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Test Prep Boot Camp

The Premier Test Prep Boot Camp in Houston and Sugar Land, Texas

Even in an era of “test-optional” admissions, high SAT/ACT scores are a major decision factor for admission to America’s top universities. When all other factors are equal, students who submit strong test scores will be accepted over students who submit no scores.

With so many programs for classes, tutoring, or self-preparation, parents struggle to find the most efficient, reliable option for improvement. We can tell you the exact results of our recent test prep boot camp: four students started with an average SAT score of 1280 (84th percentile) and, one month later, finished with an average score of 1470 (97th percentile). These students moved from a score that was below-average for Texas A&M to a score that was average for Cornell University, an Ivy League. 

These results are simply outstanding. Most test prep companies take students starting with scores around 1050, which are much easier to improve. We took four students already scoring in the top 20% and improved their scores by 190 points, more than any average improvement you will find elsewhere, especially for a group class lasting only one month. How do we achieve these results?

The Ivy Scholars test prep boot camp is taught by Alex Nelson, Houston’s premier test prep expert. Alex scored a perfect 1600 himself in high school, was a National Merit Scholar, and with over 10,000 hours of SAT and ACT teaching under his belt, he has the experience necessary to put students on the path to conquering the test. Before each class, Alex spends hours reviewing every student’s homework to create a lesson plan that truly targets the issues that specific class most needs to address. With his extensive experience, preparation, and sheer passion for demystifying the test, Alex gives students the mental tools and shortcuts to take them to the heart of each question and learn from their mistakes.

Alex Nelson - College Admissions Mentor
Alex Nelson, your SAT/ACT master tutor.

Boot Camp Overview

Your student will meet with Alex Nelson, our test prep guru and a perfect scorer on the SAT. Our open session is for the June 4th SAT. Click the expandable box below for the schedule, pricing, and more information.

Overview:

  • 1 week, 12 total hours of instruction
  • 3 Tests, 4 Classes

Schedule:

  • Practice Test: Saturday, May 28, 9:00am-1:00pm (self-administered)
  • Class 1: Saturday, May 28, 5:00pm-6:00pm
  • Class 2: Sunday, May 29, 3:00pm-6:30pm
  • Practice Test: Monday, May 30, 9:00am-1:00pm (self-administered)
  • Class 3: Tuesday, May 31, 12:00pm-3:30pm
  • Practice Test: Wednesday, June 1, 9:00am-1:00pm (self-administered)
  • Class 4: Thursday, June 2, 12:00pm-3:30pm
  • Final 1-on-1 Meeting with Alex: Friday, June 3, 30 minutes (scheduled individually with student)
  • Saturday, June 4th – Real SAT

Additional Information:

  • Where: Zoom, secured network unique to Ivy Scholars
  • Total Student Time Commitment: 30-35 hours
  • Price: $1,550

Our Results

Over just five 3-hour sessions, the average score of our small group class improved from 1280 (84th percentile) to 1470 (97th percentile).

How it Works

During our boot camp, students spend a total of 30 hours in the virtual classroom and over 40 hours studying independently. The class feels much more like individual tutoring than a traditional class, and it allows us to cover both the SAT and ACT as needed. Enrollment is capped at just six students to ensure tailored instruction.

The cost for the course is $3,500, payable upon enrollment. Our next boot camp starts in March for students preparing for the May 7th SAT. You can enroll your child here.

If you would like our help on your test prep journey, or you have questions about our boot camps, we encourage you to reach out. If your child has not yet enrolled in Ivy Scholars, please schedule a free strategy session with Alex Nelson. He’ll help you determine if this class is the best fit for your child.

Enrollment is Open

Six boot camp spots are available on a first come first serve basis. Seats will fill up quickly, so sign up today to reserve your spot.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation with Alex Nelson

Before scheduling, please fill out the two intake forms below. Parents fill out the Parent Intake Form; Students fill out the Student Intake Form. Both need to be completed before you schedule a complimentary consultation.

After completing the intake forms, please choose an appointment time below, enter your information, and start your journey to better test scores.

5/5
Wendy Y.
Parent
Below is my son's review. He was accepted to his dream Ivy League school!

From an admitted student's perspective, I am incredibly grateful to have met Sasha - he has been instrumental in helping me achieve my educational dreams (Ivy League), all while being an absolute joy (he's a walking encyclopedia, only funnier!) to work with.

