Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know
Before Applying
Elevate Academic Prep is an independent practice built around flexibility, personalization, clear expectations, and direct access to the specialist working with your student. Serving families nationwide via remote sessions.
01Why should we choose Elevate over a large tutoring company?
Anya brings 7+ years of experience and specializes in K–12 math, AP courses, and all sections of the ACT and SAT. Families work directly with the same specialist throughout the process, with a plan tailored to the student's goals, timeline, and learning style. Written agreements keep expectations clear without sacrificing personalization.
02What subjects does Elevate specialize in?
- K–12 Math & Reading (specialty: Math)
- AP Language, AP Literature, AP US History, AP Spanish, AP Psychology
- AP Calculus AB & BC (with Lizzie)
- ACT & SAT — all sections
- Personal Statement & College Essay Consultations
- Selective Enrollment entrance exam prep
03Do you offer formats beyond one-on-one?
Yes. Elevate offers private one-on-one sessions, small group ACT classes (great for cost-sharing among friends or siblings), and flexible academic support. School partnerships for structured ACT/SAT prep classes of 15–20 students are also available.
04Are online sessions available?
Absolutely — and it's how the majority of our students work with us. Remote sessions via video are available for ACT prep, SAT prep, AP courses, and K–12 academic tutoring, making expert coaching accessible from anywhere in the country. The remote setup offers tremendous flexibility: students can work from home on their own schedule without commute time, and many families across the U.S. have found it just as effective as in-person sessions.
05How are test prep sessions structured?
A standard ACT/SAT session is two hours, once per week — held remotely via video call or in-person for local Chicago-area families. Before the first session, Anya consults with the family and assigns a practice test as a baseline. Weekly homework of approximately 1–2 hours reinforces material without overwhelming other commitments.
06How are regular academic tutoring sessions structured?
Academic tutoring is fully tailored to each student's needs. Lessons focus on understanding concepts, reinforcing skills, and targeted practice in areas of improvement — adapted to the student's learning style and pace.
07What materials do you use?
Official ACT, SAT, and AP materials are used whenever possible so students practice with the most accurate, up-to-date content available. K–12 sessions use curriculum resources and personalized exercises based on each student's goals.
08What are your rates?
Test-prep and college-essay services are typically offered as structured packages, while ongoing academic support may be scheduled weekly. Rates depend on the subject, format, baseline, timeline, and level of support needed. After the strategy consultation, Anya provides a personalized recommendation, package quote, and written tutoring agreement.
09How do I pay?
Payments are accepted via:
VenmoZelleCheckCash
Invoices are available upon request.10Where do you work with students?
Elevate Academic Prep serves families nationwide. Remote sessions are conducted via video call and are available to any student, anywhere in the country. For local Chicago-area families, group sessions are held at a local public library and one-on-one sessions can take place at the student's home. Anya primarily serves in-person families across Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Bucktown, Lakeview, Evanston, and the North Shore.
Chicago High School Admissions Tests
PreACT 9 and HSPT Questions
01
Is the CPS HSAT now the PreACT 9 Secure?
Yes. CPS identifies the 2026–27 High School Admissions Test as the PreACT 9 Secure, 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?
Do not assume it is. CPS has confirmed a 50% grades and 50% test framework, but detailed PreACT 9 point calculations for 2026–27 are scheduled to be released separately.