Questions from parents

What to know before you start.

Straight answers about our tutors, virtual lessons, pricing, and scheduling.

Services and instructors

What does Ascension Academics offer?

We offer private online SAT and ACT preparation, college advising, and subject tutoring from grade 3 through college. Families across the United States work one to one with our instructors.

Who will teach my student?

A senior instructor matched to the work. Matt leads mathematics; Lyla leads reading, writing, and college advising. Some test-preparation students work with one instructor; others work with a coordinated specialist team. Subject tutors are matched to the course and level.

How is the plan built?

Test preparation starts with a Diagnostic or recent scores. We set priorities, assign practice, and review progress. Subject tutoring starts with the course. College advising starts with the student's interests, academic history, and application timeline.

Can you help us choose the SAT or ACT?

Yes. We review the student's strengths, scores, timing, and goals. If more information is needed, we can recommend practice testing before choosing.

Do you write application essays for students?

No. We help students choose material, structure drafts, and revise their writing. The ideas, voice, and submitted work stay the student's.

Online sessions

How do virtual sessions work?

Your student meets the tutor live by video and works in a shared workspace on screen. Work written during the session is saved for later review. See how virtual tutoring works.

What equipment does my student need?

A computer with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a quiet room. We send setup instructions and test the connection before the first session.

Do we need to live in New York?

No. We serve families nationwide. Sessions are shown in your time zone, and we confirm a schedule that fits you and the instructor.

How will I hear about progress?

Test-preparation families receive written Session Recaps and Progress Reports. Advising updates track application milestones. Subject tutors explain what was covered, what remains difficult, and the next priorities.

Cost, timing, and cancellations

What does tutoring cost?

The price depends on the service, scope, and schedule. We give you a clear price at the consultation before you commit. The consultation is free and takes 10–15 minutes.

How long will preparation take?

It depends on the starting point, goal, practice, and time before the exam. We recommend a schedule after reviewing those details. The reported average for completed test-preparation programs is 16 hours of instruction; your plan may differ.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel more than 48 hours before a session and there is no charge. Between 48 and 24 hours, the session is billed at half rate. Inside 24 hours, it is billed in full. Your first cancellation is waived. We also waive the fee for illness and genuine emergencies.

Can we reschedule a session?

Yes, into an open slot with your instructor that week, subject to availability. Rescheduling outside the cancellation window carries no charge.

Why charge for late cancellations?

Your instructor reserves that time for your student and cannot always offer it to another family at short notice. Senior instructors accept a limited number of students each semester.

Do you guarantee a score or college admission?

No. Our published results describe past students. Scores depend on many factors, and colleges make their own admission decisions. We commit to clear instruction, useful feedback, and an agreed plan.

Have a question about your student?

Bring it to a short conversation with a director.

Book a free consultation