Below is a list of testimonial statements I have recently collected from my past students. I love to check in with my students and see how they’re doing a few years after high school graduation.
If you are an old student reading this, please reach out to me on LinkedIn!
“Mike is an excellent tutor with a great sense of humor and a seemingly never-ending bank of knowledge. Sessions with him were always challenging, interesting, and rewarding. Working with Mike, I could observe my week to week progress through the tests he gave out and through the unique study strategies he implemented. Mike was never easy on me, and he knew exactly when to push me out of my comfort zone in order to improve. I highly recommend Mike to anyone considering him.” — Kush V.
“I began weekly lessons with Mike the summer before junior year in preparation for the PSAT and SAT. From the beginning, his videos were extremely helpful in explaining important concepts on the test and providing strategies on test taking. Mike was also very responsive, always prompt in replying to my emails regarding questions that I had or answer keys to practice tests that I requested. Throughout the experience, Mike always encouraged me to see things from a different perspective and embrace strategies I had never before considered. His energetic and fun personality made me look forward to test prep every week in a way that I believe helped me perform better on the exam. My scores increased almost 500 points from the October PSAT of my sophomore year to the December SAT of my junior year. Not only has Mike helped me to improve my score, but he has also served as a mentor in giving me tips on studying, test taking, and reasoning that are valuable beyond sole SAT preparation. Under his guidance, I feel that I have become a more methodical and rational thinker. Thanks Mike!” — Elyse K.
“I recently reached out to Mike Rosenstark to thank him for helping my 3 boys. What I said was, “You were one of the only people who had the patience to help [my son] in his whole life. I really can’t thank you enough for that.” While all 3 of my boys were about equally capable, their motivation levels were varied, which is to say nonexistent some days. I worried. But Mike didn’t worry. Instead he got busy getting to know each of them. Using his years of experience, his own giant intellect and his special brand of humor, he helped each of them to engage and improve. I was not moved to reach out to Mike to thank him for the results my children achieved - all improved their ACT/SAT scores more than I thought possible and went to top colleges – but now, in retrospect, that is unimportant compared to the confidence he gave them. Because I am now a retired mom with nothing to do, though previously a working mother with everything to do, I have time to reflect on how I raised my kids. There are a few standout performances (and some I’d like to redo) and even fewer standout performers. Mike Rosenstark is one of those. Everybody’s children, including mine, had teachers and coaches who helped and a few who hurt, but it is the rare adult who you really remember because of how they empowered your child, helped them to feel like they could do it, to not give up, to feel that they had what it took to come through. High school can be really tough. Mike made it easier for my boys. I think anyone who doesn’t have the chance to work with Mike is missing out on that.” — Ann J.
“Mike Rosenstark is single handedly the reason I got into college. My SAT score went up by over 500 points and my ACT by 10. He approaches the SAT and ACT in a manageable and non-threatening way. As a college student I regularly implement the various study methods taught me. I am so happy that my mom found him.” — Danit L.
“As unlikely as it seems, there is one man who can make the SATs and ACTs an enjoyable process. Anyone can provide practice tests and workbooks. Anyone can explain the confusing problems and rules of language. But only Mike Rosenstark has the energetic processes and charisma to make students WANT to do their test preparation. The methods Mike uses helped me not only to excel on test day but to achieve success in the high school classroom as well. My writing, reading, and vocabulary were on a higher level in all areas once I began working with Mike. Even his mathematics tricks applied to my calculus class. And if all of this wasn't enough, he has a really cool waiting room!” — Jesse K.
“Mike's understanding and knowledge of the work and ethic required for the SAT/ACT is unparalleled to any teacher. Though what makes him truly special is his passion for helping young adults.” — Ian L.
“I have been meaning to touch base with you to let you know that Nicole did even better the 3rd time around on her SATs, and she is going to Michigan! She also got into Wisconsin! (and all the schools she applied to!) Thank you for all your patience, skill, and for truly being a great motivator!” — Marlene K.
“Mike was not just a tutor, but a mentor as well…Most SAT tutors I had previously worked with boasted about their “innovative” and organized curriculums that worked for other students. However, each time, I found myself disappointed, not really seeing any results from the same tired approach to preparing for standardized testing. Mike proved to be different from the others as he modified his program to fit my individual needs. In the time I worked with Mike, I saw results almost instantly as his seemingly simple, yet brilliantly subtle methods struck a chord not only with my learning style, but also with my personality. Part of what makes Mike such an excellent teacher is his ability to connect with his students and understand their thought processes in relation to SAT preparation. While SAT tutoring is the main thing he teaches, Mike also teaches, through his method, how to prepare for all difficult tasks that may occur in the future for students/young adults, which include, but are not limited to: exams, interviews, and speeches. Working with Mike has been a formative experience that has not only improved my SAT score, but also shaped my thinking. Most SAT tutors I had previously worked with boasted about their “innovative” and organized curriculums that worked for other students. However, each time, I found myself disappointed, not really seeing any results from the same tired approach to preparing for standardized testing. Mike proved to be different from the others as he modified his program to fit my individual needs. In the time I worked with Mike, I saw results almost instantly as his seemingly simple, yet brilliantly subtle methods struck a chord not only with my learning style, but also with my personality. Part of what makes Mike such an excellent teacher is his ability to connect with his students and understand their thought processes in relation to SAT preparation. While SAT tutoring is the main thing he teaches, Mike also teaches, through his method, how to prepare for all difficult tasks that may occur in the future for students/young adults, which include, but are not limited to: exams, interviews, and speeches. Working with Mike has been a formative experience that has not only improved my SAT score, but also shaped my thinking.” — James Y.
