Testimonials


Working with Alyssa Petrone was more than just an SAT preparatory course, it was the development of a meaningful relationship where someone else's sincere investment in my success was a powerful motivating force. Alyssa possesses the techniques and skills to help any student prepare for the SAT, but it is her personal conviction in, and dedication to, each of her students' success that makes working with her an invaluable experience. She has the perspicacity to tailor her knowledge to an individual student's needs, facilitating a degree of communication and understanding that one cannot find in large group prep programs. Her overwhelming warmth and caring personality take the stress out of the SAT, and when you finally go to take your test, you are not nervous or jittery, but rather calm and confident in your abilities. If not for my work with Alyssa, I would not be sitting where I am today.


Lauren Cubellis, Princeton class of 2011


Alyssa Petrone's SAT, SAT II Literature and ACT prep were invaluable.  Her instructions and insights helped me raise my scores significantly compared to my PSAT and practice exams.  Her overall strategies were comprehensive and unique.  Being a student athlete makes it sometimes hard to hone in on the detail that is required to excel in standardized testing.  Alyssa focused me in on critical details that allowed me to perform well with less time than if I had struggled through the material on my own.  Her easy-going style made me feel comfortable and I trusted her completely in her expert guidance.  Alyssa is an excellent teacher and always supported me in a very positive manner.  I could not have asked for a better tutor or a better outcome. I only took the SATs once and received a 2230. Away from the overall testing strategies, she also taught me some shortcuts that made my overall effort highly successful.  If anyone is taking a standardized test with language, literature, writing etc. you cannot find anyone better than Alyssa Petrone.


Laura Placentra, Montclair Kimberley Academy, class of 2010

Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania, class of 2014


I could not have asked for a better experience for SAT tutoring.  Mrs. Petrone pushed me to achieve the best results I could.  We worked hard yet she was always concerned about how my life was going outside of the hectic SAT world.  I was always excited to be going to her house, not dreading my next tutoring session.  She made SAT preparation something to look forward to.  Mrs. Petrone taught me tricks to each section and focused on the specific problems I constantly got wrong.  Without her I doubt I would have been able to achieve what I did. 


Allison Bordogna, Fairlawn HS, class of 2010


Alyssa tutored three of my children for the English SAT.  There are not enough adjectives to describe the positive experience each had.  The primary outcome is to see the scores increase, which they did significantly for my kids, but equally important was that each child believed in themselves and their abilities.  This was due to Alyssa and her continued positive reinforcement.  She brings out the best in each and every child, teaching and encouraging and is truly interested in their success. Additionally, my children tapped Alyssa further for guidance in writing their college essays.  The same positive approach, mentoring and insight inspired my children to write great essays.  Their writing has continued to stand out and I am confident that Alyssa was a pivotal force.

I have recommended Alyssa to everyone who asks for a SAT tutor.  Thank you from all of us. 


Stephanie Woolf, Wyckoff, mother of:

Anna, University of Massachusetts, class of 2009

Tim, Villanova, Class of 2011

Alex, Ramapo HS, Class of 2010


I am delighted to recommend Alyssa Petrone as an SAT tutor. Alyssa tutored both my children and I found that she had the ability to work with two adolescents who have very different learning styles and personalities. Yet, she was able to establish a strong rapport with both of them and, as a result, they committed themselves to the SAT learning process. Both my children enjoyed working with Alyssa and performed their homework assignments with minimal prompting.  She was able to help increase their respective SAT scores, thus enabling them to apply to competitive universities.

My elder child is graduating this spring from the University at Albany, Phi Beta Kappa and Magna cum Laude. My younger child is now waiting for acceptance letters from several schools; however he has already been accepted to four competitive schools.

Alyssa is an accomplished tutor who possesses both good technical and interpersonal skills. Once again, I highly recommend Alyssa as an SAT tutor.


Rose Baskind, Glen Rock, mother of:

Amanda, SUNY Albany, Class of 2010, Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude

Zachary, Glen Rock HS, Class of 2010


Over the years, Alyssa helped prepare me for a number of standardized tests.  First, she worked with me on raising my score on the Verbal section of the SAT.  In only a matter of months, I raised my Verbal score from the PSAT to the SAT by over 100 points.  Next, I looked to her for tutoring on the SAT II Writing test, on which she helped me to score over a 700.  Years later, after graduating from college and looking to apply to graduate schools, I called up Alyssa for GRE tutoring.  Thanks to her help, I’m now pursuing my Master’s at my top choice graduate school.

