FAQ

Desmos Mastery Cohort

The Desmos Mastery Cohort focuses on helping students master the Desmos graphing calculator for key Algebra and Advanced Math problem types on the Digital SAT and ACT.

Students learn when to use Desmos, when not to use Desmos, and how to use calculator strategies to save time, increase accuracy, and approach difficult problems with confidence.

Topics Covered

• Single-variable equations

• Systems of equations

• Systems of inequalities

• Quadratics

• Functions

• Complex fractions

• Rational equations

• Absolute value equations

• Square root equations

• Mean and median problems

• Linear and quadratic regression

• Circles and coordinate geometry

• ACT-specific complex number strategies

• Desmos shortcuts for test-day efficiency

Geometry Mastery Cohort

The Geometry Mastery Cohort helps students review, strengthen, and master the geometry concepts most frequently tested on the Digital SAT and ACT. Students learn efficient problem-solving strategies, refresh key formulas and theorems, and develop the confidence to solve geometry problems quickly and accurately on test day.

Topics Covered

• Geometry foundations & essential formulas

• Angle relationships, parallel lines & transversals

• Polygons & interior/exterior angle sums

• Triangles (similarity, congruence & proportions)

• Special right triangles & the Pythagorean Theorem

• Right triangle trigonometry (SOH-CAH-TOA)

• Angles of elevation & depression

• Circles (arcs, sectors, tangents & equations)

• Coordinate geometry (distance, midpoint, slope & equations of lines)

• Area, perimeter, surface area & volume

• Composite figures & three-dimensional geometry

• Coordinate geometry & Desmos strategies

• Time-saving ACT/SAT geometry techniques

• Official ACT & SAT geometry practice problems

• Geometry review and test-day strategies

Everything Students Receive

✅ 12 hours of live, interactive instruction delivered through Google Meet across 8 sessions (1.5 hours each) in a small cohort limited to just 8 students for personalized attention.

✅ 3 hours of live open office hours for additional help, homework questions, and ACT/SAT strategy support. (scheduled in weeks 2, 3, 4 of the cohort)

✅ Two private 20-minute coaching sessions with Paul Wright

• One before the cohort to establish goals

• One midway through the program to review progress

✅ Every class recorded so students can review lessons or catch up if they miss a session

✅ Color-coded PDF lesson notes after every class for easy studying and review

✅ Comprehensive student workbook with guided notes, homework, and additional practice

✅ 150+ official ACT and College Board Digital SAT math problems discussed throughout the cohort

✅ Interactive Google Meet instruction where students ask questions, solve problems together, and receive immediate feedback

✅ Small-group instruction that ensures every student has a voice and receives personalized attention

✅ Strategies rarely taught in school classrooms

✅ Support from Paul Wright through live instruction, office hours, and one-on-one coaching

Ascend Test Prep is more than test prep. It is a complete student support system designed to build confidence, improve problem-solving skills, and prepare students for success on test day and in their current math classes.

Small Cohorts

Each cohort is capped at 8 students, giving every student the chance to participate, ask questions, and receive feedback.

Live Google Meet Instruction

All classes, office hours, and coaching sessions are conducted live through Google Meet. Students interact with Paul Wright in real time and work through problems alongside their classmates.

Recorded Lessons

Every live session is recorded so students can review the material anytime or catch up if they miss a class. For student privacy, only the instructor's screen, lesson presentation, and worked examples are recorded. Student video, names, and participant windows are never included in the recordings.  

PDF Notes After Every Class

Students receive organized, color-coded notes after each lesson, making it easier to review before quizzes, practice tests, and official exams.

Open Office Hours

Students can attend live office hours for homework help, extra practice, ACT/SAT questions, or personalized support.

Parent Communication

Parents stay informed throughout the program and know what their student is working on, how they are progressing, and where additional practice may be needed.

A Teacher Who Truly Cares

Paul Wright builds relationships with students, celebrates their progress, challenges them to grow, and helps them become more confident, independent problem solvers.

The Desmos Mastery Cohort is ideal for students preparing for the Digital SAT or ACT who want to master Desmos strategies for Algebra and Advanced Math questions.

The Geometry Mastery Cohort is designed for students who need to strengthen or refresh the geometry concepts most often tested on the Digital SAT and ACT.

Both cohorts are appropriate for students at a wide range of score levels, although students already scoring around 600+ on SAT Math or 25+ on ACT Math may be able to apply the strategies more quickly.

Each cohort is capped at 8 students. This keeps the class small, interactive, and personal. Students are not just watching a lecture—they are asking questions, solving problems, and receiving direct feedback.

All classes are conducted live through Google Meet. Students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

Each Google Meet session includes:

• Live instruction

• Screen sharing

• Digital annotations

• Color-coded examples

• Interactive problem solving

• Student questions

• Recorded lessons

• PDF notes after class

Google Meet is also used for all one-on-one coaching sessions and open office hours.

Every class is built around active participation—not passive lectures. Students solve authentic ACT and Digital SAT-style math problems while mastering the fastest, most effective strategies for maximizing their scores. Through guided instruction, collaborative activities, friendly competition, and real-time feedback, students build the confidence and speed needed to excel on test day.

