Home of Internationally-Featured Michael DiSalvo, the "SAT M.D."...

A+

Tutoring/Test Preparation
(513) 939-9033
(888) 90-TEACH (ME)

"Melior est enim sapientia cunctis pretiossisimis."
Proverbs 8:11

Local to Cincinnati, Serving the Educational Needs of the Tri-State and the World

 

OUR MISSION
Through classical and newly proven techniques,
to help students learn how to learn and how to succeed in life.

"Melior est enim sapientia..."  In Latin, we learn the valuable words, "Wisdom is indeed better...than all the most precious things put together." So what is wisdom? Some call it a natural part of learning. Some say it is eternal. Yet, hopefully all would agree that to understand the principles of things, to get a bigger picture of learning and of life is something that cannot be valued enough.

A+ Tutoring/Test Preparation has been established for two types of students, whether they be young or old. First, for the student who has "fallen behind." Whether it be because of learning disabilities, language barriers, or even laziness, some students find they need to play "catch up." Our programs provide for the needs of students who have fallen behind. Other students are quite gifted, but need someone to show them how to gain the competitive edge that will put them ahead. They may not be good test-takers, may have fallen behind in a certain skill that they never mastered, or, yes, may be hampered by laziness or lack of motivation. Our programs provide for the needs of gifted students who want to make their mark. Though one may argue that there is a third type of student, test anxiety affects both advanced students and those who need work on remedial skills. A+ Tutoring offers help in overcoming test anxiety and maximizing natural potential.  It may seem strange that similar techniques often can solve different problems, but this can only be done with a guide who can show the way...

 

Our Credentials

Tutoring (including SAT, PSAT, and ACT)

SAT and PSAT Classes

Programs for Test Anxiety

More on the Tests (Format, Scholarships and Schedules)

Articles in the News About A+

Testimonials

Standardized Test Prep Online!

Teletutoring

Contact!



Our Credentials

Michael DiSalvo, our main tutor, graduated "magna cum laude" from the University of South Florida, Tampa, with a B.A. in Psychology, in which he averaged an A+. Later, Michael left his studies at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, Nebraska, with the equivalent of a Master's Degree, adding to 17 years of formal education. Michael, like others, did not achieve success easily. After struggling with higher-level mathematics in high school, he finally mastered college-level material through hard work and constant study. A test preparation course gave him the critical thinking skills he needed to compete with the elite, enabling him to score in the 90th percentile on the G.R.E. (what may be termed the "big brother" of the S.A.T.). Later, as he began to intensively study test preparation techniques, he found that his  study of vocabulary and foreign languages enabled him to master the verbal section on the SAT as well, improving his high school score of an 1180 to a 1390 on the Verbal + Quantitative portions of the test. Today, in addition to a strong Math, Verbal, and Writing background, Michael's degree in Psychology and experiences counseling have allowed him to tailor programs to meet high goals for students with different skill levels and various educational backgrounds.

 


Services Offered In the Greater Cincinnati Area

Our Course

With students raising their S.A.T. scores as much as 300 points in 2 weeks, A+ Tutoring/ Test Preparation continues to remain on par or superior to the most notable educational companies in the test preparation business. Superior pedagogy and a superior curriculum catered to the student's needs is what puts us above the rest. Our text, Gruber’s Complete Preparation for the S.A.T., boasts the potential of raising a student’s scores by 300 points per section. Though few students have the capability to raise their score in such a dramatic fashion through simply reading a test preparation book, time has shown that a skilled teacher can bring quite unexpected results out of students who doubt their own abilities. Our standard course runs between 6 to 10 weeks, depending on the number of sessions taken during the week and the sections focused on. However, some students in various situations have found even one-hour sessions to be the best solution for their goals. Rates and availability vary by location and time of year. Please call 513 939-9033 and mention that you saw our webpage for a free consultation and a brief on what is available.

Though we offer a wide variety of educational services, A+ Tutoring/Test Preparation focuses most particularly in the critical thinking skills that make up the PSAT, SAT and ACT prep courses significantly different from other tutoring experiences in the Greater Cincinnati area.  Of course, expertise in the Math, Verbal, and Grammar Skills does translate well into similar subjects, but we have a special emphasis and expertise in the core skills for the standardized tests listed above.

A tutor is usually available for the following:

The PSAT, SAT, and ACT 

The HSPT, SSAT (High School Entrance Exams)

The OAT

Algebra

Geometry

Grammar / Writing

Memorization / Study Skills / Speed Reading

Intro to Foreign Languages (Spanish, Italian, German, Latin)

Reading/Math Skills 1st - 12th Grade

Subject Tests including Mathematics and Foreign Languages

Our standard program in Reading and Mathematics includes a 1-2 hour diagnostic test to pinpoint deficiencies and to estimate time of program completion. Individual subject tutoring is based on the textbook, while S.A.T./ P.S.A.T. instruction includes periodic sample tests to evaluate progress. Free consultation is available to monitor the progress of your child and to advise on any other profitable interventions. Consultation is recommended every 20 hours. SAT classes are also offered at various intervals. Please consult the link below if you are currently investigating SAT preparation courses in Cincinnati. At present, our PSAT/SAT class location is in the Tri-County area in Mason, OH.