I would recommend Alyssa to anyone willing to work hard.  No matter your proficiency level, she knows how to cater to your abilities and goals.  Her techniques don’t revolve around teaching test content but step-by-step procedures for successfully eliminating wrong answers and knowing how to choose the right ones.  I’m so grateful for her expertise, kindness, humor, and patience!  Thanks, Alyssa!


Lisa M., Fordham University ’09 – B.S. in psychology and business administration

The College of New Jersey ’11 – M.A. in counseling


As someone who considers himself a quick study, especially with regard to all things English, I decided to prep myself without outside assistance for the verbal and writing sections of the SAT. However, after some time, I realized that no matter what I did, every time I took a practice test, my scores for both Verbal and Writing were plateauing in the mid-600's. Clearly needing a score increase, and guidance on how to achieve it, I contacted Alyssa Petrone to undergo a course of one-on-one sessions. Within days it was clear that she would be able to provide the methodology and skill sets necessary to perform better on the test and realize the score increase I needed. Before long I was scoring consistently in the 700's on both sections and was able to do so on Test Day as well. For her exhaustive knowledge of the test, and how to beat it, coupled with the personalized attention to cementing strengths and working on weaknesses, I would be remiss not to recommend Alyssa for those in need of any help on the verbal section of the SAT.


Matthew Engel, Connecticut College, Class of 2008


How I feel about Mrs. Petrone’s tutoring and standardized test preparation is almost indescribable.  When I first began my summer prepping for the GRE, I was confused and intimated by the daunting task that lay ahead.  Of course, Mrs. Petrone constantly reassured me that I would eventually obtain the strategies needed to master this complex test.  Without her confidence and belief in me, I would not have achieved the score I did.  Her countless wholehearted efforts to help me improve after every tutoring session were utterly remarkable and inspiring.  I felt as though she cared about my studies as if I was a part of her family.  She exhibited a genuine concern for my future that I KNOW I could have NEVER found elsewhere.  Her gregarious and vivacious personality made attending her sessions an absolute pleasure.  Mrs. Petrone’s ability to empathize with her students is a profoundly unique and admirable trait.  When I returned to James Madison University in Virginia for senior year, I felt as if Mrs. Petrone came with me.  She spent countless hours emailing me back and forth, meticulously proofreading my essays for my upcoming graduate school applications.  She never ceased to provide me with the best suggestions and advice possible.  Never once did she fail me.  Her prompt responses in my time of need provided immense stability in such a trying time  in my life.  Recently, I have been admitted to the graduate school at New York University with a major in Communication Sciences and Disorders.  Without Mrs. Petrone’s vast knowledge and passion for aiding her students, this would not have been possible.  I am lucky to have found her services and feel honored to have written this testimonial.


Nicole Spielsinger, New York University, Class of 2015


Growing up I always struggled with taking standardized tests. When it came time to take the SAT exam Alyssa Petrone came to the rescue! We had intensive teaching sessions once a week where she taught me strategic test-taking skills and studying skills. After all the hard work and preparation, I ended up doing really well on my SAT exam and getting into the college of my choice. Just when I thought my standardized test taking days were over, I came to learn that the GRE exam was required for the graduate program that I was seeking admission to. Once again, Alyssa came to the rescue! We resumed our sessions in test-taking strategies and study skills. Along with preparing for the GRE, Alyssa also taught me essay writing skills for my admissions essays. I felt extremely comfortable working with Alyssa and feel that she really helped boost my confidence in regards to these exams.


Lindsay Aslan, Montclair State University, class of 2007

NJ City University, class of 2009, Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education


Alyssa Petrone's SAT tutoring service improved my reading/writing score by over 200 points. She provided me with excellent test taking techniques and worked hard to improve my essay writing. Mrs. Petrone provided me with the skills I needed to do well and most importantly gave me the overall confidence that I needed for the day of the SATs.


Brittany Ritterman, Glen Rock High School 2009, Ramapo College of New Jersey 2013



FOR INFORMATION ABOUT POLICIES, SCHEDULING AND RATES CALL 201-447-6819  or  EMAIL  AlyssaPetrone@gmail.com