The free diagnostic
Eight questions, about 20 minutes, in the style of the digital SAT. Your teen takes it; you read the report together.
You'll see a starting range, which question types to work on first, the package we'd pick and a week-by-week plan to a real test date. Then, if you like, book a free consult.
Set up the test
Four reading and writing questions, then four math, in the style of the digital SAT. You'll get a starting range, an hours estimate and a plan back from your test date.
- Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word?
- Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
- Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- If 3x + 7 = 25, what is the value of 6x − 4?
- A tutoring center charges a one-time $40 registration fee plus $95 for each hour of tutoring. Which equation gives the total cost C, in dollars, for h hours?
- A ferry route carried 1,200 passengers on Monday and 1,500 on Tuesday. By what percent did the number of passengers increase?
- The function f is defined by f(x) = x² − 6x + 5. What is the minimum value of f(x)?
The diagnostic needs JavaScript. You can book a free consult instead.
How the range is worked out
Eight questions can't give a score. They give a starting range about 160 points wide. The first full-length practice test replaces it within two weeks.
Each section counts separately. Four reading and writing questions and four math questions, each mapped to a section range on the 200 to 800 scale, then added.
For the ACT we convert with the published SAT-to-ACT concordance. Science isn't in this check; it's optional on the ACT since 2025.
The package comes from the gap. Under 60 points to your goal: 12 hours. Up to 140: 24 hours. More than 140: 36. We plan for 30 to 50 points per 12 hours; that's a planning number, not a promise.
The plan counts back from the test Saturday at the hours a week you choose, with a taper week at the end and three practice tests in between.
Pace matters. The real test gives about 71 seconds a reading and writing question and 95 a math question. The report shows your teen's pace beside it.
What we keep, and for how long
- Diagnostic answers stay in this browser tab. Close it and they're gone, unless you book.
- Consult bookings: a parent's name, email, optional mobile, the student's first name and grade. Deleted after 12 months if you don't enroll.
- Enrolled students: session notes and practice-test scores, deleted 24 months after the last session, or sooner if you ask.
- We never sell data. It's shared only with the calendar and email tools that run the service. Anything else, like sharing progress with a school counselor, needs your separate written permission.
- Children under 13 never fill in forms here. A parent books, and consents in writing before any session.
Rather talk first?
Skip the test and book a free 30-minute consult with a tutor. For grades 3 to 8, this is the place to start.
This form is for parents and guardians. If your child is under 13, please fill it in yourself; we don't collect information from children directly.
SAT is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, Brightside Tutoring. PSAT/NMSQT is a trademark of the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT Education Corp., which is not affiliated with and does not endorse this site.