I had a very good experience with private GRE tutoring sessions with Steve. I first took the GRE 20 years ago when I pursued my Master's in Electrical Engineering and am now planning to pursue a PhD. I had always been a solid standardized test taker and achieved good scores through self-study with books from Princeton Review, but that approach did not work for me this time (likely due to me being out of an academic environment and out of engineering for 10+ years). A family member suggested I try a prep class or tutoring, and I'm so glad I did. I opted for the private tutoring with Steve (the founder/owner) because I felt it would be more effective for me given my specific GRE strengths and weaknesses, and I also thought it would be a more efficient use of my limited time. It worked great for me on both these points. The additional strategies and structure, combined with personalized instruction from Steve were just what I needed. In addition to very good instruction about the overall test and strategies for different sections, Steve added tremendous value by walking me through the diagnostic assessment for each of the 4 or 5 additional online practice tests I completed. This aspect of the test prep was hugely helpful, as it pointed out where I was spending too much time, which types of questions I tended to get right or wrong, where I needed to focus on answering faster but still accurately, and more. Overall, the weeks of tutoring, homework, practice tests, and reviews were excellent training that helped prepare me for the actual test; it was kind of like training for a marathon or other big event. In the end, my scores saw a significant improvement, and I'm thankful to Steve for the coaching and instruction and to everyone at the office for the positive encouragement throughout. A few minor things I think could improve the overall experience: 1/ I was caught by surprise on test day when a 3rd quant section popped up. I had read about the "experimental section" but had forgotten, and all of the practice tests had just the 2 Verbal and 2 Quant, so I had gotten used to that. I'm generally okay under pressure, but would have preferred no surprises in the actual test. This note is mostly for test takers to be aware, but maybe Sandweiss could also provide a little reminder about this during the practice test reviews, or something. 2/ I wish I had done another tutoring session just focused on the essays; in two of my test review sessions, Steve reviewed my Issue and Argument essays and provided useful feedback, but I did not feel as well-prepared on that section of the test. Perhaps an extra session on that would have helped me feel better prepared. 3/ This is nitpicky, but the office building is fairly old. Would be nicer if the offices were in a newer building with nicer facilities and more parking, but I understand this adds cost and all-else being equal, I'd rather keep the rates low and deal with an older building. read more

Both my girls took a free evaluation test (which is good practice and information in itself!) and upon Steve's recommendation, skipped the class and did a few private session. They had flexible scheduling, were easy to work with and the girls appreciated the sessions - there was no feet dragging when it came to appointment time. Both improved their ACT scores by at least 4 points. Definitely worth the time and money. read more

I took a condensed LSAT prep course with Steve in January - despite the time constraints, it was very informative and definitely helpful. My LSAT score improved throughout the course. I can see Steve cares about his students and takes time to make sure everyone is getting enough attention. Plenty of prep materials. Recommend! read more

Words cannot express how disappointing our dealings with sandweiss test prep were...Not only did it cost us nearly $1000 but my child's SAT scores actually went down. Not to mention the RUDE and incredibly unprofessional office staff (Laurie). read more

Instructors are very smart and knowledgeable although very very rude and not understanding. When I answered a question wrong they would not explain to me what I did wrong, and just have me move on to the next question. I would not recommend this place to ANYBODY. Not worth it for how much it cost at all. read more

Unfortunately our experience was not great here. Our son needed work on a specific area and consistently went down in that area as well as the other areas on all practice test. We were told this was common and was not an indication of how he would do on the actual test. This was not the case. He dropped 5 points in the area we requested private tutoring for and remained the same in the other areas. We were very disappointed and would not recommend this service. read more

I took LSAT classes from Steve back in 2007-2008. My LSAT score improved because he taught me how to break down logic games, what to look for on comprehensions tests, etc. I am glad to see him success and expand his business. BTW, I went through law school and now I am a licensed attorney. read more

I had my first son get tutored from these guys, and now I have my second son in the prep class. These guys really know what they are doing. The other reviewers have unrealistic expectations. Your child has to work hard in order to have great scores. Just attending classes by itself will not increase your scores dramatically. You have to take what they teach and do your own targeted practice. These people are not miracle workers, but they very much care and will pull out the best possible score out of your child. read more

I took the GRE prep course, and I must say this was amazing. Steve was great, the material was immensely helpful, and the class was well organized. The structure also really helped me get my butt in gear - I did practice problems each week, and several practice tests, all of which were provided in the package. The strategies I learned were absolutely helpful on the test and I scored very very well! A bit pricey for a broke prospective grad student, but totally worth it! read more

Small, local operation that really cares about its students. My daughter was struggling with standardized tests (SAT, ACT) for college applications. From first interaction to last, Sandweiss was professional, helpful, easy to deal with, and most importantly they provided excellent tutoring services for my kid. They administered a practice ACT test, then compared that to her existing SAT scores to analyze and recommend a path towards increasing her scores. This required a mix of one-on-one tutoring and more practice tests. My kid felt Steve Sandweiss was an excellent tutor, and to be sure she had to put in A LOT of work, but under Steve's guidance she raised her score significantly. Payment process is easily done in person or online, the support staff is excellent and works hard to schedule your sessions and remind your kid so they dont forget to show up, and I felt the price was fair compared to the going rate in Seattle. Most importantly to us, Sandwdeiss never tried to sell us on additional services but rather encouraged my kid to spend her precious tutoring, testing, and studying time in the way that would most benefit her, not their bottom line. They worked with me on payment as this was a luxury (but necessary) service for us. HIghly, highly recommended and I have to believe a thousand times better than working with one of the national chains. read more

My son took the ACT prep class and not only did he enjoy the class, he improved his ACT score by 5 points. Steve reviewed his practice ACT and PSAT test results and recommended my son take the ACT minus the math section, so we signed him up for those sections only. He thought Steve was a great teacher and he never complained about going to class. The office staff was friendly and courteous. If students miss a class they have study hall offered once a week and they can get help there to get caught up. I signed my younger child up to take the class this spring, and so far she likes it too. She needed to do all the sections of the class. I know others who have gone here and liked it as well; you can't go wrong. Steve is very experienced and knowledgeable and you will get instruction that is more targeted to your child's needs. They won't waste your time and will recommend one of the 2 tests, and even just certain sections, or combinations of sections and private tutoring. read more

Sandweiss is a mess and not worth your dollars or your child's time. You think you've signed up for one class and then you get a registration confirmation for a different class. I should have found another place right then. 8 weeks later, my daughter went for an ISEE practice test and was made to take another SSAT practice test because they wrote her name in the wrong column. She clearly told the test admin twice that she was there for the ISEE. The test admin blamed her for not being clearer. What a collosal waste of time in a busy application season. I am so disappointed. read more

I took a GRE prep course with Steve this fall. It was definitely a great class that was well worth it. I got the scores I needed on my test and felt exceedingly more confident entering the test than before I took the course. It was a small class which was great and allowed for more individual help than I expected. The class was well structured and covered all parts of the test as well as focused on parts that the students' needed more help on. I will definitely recommend them to anyone that needs test prep! read more