as I go off to college.  Thank you for all your help!
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/justin-amen/
Thank you for helping me get my best possible score on the ACT and helping me pull together my essay for college.  You’ve helped me to see the connection between school, wrestling, my hobbies, and college.  It’s all about having my priorities straight.

Colin C. - Class of 2019

5.0
2018-12-03T16:44:00+00:00

Colin C. - Class of 2019

Thank you for helping me get my best possible score on the ACT and helping me pull together my essay for college.  You’ve helped me to see the connection between school, wrestling, my hobbies, and college.  It’s all about having my priorities straight.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/colin-conti/
We are very grateful to have met you nine years ago.  You helped our oldest son get into college and pursue his Masters in archeology, a career that has taken him all over the world.  We were concerned about our youngest, Cooper, because while we knew he had great capability, it felt like pushing string to get him to engage seriously with school and with college admissions.  From the day you first spoke with him we haven’t had to talk about that stuff with him at all.  Thank you for helping him get his best ACT and SAT scores possible.  Also, my husband and I read his college admissions essays a few days ago and we both got kind of choked up at how mature he sounded.  Thank you for helping him grow up and get into a dual engineering and business program in a perfect location where we can continue to stay close as a family.

Cindy W. - Parent

5.0
2018-12-03T16:46:06+00:00

Cindy W. - Parent

We are very grateful to have met you nine years ago.  You helped our oldest son get into college and pursue his Masters in archeology, a career that has taken him all over the world.  We were concerned about our youngest, Cooper, because while we knew he had great capability, it felt like pushing string to get him to engage seriously with school and with college admissions.  From the day you first spoke with him we haven’t had to talk about that stuff with him at all.  Thank you for helping him get his best ACT and SAT scores possible.  Also, my husband and I read his college admissions essays a few days ago and we both got kind of choked up at how mature he sounded.  Thank you for helping him grow up and get into a dual engineering and business program in a perfect location where we can continue to stay close as a family.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/cindy-wilkerson/
With one son with a learning disability and another who baffled us with his disorganization and habit of turning everything in late, we had no idea where to turn, even though both boys went to a top local private high school.  Our oldest has now successfully transitioned off to college two hours away and we are thrilled to see our younger son thriving in school, owning the college admissions process, organized, passionate about learning, and happy.  We couldn’t have done it without you.

Ron and Chula W. - Parents

5.0
2018-12-03T16:46:54+00:00

Ron and Chula W. - Parents

With one son with a learning disability and another who baffled us with his disorganization and habit of turning everything in late, we had no idea where to turn, even though both boys went to a top local private high school.  Our oldest has now successfully transitioned off to college two hours away and we are thrilled to see our younger son thriving in school, owning the college admissions process, organized, passionate about learning, and happy.  We couldn’t have done it without you.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/ron-and-chula-weingart/
When our daughter first started working with you she had no idea what she was capable of.  Now she is doing so well on the SAT she is considering applying to Oxford, something that would have never occurred to her before.  Thank you.  I’m telling all of my friends about you.

Andrea C. - Paris Parent

5.0
2018-12-03T16:42:25+00:00

Andrea C. - Paris Parent

When our daughter first started working with you she had no idea what she was capable of.  Now she is doing so well on the SAT she is considering applying to Oxford, something that would have never occurred to her before.  Thank you.  I’m telling all of my friends about you.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/andrea-clemente/
Hi Daniel, my kids are both really enjoying working with you and I am getting a lot of positive feedback!   They LOVE you!  Grateful you are a part of my life.  Thank you!!!

Nazich M. - Mother of 11th and 12th graders

5.0
2018-12-03T16:47:36+00:00

Nazich M. - Mother of 11th and 12th graders

Hi Daniel, my kids are both really enjoying working with you and I am getting a lot of positive feedback!   They LOVE you!  Grateful you are a part of my life.  Thank you!!!
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/nazich-munchenbach/
Thank you for helping both of my boys navigate this crazy college admissions process.  Ryan is loving William and Lee, where you helped him get a full scholarship to study Business and Political Science so he can later get his JD and MBA in a dual program by the time he is 24.  We know the work you did with his younger brother, Jimmy, is going to open the world up to him as well.  I have been telling literally everyone I know about the incredible work you do.  We appreciate that even from thousands of miles away that you could help them with the stressful processes and let us focus on just enjoying our kids before they go off to college.