SAT and PSAT Classes

It is sometimes difficult to determine whether one-on-one tutoring or a traditional class preparation is better for getting ready for the SAT. We do, however, have an interesting dynamic set up in Mason, OH for those interested in classroom preparation. The following link is to our sister organization http://APlusAdvancedLearning.info. Not only do we have highly qualified Math and Verbal instructors who have been able to get very high results in each section of the test, but we also have some highly motivated students who encourage their fellow classmates to be as involved as they. Please give us a call at 513 939-9033 to find out what option is right for you.

 

Programs for Test Anxiety

While one-on-one tutoring is known to be one of the most effective ways for any student to maximize his potential, human nature is such that when we are under stress, it is difficult to use our critical thinking skills. This is why A+ Tutoring/Test Preparation has formed a partnership with The Heartmath Corporation to help students resolve issues of test anxiety and to maximize their performance. Helping students get the most out of their natural skills in the realms of academic achievement and critical thinking, the Freeze Framer (TM) technique has been proven to lessen students' stress and improve their test taking score in verbal areas by over 20% and in math areas by over 30%. As Mr. DiSalvo has been trained in modern and classical psychology, he has seen a synergistic improvement in his students' scores when test anxiety has been an obstacle in preventing them from seeing their best results. Please call for more information about how a test anxiety program can help improve your child's scores.

 

The S.A.T.

The S.A.T., or Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a standard requirement for admittance to most colleges and is increasingly becoming the determining factor for scholarship awards.

The Critical Thinking Skills that the test evaluates are crucial for students to develop in high school, to maintain through college, and to make use of for the rest of their lives. Added to this administration is new academic content, most notably the new Writing Section, which tests a student's abilities to express himself, and problems involving Trigonometry on the Math Section.

The excerpts below are taken from Collegeboard.com, referencing the change that has been made to the S.A.T.

Some of the changes to the SAT include:

A student-written essay

Analogies eliminated

Shorter reading passages added

New content from third-year college preparatory math

Quantitative Comparisons eliminated

What Changed?

Writing (new section) Multiple-choice questions (grammar and usage)
Student-written essay
Critical Reading
(currently called Verbal)
Analogies eliminated
Short reading passages added to existing long reading passages
Math Math content expanded to include topics from third-year college preparatory math
Quantitative comparisons eliminated

Why Did the SAT Change?

The SAT assesses student reasoning based on knowledge and skills developed by the student in school coursework. The new SAT will improve the alignment of the test with current curriculum and institutional practices in high school and college. By including a third measure of skills -- writing, the new SAT will help colleges make better admissions and placement decisions. In that way, the new SAT will reinforce the importance of writing throughout a student's education.

 


$$Big Scholarship Money$$

There are several reasons to get a good score on the S.A.T. Not only does it give more opportunities to be accepted to prestigious universities out-of-state, but it also allows  those who are looking for a good in-state value to find many scholarships worth thousands of dollars if they achieve the status of savvy test taker.
 
A typical state school's offering of scholarships:
 
The most prestigious award for a high school student is perhaps the designation of National Merit Scholar. This award is contingent on one's P.S.A.T. score in one's junior year. Preparing early for this very important test is crucial, as students are already given the test in their sophomore year. To become a finalist in this challenging competition is indeed a privilege. Not only is one eligible for the $2500 award every year after having attained this high level of academic achievement, but one is eligible for many other scholarship and commendations from private institutions and corporations.
 
More information on the National Merit Scholarship Program can be found here:

http://www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.php#entryreq

 

SAT Test Dates & Fees

2009-10 Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html

Important Information for All Test-Takers

  • Sunday administrations usually occur the day after each Saturday test date, for students who cannot test on Saturday due to religious observance. For the test administration on October 10, the Sunday test date has been moved to October 18 to avoid conflict with the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.
  • The Language Tests with Listening are offered only in November.
  • Deadlines for international test-takers are given below the tables for U.S. students.
  • The Question-and-Answer Service (QAS) is offered only on the Saturday test dates in October and January, and for Saturday, Sunday, and school-based testing dates in May.
  • The Student Answer Service (SAS) is available only on the test dates for which QAS is not offered—those in November, December, March, and June. It is also available for Sunday and school-based testing dates in October and January.
U.S. Registration Deadlines
2009-10 Test Dates

Test

Regular Registration Deadlines
(postmark/submit by)

October 10, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests September 9, 2009
November 7, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests October 1, 2009
December 5, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests October 30, 2009
January 23, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests December 15, 2009
March 13, 2010 SAT only February 4, 2010
May 1, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests March 25, 2010
June 5, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests April 29, 2010

Important Information About U.S. Registration

  • U.S. deadlines apply to students testing in the United States, U.S. territories, and U.S. commonwealths

  • U.S. registration materials that are mailed must be postmarked by the U.S. deadlines.

