What is a diagnostic test?

Ever heard of a practice test? Yeah, this is not that.

Our Diagnostic Testing is a sit-down, in-person, fully timed SAT/ACT exam that simulates the real thing. The point is to see exactly how your student performs under real conditions — because that’s the only way to get a true baseline.

That’s the difference: we’re not just measuring whether they know the material, but how they hold up in the actual test-day environment.

By the end, you don’t just get a score. You get a map: which test gives them the better shot, where they’re strong, where they’re slipping, and exactly what needs to be fixed. It’s the only way to build a plan that isn’t guesswork.

Sign up

Why start with a diagnostic?

Most parents jump straight into tutoring. That’s the mistake.

A diagnostic test gives you the map before you start the journey. It shows exactly where your kid stands, what’s holding them back, and which path gets them the biggest score jump in the shortest time.

Here's what usually happens without it:

❌ Time and money gets wasted prepping for the wrong test
❌ Kids grind for weeks without a clear strategy -- then plateau.
❌ There's no baseline score to measure progress against

  • SAT vs ACT performance

    Which test naturally plays to your student’s strengths.

  • Knowledge gaps

    Section by section -- where they crush it and where they still need help.

  • Timing and pacing

    Exposes whether they finish on time or rush and make avoidable errors.

  • Stamina and focus

    Measures if they can stay locked in for the full exam without fading.

  • Guesswork

    How often they guess and whether those guesses are smart or sloppy.

  • Strategy

    How effectively they choose when to skip, guess, or double down.

    Register for your tests

    Two fully timed tests, in real testing conditions, so your kid feels the pressure, the pacing, and the stamina it actually takes on test day.

    See availability

    Get your results

    Not just “here’s your score.” You’ll see which test gives your student the higher upside, where the easy points are hiding, and which patterns (timing, second-guessing, blanking) are holding them back.

    Game plan

    We don’t leave you staring at a score report. We'll walk you through the results, explains exactly what they mean, and hand you a clear roadmap — so you know where to focus and how to move the number. 

    Book a meeting

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When are practice tests available to take?

    Tests are administered every Sunday at 10am.

    Where are the practice tests administered?

    Practice tests are administered at 11300 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego CA 92121.

    How much does it cost?

    Each practice test is $100. If you end up tutoring with Pivot then that fee can be applied to your test prep plan.

    When can I expect to receive my test scores?

    Your scores will be delivered to your email within a period of two days following the test.

    Are there any materials that I need to bring for the test?

    The most important thing that you need to bring is a fully charged laptop or ipad to take the test on. You should also consider bringing a calculator, water and a snack.

    What components are included in this practice test?

    The practice test is a full-length SAT or ACT exam, inclusive of all sections that would appear on the official test.

    Can the practice test be taken online?

    Yes, you can take the practice test from a remote location. Contact us to learn more.

    Who provides your tests?

    Our tests are provided by ScoreSmart