Jim F. - Parent

5.0
2018-12-03T16:45:17+00:00

Jim F. - Parent

Thank you for helping both of my boys navigate this crazy college admissions process.  Ryan is loving William and Lee, where you helped him get a full scholarship to study Business and Political Science so he can later get his JD and MBA in a dual program by the time he is 24.  We know the work you did with his younger brother, Jimmy, is going to open the world up to him as well.  I have been telling literally everyone I know about the incredible work you do.  We appreciate that even from thousands of miles away that you could help them with the stressful processes and let us focus on just enjoying our kids before they go off to college.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/jim-fleck/
When we first started working together I was behind in most of my classes and all over the place in school and in trying to organize myself to keep up with everything.  In addition to filling in the gaps, You helped me learn the study skills and time management skills, and the importance of personal integrity to become the best possible student I can be.  Thank you for all your help with helping me raise my GPA, get my highest test scores and successfully navigate the entire college admissions process.

Daniel W. - Class of 2019

5.0
2018-12-03T16:44:29+00:00

Daniel W. - Class of 2019

When we first started working together I was behind in most of my classes and all over the place in school and in trying to organize myself to keep up with everything.  In addition to filling in the gaps, You helped me learn the study skills and time management skills, and the importance of personal integrity to become the best possible student I can be.  Thank you for all your help with helping me raise my GPA, get my highest test scores and successfully navigate the entire college admissions process.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/daniel-weingart/
5
11

Lindsey W

Working with Optimum Educational Solutions helped me change my sense of what I could achieve. When we started I assumed I would go to a local CSU because I was such a lousy test taker. Six months later I had to choose between UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley. That was a nice ‘problem’ to have! Thanks again.

UCSB | Class of 2011

5.0
2018-11-04T16:24:11+00:00

UCSB | Class of 2011

Working with Optimum Educational Solutions helped me change my sense of what I could achieve. When we started I assumed I would go to a local CSU because I was such a lousy test taker. Six months later I had to choose between UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley. That was a nice ‘problem’ to have! Thanks again.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/lindsey-wilk/

Ann C

Thank you so much!!! Ethan is feeling so much more confident. He started this process not excited about about the work that needed to be done, but after the first session with you he was hooked. He is so focused now on what needs to be done. He told me how much he enjoyed learning and is proud of himself for the growth he has made. He thanked me today for the opportunity to do his best. He is telling parents and friends how much you helped him get into the top 1% on the ACT in just a few weeks. I’m telling all the parents of the kids Ethan grew up with about you.

Parent

5.0
2018-11-06T17:35:53+00:00

Parent

Thank you so much!!! Ethan is feeling so much more confident. He started this process not excited about about the work that needed to be done, but after the first session with you he was hooked. He is so focused now on what needs to be done. He told me how much he enjoyed learning and is proud of himself for the growth he has made. He thanked me today for the opportunity to do his best. He is telling parents and friends how much you helped him get into the top 1% on the ACT in just a few weeks. I’m telling all the parents of the kids Ethan grew up with about you.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/ann-christensen/

Marcus L

Working with you helped me balance my busy basketball schedule, high school academics, and SAT prep. Though I got into UC Berkeley, I feel now like I’m living the dream playing NCAA D1 for my dream school. I had to pinch myself when I actually played in the final NCAA championship against U Conn in 2014. What a ride!

Class of 2017 | University of Kentucky

5.0
2018-11-04T16:25:44+00:00

Class of 2017 | University of Kentucky

Working with you helped me balance my busy basketball schedule, high school academics, and SAT prep. Though I got into UC Berkeley, I feel now like I’m living the dream playing NCAA D1 for my dream school. I had to pinch myself when I actually played in the final NCAA championship against U Conn in 2014. What a ride!
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/marcus-lee/

Nina G

Thanks to your help, I aced the SAT and got a 4.3 GPA when I applied to college. I actually got a perfect score on my SATs. It helped me land a $100,000 scholarship to USC. My parents and I are ecstatic.

USC | Class of 2012

5.0
2018-11-04T16:23:20+00:00

USC | Class of 2012

Thanks to your help, I aced the SAT and got a 4.3 GPA when I applied to college. I actually got a perfect score on my SATs. It helped me land a $100,000 scholarship to USC. My parents and I are ecstatic.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/nina-gurtswolf/

Ramiro M

Thank you for mentoring our son and daughter. Jacob, with his SAT preparation and high grades, was able to gain admission to UC Berkeley, his top pick. He just graduated in only 3 years. Sarah is on track to get into Cal as well. My wife and I sincerely thank you for your efforts and the invaluable service you provide.

Parent

5.0
2018-11-06T17:35:11+00:00

Parent

Thank you for mentoring our son and daughter. Jacob, with his SAT preparation and high grades, was able to gain admission to UC Berkeley, his top pick. He just graduated in only 3 years. Sarah is on track to get into Cal as well. My wife and I sincerely thank you for your efforts and the invaluable service you provide.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/ramino-morales-jd/

Darian S

With your help, I was able to attain an SAT score in the top 1% and was offered full scholarships to both Brown and Dartmouth.