  • On March 13, only the SAT is offered.

 

Important Deadlines for the A.C.T.

Test Dates in the U.S., U.S. Territories, and Canada
http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html

Test Date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required)
September 12, 2009* August 7, 2009 August 8 – 21, 2009
October 24, 2009 September 18, 2009 September 19 – October 2, 2009
December 12, 2009 November 6, 2009 November 7 – 20, 2009
February 6, 2010** January 5, 2010 January 6 – 15, 2010
April 10, 2010 March 5, 2010 March 6 – 19, 2010
June 12, 2010 May 7, 2010 May 8 – 21, 2010

* The September 2009 test date is offered only within the 50 United States and D.C.

** No test centers are scheduled in New York for the February test date.

Test Date
September 11, 2010*
October 23, 2010
December 11, 2010
February 12, 2011**
April 9, 2011
June 11, 2011

* The September 2010 test date is not offered in the U.S. territories, Puerto Rico, or Canada.

** No test centers are scheduled in New York for the February test date.

Registration deadlines for 2010–2011 will be announced in March 2010.

Test Date
September 10, 2011*
October 22, 2011
December 10, 2011
February 11, 2012**
April 14, 2012
June 9, 2012

* The September 2011 test date is not offered in the U.S. territories, Puerto Rico, or Canada.

** No test centers are scheduled in New York for the February test date.

Registration deadlines for 2011–2012 will be announced in March 2011.

 

Standardized Test Prep Online!

SAT Question of the Day

 

 


Teletutoring

With the use of a low-cost web cam and microphone and a cable internet connection, students are now able to take advantage of modern technology to receive high-quality one-on-one tutoring in the comfort of their own home from a very reputable tutor. While Mr. DiSalvo first made use of this technology to continue with his clients who needed expert tutoring at a distance, he now has made this program permanently available for those who want to receive training in the same critical thinking skills that have earned his students their dramatic increases. Please call 1-888-908-3224 for more information.

 


Services Offered Outside of the Greater Cincinnati Area
(Complimentary Trial Session)

In a global educational environment with global needs, rather than limiting specialties to its local tutors, Mr. DiSalvo has sought to incorporate the best tutors in the industry to help with the more complicated subjects and to ease the burden of fitting local tutors into the ever-changing schedule of a household. Thanks to a partnership with other tutoring professionals who are leaders in their field, students can be helped in more specialized subjects from 5th grade to College, such as:

Advanced Trigonometry

Physics

Calculus

Biology

Chemistry

Other Specialized Subject Tests

The partnership has been facilitated so students can get the right tutor at the right time to address needs, almost immediately. State of the art technology now allows whiteboard interaction and voice modulation so student and teacher can cooperate in the learning process and get the most out of this amazing virtual classroom. In this forum, students can get the help they need while allowing parents to share in the classroom experience. This allows students a complimentary 1/2 hour session to make sure that the forum fits their needs. All that is needed is a high-speed connection and the proper software to take advantage of what the world wide web now has to offer. Please call 513 939-9033 or email md@aplustutoring-testprep.com for more details.

Vocabulary and Spelling Games

Always trying to facilitate learning for our students, A+ proudly presents The Word of the Day, Spelling Bee, and Matchup to sharpen your verbal skills and put the Latin and Greek roots, prefixes and suffixes you have learned into practice...

Word of the Day

Spelling Bee
difficulty level:
score: -
please wait...
 
spell the word:

Match Up
Match each word in the left column with its synonym on the right. When finished, click Answer to see the results. Good luck!

 

 


Contact Us!

It is important that both parents and students find a proper fit with the tutor they are working with. Please contact us with any questions so that we can direct you to a program that best fits your needs. References and certificates of awards available.

Special tutoring rates on courses and preparation for the SAT and ACT are available for localities of West Chester, Mason, Glendale, Springdale, Wyoming and Montgomery, OH, on an in-home tutoring basis.

A+ Tutoring/Test Preparation
Phone: (513) 939-9033
Email:
MD@APlusTutoring-TestPrep.com

Local to Cincinnati, Serving the Educational Needs of the Tri-State Area and the World

Please visit our Sponsor:

AreaConnect Cincinnati Yellow Pages and More