Welcome to StudyLark
StudyLark Test Prep was founded by David Lynch. For over 20 years, David has drawn upon his teaching and curriculum-development experience to create personalized study plans. We’ll help you achieve mastery more quickly with our modern, well-researched approach. Our one-on-one tutoring program blends real tests, specialized drills, robust teaching content, and expert instruction to get you to your goal.
Link to: Services
Better Materials
We’ve spent years researching the tests and polishing the materials in the classroom. Some tutors use books that are outdated or inaccurate, but our custom content is up-to-date, true to the test, and tailored to how students learn best.
Link to: Services
Lesson Customization
Many courses are rigid, scripted, and designed for an “average” student. Spending endless hours in such a class can be a waste of time or even turn someone off from studying. Through our initial consultation and iterative diagnostics, we focus on your best opportunities for additional points, and we move at the perfect pace for you.
Link to: Services
Professional Tutors
Even when we’re not teaching, we’re eating, sleeping, and breathing standardized tests. Because we’re constantly researching the test, we can see patterns and connections that less experienced tutors aren’t aware of. We can deftly introduce these insights into tutoring sessions based on a student’s needs.
Common questions
Why StudyLark?
Individual tutoring, especially with an experienced professional, is much more efficient than a class. You won’t waste time moving too slow or too fast, or talking about topics you’ve already mastered, or sitting through other people’s questions. Most classes are scripted—the instructor may not have the ability or latitude to bring in new test questions to help illustrate a topic if you need extra examples. If the instructor is inexperienced, you may receive unclear or inaccurate explanations, which is not a good use of your time.
As a professional tutor with over 20 years’ experience, I can help a student raise scores significantly, and I can do so more efficiently, with respect to time and cost, than books, group classes, or less experienced tutors. Students enjoy working with me because I am patient, funny, insightful, encouraging, and can give specific, practical, and effective advice.
What services do you offer?
We help people prepare for the SAT, ACT and LSAT.
How do I get started?
Get in touch! You can reach us by phone at 484-450-6370, email at info@studylark.com, or through the contact form.
The first thing we’ll do is schedule a free consultation. We’ll use that time to answer any questions you might have, learn more about your situation, and tell you about the program. Based on your needs, we’ll put together a study plan and suggest the best way to get started.
Where do the tutoring sessions take place?
All tutoring sessions are conducted virtually using Zoom and variety of other online tools.
How long do sessions last?
Sessions typically last for 1 hour, but this can be adjusted for students who would like longer sessions.
How frequently do you meet with students?
The schedule is flexible, but the most common frequency is weekly sessions. This lets you to keep up your studying momentum while allowing enough time between the sessions to complete a significant amount of homework. You can set up a weekly standing appointment (recommended) or schedule as you go. If you prefer to meet more or less frequently, we can accommodate that as well.
Can students and parents communicate with you between sessions?
Yes, communication is always open. I can be reached any time by phone, email, or text, and I will periodically reach out to the parent to give updates on progress as needed.
How do we know we’ll get results?
Students need to put in the work on their end, but those who do are very likely to see significant improvement. The best evidence for this is that I don’t need to advertise: for years, my client base has come solely from people recommending my services to their friends and family, based on their satisfaction with their outcomes.
What are your rates?
We have several rates, depending on whether you choose to do tutoring by the hour or sign up for a package. Find more details on the services page. We encourage you to do the first session or two at the hourly rate to ensure our program is a good fit, and then if you then want to convert over to a package, we can apply any previous payments toward the package. You never have to commit to something without knowing what you’re getting into.
How and when do I pay?
For the first session, you’ll receive an email invoice that you can pay online with a credit card, Apple Pay, Cash App, or Link. Subsequent sessions are billed automatically to the same payment method. If you choose to do a package, we’ll bill in several installments so you don’t need to pay for the whole thing all at once.
What qualifications and experience do you have in tutoring?
I have 20 years’ experience working with students of all ability levels. I have worked with tutoring organizations of all sizes, from national to local, in which I trained other teachers and developed curriculum. I have written and published multiple books on standardized tests. I am constantly researching the latest trends in the tests, and I network with other tutors nationwide to improve pedagogy.
What materials do you use?
No matter which test you’re studying for, the core of your preparation must be real test questions from the official test makers. We only use real practice tests, along with lots of official test questions as released by the test makers.
In addition to using real tests, we’ve spent years writing the books and resources that we’ll use in the sessions to set you up with the knowledge and strategies you need on test day. This custom curriculum is always up to date and is based on thorough research into the test. We know the books inside and out because we wrote them!
How do you customize the learning experience for each student?
The tutoring program is designed to be robust, organized, and personalized. We use a variety of analytical tools, along with my own observations and feedback from the student, to focus on the areas most likely to yield additional points. We move at the right pace for the student and focus on the right topics. The schedule and workload are tailored to fit with the student’s schedule.
How do you measure and report a student’s progress?
After each practice test, students are provided with a detailed score report breakdown. This provides insights about topics and trends, including how the student is progressing through the homework and curriculum. It shows what assignments the student has completed and makes recommendations for the most valuable topics to address next. It provides an estimated score range if the student were to take the test tomorrow.
How is homework assigned?
I use an online tool called a Trello board to trade assignments and keep everything organized and in one place. Students can get a phone app that allows them to easily submit homework, and they get a notification when results are available. After each session I provide a digital checklist of the homework assignments, and students can communicate with me through the board.
Are you certified by any professional organizations?
I am a founding member of the National Test Prep Association (NTPA), which is a professional association dedicated to supporting test prep professionals, upholding the highest ethical standards, and promoting best practices in the test prep industry.