“Mike prepared me for the SAT's and ACT's more than I could have hoped for. I thought that my scores were pretty good but he told me they could be even better and he helped me improve. He kept me on track and working hard so that I could raise my scores while still keeping the meetings lighthearted so I didn't feel so stressful. I would recommend him to anyone that is looking for help.” — Danny D. (36/36 on the ACT)
“While preparing for the SAT/ACT was obviously extremely daunting, Mike’s videos made the experience manageable, and even kind of fun. I could sit down in the comfort of my own living room, pause and rewind until I internalized the material, and hey: now I use words like ameliorate… and parsimonious… and taciturn! Seriously, when it comes to the SAT, Mike's method really works - if you just stick to his study plan, progress is inevitable!” — Jordyn F.
“Mike Rosenstark was the best SAT/ACT tutor I could ask for. In addition to helping me raise my grades on the tests significantly, he was always available for last minute advice and guidance on what to do in stressful situations concerning the tests. He made sure I was doing all my work, and gave me a lot of attention despite having a lot of students to work with. His advice is extremely valuable, and his skills and teaching definitely was the reason I did well on the SAT and ACT.” — Jordan D.
“Mike helped me to improve my SAT score by over 250 points. He is great at zeroing in on what students need to improve, and I always found him friendly and easy to work with. He knew right away what I needed to work on, and his learning materials and study habits aided me with school as well as standardized tests.” — Jason C.
“Both my sons were smart, fairly good students –but let’s face it, they were 17-year-old boys. They needed some extra pushing, coaching and flat out practice at taking the SATs. Of course, they would not listen to their dear old mom. Enter Mike Rosenstark—he pushed, he encouraged, he did not let them slack. He was a tireless coach who did not stop pushing them till they had mastered the art of taking the SAT tests. The result: excellent, both my sons had SAT scores above 2100. His technique is a great proof point for the phrase —“practice makes perfect.” I highly recommend him.” — Marianne M.
“Taking lessons with Mike was the best decision I made during high school. He explained everything clearly and made boring material interesting. His lessons helped me get a 1520 SAT and a National Merit Scholarship, which offset the cost of the lessons by an order of magnitude. I'd highly recommend Mike to anyone looking to improve their SAT/PSAT scores.” — Marcus B.
“At the end of sophomore year, I didn't have any preparation for standardized tests. After I had been through the Piglard program, I had received better scores than I had ever expected. Though the process took work, it was steady and never too much that it became stressful. Over a six month period, I probably ended up taking over 15 real tests and was amply prepared for a supposedly grueling process of test-taking. But it was not grueling. I saw nothing new on the tests I ended up taking and cruised through the process.” — Anonymous (2340/2400 on the SAT)
“Mr. Rosenstark orchestrates a comprehensive SAT preparation course that surmounts the task of raising test scores. His jovial teaching style contrasts with his thoughtful analysis of the test topics, resulting in a fun and enriching experience. Mr. Rosenstark seeks to enhance the students test taking abilities as well as to introduce the idiosyncrasies of the exam. Employing a plethora of training tactics, Mr. Rosenstark boosts your vocabulary, instills the principles of grammar and elucidates the fundamental aspects required to solve mathematical problems. He cultivates a diverse garden of tools that aid the student in further academic endeavors. His teaching and friendship are two facets that I will cherish as I commend Mr. Rosenstark's excellence and thank him for his contributions.” — George D. (2300/2400 on the SAT)
“Without mike I would have never made such a dramatic improvement on my SAT score. He is not just another SAT tutor. He's a great friend, life coach and even your personal cheerleader when you really need it. After its all said and done, you will not only walk away more likely to succeed in either the SAT or ACT, but also more likely to succeed in and out of the classroom.” — Julian C. (2200/2400 on the SAT)
“Although my original scores were decent, I went to Mike to improve my SAT scores, especially in critical reading and writing. I thought Mike’s method of doing practice tests, making flashcards, and reviewing the ones I got wrong kept my learning constant and consistent. As a coach, Mike held me accountable for putting the time and work necessary into my studies, and also helped me to master test-taking skills and strategies. He kept me on track, and I wound up getting an almost perfect SAT score! Thanks Mike!” — Lexie T. (2370/2400 on the SAT)
“I strongly recommend Mike Rosenstark's tutoring services for anyone looking to increase their scores on their college admissions exams. I received great scores on my SAT, ACT and SAT Subject Tests after working with Mike, saw increases of 100+ points in the writing and math sections of the SAT, and increased my ACT score by 7 points. Mike provides you with all of the materials and strategies you need to succeed, both in college admissions and beyond, and works with you in all parts of the standardized testing process. From familiarizing you with the procedures to setting up an appropriate testing schedule, he sticks with you every step of the way. I feel much more confident applying to top-tier schools (Princeton, Stanford, Yale, Brown, etc.) with my new and improved scores in-hand. With his help and some hard work (admittedly, his skills fall short of actually being able to study for you), anyone can increase their scores.” — Steph D.