The Academic Snapshot
A few quick questions. A much better first meeting.
Tell us what your student is working toward and pick a time. A director reads your Academic Snapshot before the consultation, so the conversation starts with context and ends with a recommendation.
Step 1 of 3 · What your student needs
What does your student need?
Choose one. It decides the few questions we ask next.
Choose what your student needs first.
About the student
We only ask for what helps us prepare and coordinate the meeting.
Choose a grade so the director can prepare properly.
Helpful if you want appointment updates or need a time that is not listed.
Can't find a time later? Leave a number and we can text you other options.
That doesn't look like a complete phone number yet. Digits are all we need.
We use your number only to coordinate this consultation. It is not added to a marketing list.
We use this information only to prepare for and coordinate your consultation. We do not sell it or add you to marketing lists.
Choose a time
Your consultation is preselected and your answers travel with the booking, so you won't repeat yourself. Times are shown in your time zone.
Can't find a convenient time?
Got it. We'll text you with the closest available options.
Text Ascension now
Or call or text (516) 578-9290 for an evening or weekend time.
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Prefer to talk first? Call or text (516) 578-9290. No meeting required.
The First Meeting
Start with a clear, honest picture of where your student stands.
Ascension is a managed SAT and ACT program: diagnostics, weekly one-to-one instruction with senior instructors, and written progress reports. The first meeting is an honest read on your student and a written plan for reaching the goal, whether or not you work with us.
Request your first meetingWhat a First Meeting Is
A diagnosis, not a sales call.
A director reviews your Academic Snapshot before the call. On it, we will:
- Identify where your student is today
- Discuss realistic goals and a target timeline
- Recommend the most effective preparation strategy
- Answer questions about testing, timing, or admissions
How We Make Recommendations
We assess before we prescribe.
No two students get the same number of sessions, timeline, or plan. A recommendation weighs current academic performance, previous SAT or ACT results, the testing timeline, target schools and score goals, learning style, and available study time.
What You'll Leave With
Your Academic Plan Summary, in writing.
After the meeting, the director sends a short written summary: where your student stands, a recommended testing timeline, the preparation strategy we would use, an estimated schedule, and clear next steps. It's yours to keep, whether or not you enroll.
If You Continue
You're engaging a system, not buying hours.
Every enrolled student runs on the same documented program. You'll see real samples on the call.
A full-length diagnostic scored across 40+ individual skills.
A dated plan tied to the test date, not generic goals.
Improvement re-measured against the same skills.
A written summary within 24 hours of every session.
Who Reads Your Snapshot
A director, not an intake coordinator.
Matt Murillo, Founder and Director of Mathematics. Matt studied at Binghamton University and began his career in finance on Wall Street before moving into education full-time. He has taught for fourteen years, sets the mathematics curriculum every Ascension instructor follows, and earned perfect scores on both the SAT and the ACT.
Reading, writing, and college advising are directed by Pauline Bordonaro, Director of Reading and Writing and College Advising.
Is This Right for You?
Worth 15 minutes if this sounds like your family.
- Preparing for the SAT or ACT
- Looking for structured support in a specific course
- Building a long-term academic plan
- Heading into college applications
We accept a limited number of new students each semester, because every plan is built and reviewed by a director personally. We work best with students committed to consistent preparation and measurable improvement.
Questions
Answered before you ask
How long is the meeting?
About 15 minutes, by video. Enough for a real read and a clear recommendation, without taking your evening.
Is there any obligation?
None. The meeting is a conversation to see whether we're the right fit. No obligation to enroll, and no follow-up pressure.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. The meeting, and the written Academic Plan Summary you leave with, are free.
We're already working with a tutor. Still useful?
Yes. Treat it as a free second opinion. If your current plan is working, we'll tell you honestly to stay the course.
Do you prepare students for the Digital SAT?
Yes. Our SAT program is built for the current Digital SAT, including the Bluebook app, the adaptive modules, and the Desmos calculator, as well as the ACT.
Should my student attend?
It helps, but it isn't required for the first meeting. Many parents start the conversation on their own; we bring the student in wherever it's useful.
How does virtual instruction work?
Live, one-to-one video sessions with a senior instructor. Materials are shared on screen and kept, and every session ends with a written recap you both can see.
Do you help with college admissions too?
Yes. Alongside test preparation, our College Advising department helps with school lists, timelines, application essays, and interviews.
Can you help students outside New York?
Yes. Sessions are scheduled in your time zone. We work with families across the country and abroad.
Need a time outside weekday hours?
Call or text (516) 578-9290 and we'll find an evening or weekend time that works directly.
What Happens Next
From this meeting to college.
Understand the goal.
Built from a diagnostic.
Weekly, one-to-one.
Measured, then reached. The reason for all of it.
Straight Answers
What happens if we're not the right fit?
Not every student benefits from the same approach. If we believe another program, timeline, or resource would better serve your student, we'll tell you. Our goal is the right recommendation, not an enrollment. That's the whole point of meeting first.
Book your free consultation