Many people are dissuaded from seeking a college counselor because they think they can get into their desired college(s) either way. Honestly, going that route is a bit short-sighted and can jeopardize your odds of acceptances after years of hard work. The sad truth is, the American education system (even if you attend a fancy private school and ESPECIALLY if you go to a public school) doesn't really tell students how to write a compelling and authentic application. Going into the admissions process alone, without speaking with an advisor, is like going to court without a lawyer - you put yourself at a significant disadvantage because you don't have all the facts in front of you, or the help you need to negotiate the system.

That said, you need a good lawyer just like you need a good college counselor. And that's where Sasha distinguishes himself from the crowd of people claiming they'll get you into Harvard. I came to Sasha worried about and frankly dumbfounded by the college admissions process. I was unsure what to write about and how to go about drafting the essay that perfectly captured my passion, interests, and self. And I was highly skeptical that anyone could really help me. But, damn, did Sasha prove me wrong. From the beginning, Sasha amazed me with his understanding of the process, and ability to lend clarity and direction to me when I desperate needed it. After interviewing me about my background, experiences, activities, outlook, and vision, he helped me see qualities about myself I had not previously considered 'unique' or 'stand-out.' This process of understanding myself was so incredibly important in laying the groundwork for the essays I eventually wrote, and I'm certain I would've drafted boring, inauthentic essays without it.

Looking back, Sasha's talent is that he can see where your strengths lie, even when you don't see them. The truth is, although we don't always realize it, everyone has a unique story to tell. Sasha helped me see mine, and with his big-picture insight I was able to write the application that truly encapsulated my life and vision. He inspired me to dig deeper and write better, challenging me to revise and revise until my essays were the most passionate and authentic work I had ever written. As clichéd as that sounds, that's really what universities are looking for. In retrospect, it makes sense - in the real world passionate (not simply intelligent) individuals are the ones who make a difference in the world, and those are the individuals colleges would like to have associated with their brand.

In the end, I was accepted to the college of my dreams, a feat I could not have achieved without the direction Sasha lent to me. Essays (and the personal narrative you develop through your application) matter so much, and can literally make or break your application. I have seen so many of my 'qualified' friends receive rejections because they wrote contrived essays that didn't truly represent who they were; conversely, I have also seen so many friends with shorter resumes accepted because they were able to articulate their story in a genuinely passionate and authentic way - I fall into the latter category.

As a former admissions officer at Johns Hopkins, Sasha knows what types of essays jibe well with universities, an invaluable asset to have in the admissions process. He is responsive, flexible, creative, positive, and witty. For anyone who is serious about going into the college admissions process informed and prepared, I highly recommend Sasha.
5/5
Arda E.
Student
I used Ivy Scholars to mainly help me with college applications. Within weeks of using this service, Sasha was able to simplify the already complex process. When it came to writing the Common App essay, Sasha didn’t just help with grammar and syntax, he brought my essays to life. Sasha also worked tirelessly to help solidify my extracurricular activities, including research and internship opportunities. Without his help, I would have never had an impressive resume.

Sasha is not only an extremely knowledgeable tutor, but also a genuine brother figure. His guidance, throughout my last two years of high school, was everything I needed to get me an acceptance letter from my dream schools (UC Berkeley, Tufts, Emory).

When it came to testing, Ivy Scholars worked like a charm. Sasha offered a very comprehensive plan when it came to completely acing my standardized tests. Without his test taking strategies I would have never gotten straight 5s on my AP tests and a 35 on the ACT.

Working with Sasha, I didn’t just become a good student, I became a genuine scholar.
5/5
Samson S.
Parent
We worked with Ivy Scholars during my son's senior year. I was concerned that we may be too late to take advantage of college advising but the Ivy Scholars team quickly and confidently directed us through the steps to ensure no deadlines were missed. Sasha's knowledge about schools, what they looked for in candidates, and how to maneuver the application process was invaluable. Mateo and Ryan worked with my son to help him create an essay that would get noticed and I am so appreciative he had their guidance.

Prior to securing Ivy Scholars, we tried using a less-expensive online service which was a terrible experience. As a parent, Ivy Scholars brought peace of mind to an area that was frankly overwhelming. This service was invaluable in the knowledge that we gained throughout the process. He has also met with my freshman daughter to provide guidance for her high school courses, career paths, extracurricular activities, and more.

Prior to signing with Ivy Scholars, I tried a less expensive online service and was very disappointed.

As a result of our work with Ivy Scholars, I am pleased to say that my son will be attending Stern Business School at New York University this fall! I highly recommend Ivy Scholars. Highly recommend!