Class of 2016 | Brown University

5.0
2018-11-04T16:26:34+00:00

Class of 2016 | Brown University

With your help, I was able to attain an SAT score in the top 1% and was offered full scholarships to both Brown and Dartmouth.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/darian-surratt/

Natasha H

Daniel helped me to raise my GPA from a 3.6 to a 4.1 in just one semester right before I applied to college. When we started in June I didn’t even know what the SAT was but with Daniel’s help I nailed it. He helped me get into my dream school, UCLA, which I loved. I’ve had an opportunity to expand my mind, move forward in my career, make amazing friends, and have a great four years.

UCLA Class of 2015

5.0
2018-11-04T16:22:20+00:00

UCLA Class of 2015

Daniel helped me to raise my GPA from a 3.6 to a 4.1 in just one semester right before I applied to college. When we started in June I didn’t even know what the SAT was but with Daniel’s help I nailed it. He helped me get into my dream school, UCLA, which I loved. I’ve had an opportunity to expand my mind, move forward in my career, make amazing friends, and have a great four years.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/natasha-hammond/

Liliana C

With your expert coaching I raised my scores 420 points and got into 8 of 11 schools I applied to, including my top pick. You helped me push through to gain the skills and confidence to test to my personal best.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington | Honors College | Class of 2016

5.0
2018-11-04T16:20:57+00:00

University of North Carolina at Wilmington | Honors College | Class of 2016

With your expert coaching I raised my scores 420 points and got into 8 of 11 schools I applied to, including my top pick. You helped me push through to gain the skills and confidence to test to my personal best.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/liliana-costanza/

Donna E

I honestly don’t know what we would have done if we hadn’t worked with you. Jordan is the second of four kids. Because of your reputation, it really was a no-brainer to work with you because there’s simply no way we could afford to pay full price for college for four kids. Jordan’s older sister Jessica, who you also worked with, loved college. She did so well as an undergrad she just got a full scholarship to get her law degree. Working with you really just let me focus on being there for my kids.

Parent

5.0
2018-11-06T17:34:50+00:00

Parent

I honestly don’t know what we would have done if we hadn’t worked with you. Jordan is the second of four kids. Because of your reputation, it really was a no-brainer to work with you because there’s simply no way we could afford to pay full price for college for four kids. Jordan’s older sister Jessica, who you also worked with, loved college. She did so well as an undergrad she just got a full scholarship to get her law degree. Working with you really just let me focus on being there for my kids.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/donna-ewert/

Robert B

With your help I raised my SAT sores 620 points, which helped me get into my #1 pick for architectural engineering. You helped me also gain the skills and confidence to move across the US and attend college far from my family. Thanks for everything.

Penn State University | Class of 2017

5.0
2018-11-04T16:22:49+00:00

Penn State University | Class of 2017

With your help I raised my SAT sores 620 points, which helped me get into my #1 pick for architectural engineering. You helped me also gain the skills and confidence to move across the US and attend college far from my family. Thanks for everything.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/robert-bernal/

Phyllis M

With your instruction in all aspects of SAT and ACT preparation, my son was able to go in and confidently take the tests. The results speak for themselves. He got into 14 of 15 schools he applied to, including his reach school, UC Davis. With your help he identified and got into the perfect school, so he can double major in the exact areas to go forward in his career. It’s far enough away from home to have his freedom, but close enough for us all to stay in touch.

Parent

5.0
2018-11-06T17:36:32+00:00

Parent

With your instruction in all aspects of SAT and ACT preparation, my son was able to go in and confidently take the tests. The results speak for themselves. He got into 14 of 15 schools he applied to, including his reach school, UC Davis. With your help he identified and got into the perfect school, so he can double major in the exact areas to go forward in his career. It’s far enough away from home to have his freedom, but close enough for us all to stay in touch.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/phyllis-mendel/

Jordan E

Working with Daniel Herzberg’s Accelerated SAT Mastery Program helped me land the maximum 4 year scholarship available to Stanford.  I totally appreciate the expert instruction and support I received to achieve the highest score I could possibly achieve.

Class of 2019 | Stanford University

5.0
2018-11-04T16:26:10+00:00

Class of 2019 | Stanford University

Working with Daniel Herzberg’s Accelerated SAT Mastery Program helped me land the maximum 4 year scholarship available to Stanford.  I totally appreciate the expert instruction and support I received to achieve the highest score I could possibly achieve.
http://optimumeducationalsolutions.com/testimonials/jordan-ewert/
5
12

Main Location

Optimum Educational Solutions
25A Crescent Drive #141,
Pleasant Hill
CA 94523

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