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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know
Before Applying

Elevate Academic Prep is a founder-led tutoring company built around flexibility, personalization, clear expectations, and consistent instructional standards. Online tutoring is available nationwide, with select in-person tutoring in Chicago, Washington, DC, and Winona, Minnesota.

01Why should we choose Elevate over a large tutoring company?
Elevate combines the personal attention of private tutoring with the consistency of a founder-led academic company. Every student receives an individualized plan, works consistently with an instructor who knows their goals, and benefits from instructional standards developed by founder Anya Pasowicz.
02What subjects does Elevate specialize in?
  • K–12 Math, Reading & Writing
  • AP and advanced-course support
  • ACT & SAT — all sections
  • PreACT 9 / CPS HSAT
  • HSPT and private high school admissions testing
  • Chicago Selective Enrollment preparation
  • Personal Statement & College Essay Coaching
03Do you offer formats beyond one-on-one?
Yes. Elevate offers private one-on-one sessions, select small-group test-prep classes, and flexible academic support. School partnerships for structured test-prep programs may also be available.
04Are online sessions available?
Absolutely. Online one-on-one tutoring is available nationwide throughout the United States. Many Elevate families choose remote tutoring because it removes commute time while still allowing highly individualized instruction, shared materials, guided practice, and consistent communication.
05How are test prep sessions structured?
Test preparation begins with a baseline review so instruction can target the student’s actual gaps rather than follow a generic sequence. Session length and frequency are recommended based on the test, timeline, score goals, school workload, and student needs. Targeted practice between meetings reinforces the highest-priority skills.
06How are regular academic tutoring sessions structured?
Academic tutoring is fully tailored to each student’s current coursework and foundational needs. Lessons combine direct instruction, guided practice, skill rebuilding, and clear next steps so tutoring supports both immediate school performance and long-term independence.
07What materials do you use?
Official ACT, SAT, and other test-maker materials are used whenever appropriate, supplemented by Elevate-created practice and curriculum resources. Academic tutoring uses school materials, diagnostic information, and personalized exercises based on the student’s needs.
08What are your rates?
Test-prep and college-essay services may be offered as structured packages, while ongoing academic support may be scheduled weekly. Rates depend on the subject, format, timeline, and level of support needed. After the initial conversation, Elevate provides a clear recommendation and written tutoring agreement.
09How do I pay?
Payments are accepted through the methods listed by Elevate at enrollment, and invoices can be provided. Payment timing and policies are outlined in the tutoring agreement before sessions begin.
10Where do you work with students?
Elevate serves students online nationwide throughout the United States. Select in-person tutoring is currently available in Chicago, Illinois; Washington, DC; and Winona, Minnesota. In-person meeting details are arranged individually and availability depends on subject, schedule, and instructional fit.
11Who will work with my student?
Depending on the student’s subject, goals, location, schedule, and instructional fit, the student may work directly with founder Anya Pasowicz or with an Elevate instructor. Additional tutors are not presented as a marketplace or rotating roster; Elevate recommends the instructional fit and every tutor works within Elevate’s shared standards and approach.

Chicago High School Admissions Tests

PreACT 9 and HSPT Questions

01
Is the CPS HSAT now the PreACT 9 Secure?
Yes. For the 2027–28 application cycle, CPS uses the PreACT 9 Secure as the High School Admissions Test, with English, math, reading, and science sections.
02
Do Chicago Catholic high schools use the PreACT 9?
No. The Archdiocese of Chicago states that Catholic high schools administering an entrance exam use the closed HSPT. Students applying to both systems need test-specific preparation.
03
Can a student retake the CPS HSAT?
CPS says students may take the HSAT only once during the designated testing window.
04
Is the old 900-point calculator still accurate?
No. CPS now uses a 640-point framework for applicable points-based programs: up to 320 points from final seventh-grade GPA and up to 320 from the HSAT. Grade points equal GPA × 80; HSAT points equal the PreACT 9 Secure Composite × 10. CPS states that the Composite used for HSAT points is based on English, Reading, and Math.