During each session, students will:

• Master new ACT and Digital SAT strategies that improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.

• Work through authentic ACT and Digital SAT-style questions with step-by-step guidance.

• Collaborate with classmates to discuss strategies, compare approaches, and learn from one another in a supportive small-group environment.

• Participate in fun review games and friendly competitions that reinforce key concepts while keeping learning engaging.

• Complete timed problem-solving drills that simulate the pace and pressure of the ACT and Digital SAT.

• Ask questions throughout the lesson and receive immediate, personalized feedback.

• Compare multiple solution methods to determine the fastest and most efficient approach, including when and how to use Desmos strategically.

• Identify and eliminate common mistakes that frequently cost students valuable points.

• Build confidence through consistent practice in an encouraging, supportive environment where mistakes become opportunities to learn and improve.

• Leave each class with new strategies and skills they can immediately apply on practice tests and exam day.

Each cohort includes:

• 8 live instructional sessions, each 1.5 hours long (12 hours of total live instruction)

• 3 hours of live open office hours for additional support and questions

• Two private 20-minute one-on-one coaching sessions

• Recorded class sessions available for review

• Color-coded PDF lesson notes after every class

• A comprehensive student workbook with guided notes, homework, and additional practice problems

Students should expect to spend 1–3 hours per week reviewing notes, completing workbook assignments, and practicing strategies.

Consistent practice matters. Even 15–20 minutes per day is more effective than cramming everything right before the exam.

Traditional tutoring often focuses on homework help or reteaching classroom content.

Ascend Test Prep is designed specifically for the ACT and Digital SAT, helping students understand not only how to solve problems, but why the most efficient strategies work. Rather than memorizing shortcuts or isolated tricks, students develop a deep understanding of the mathematical concepts being tested and learn how those concepts appear in different question formats. This foundation allows them to recognize patterns, adapt to unfamiliar problems, and make smarter decisions under timed conditions.

Students focus on:

• ACT and Digital SAT-specific question types

• Time-saving problem-solving strategies

• Pattern recognition across multiple problem types

• Test-day decision making and strategy

• Strategic Desmos calculator mastery

• The geometry, algebra, functions, and advanced math concepts that are most frequently tested

• Understanding why efficient solution methods work—not just memorizing tricks

• Connecting individual techniques to the broader mathematical concepts and learning standards behind each question

• Developing the confidence to apply these strategies to new and unfamiliar problems

Students leave the program knowing how the ACT and Digital SAT assess mathematical reasoning—not just how math is traditionally taught in the classroom. They gain a deeper understanding of the "why" behind each strategy, enabling them to solve problems accurately, efficiently, and with confidence on test day.

Yes. Every student receives a comprehensive workbook with guided notes, strategy examples, homework, and additional practice problems.

Students also work through more than 150 Official Practice ACT and College Board Digital SAT math problems throughout the cohort.

No. Everything needed for the course is included.

Students should have access to:

• Google Meet

• The Bluebook app for Digital SAT practice

• The ACT online testing platform, if preparing for the ACT

• The Desmos calculator used on the exams

Every class is recorded. Students who miss a session can watch the recording, review the PDF notes, attend office hours, and ask follow-up questions during coaching sessions.

Office hours provide extra support outside of class.  The office hours for each cohort are listed when registering for the cohort. 

Students may use office hours to:

• Ask homework questions

• Review difficult concepts

• Practice additional problems

• Prepare for upcoming exams

• Get personalized help from Paul Wright

Yes. Many students report that the strategies they learn also help them in Algebra II, Geometry, Precalculus, and other high school math courses.

The Desmos shortcuts, geometry strategies, and problem-solving methods often make classroom math feel more manageable.

No. Ascend Test Prep does not guarantee specific ACT or SAT score improvements, percentile rankings, or college admission outcomes.

A student's results depend on many factors, including attendance, effort, consistency, independent practice, prior math knowledge, and performance on test day. Ascend Test Prep provides expert instruction, proven strategies, and ongoing support, but every student's journey is different.

That said, there are some things we know to be true. Like any skill in life, the more focused time and effort you invest, the more likely you are to improve. Students who learn efficient problem-solving strategies, strengthen their mathematical understanding, and practice applying those skills under realistic testing conditions are better prepared to maximize their scores.

If you can solve routine problems more quickly and accurately, you'll have more time to devote to the most challenging questions on the exam. If you understand why a strategy works—not just how to use it—you'll be better equipped to recognize similar problems and adapt when the test presents something unfamiliar.

Every student I've worked with has improved their math score. Some have seen dramatic increases, while others have made more modest gains. Not every student reaches their target score on the first attempt, but every test provides valuable feedback. We review results, identify areas of weakness, refine strategies, and create a plan for continued improvement.

My goal isn't simply to teach students how to answer today's practice problems—it's to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, and decision-making skills they need to continue improving long after the course ends.

Refund requests may be made before the start of the second scheduled class session, less any applicable registration and processing fees. ($450 will be refunded).

Once the second class session begins, no refunds will be issued, regardless of attendance, scheduling conflicts, or withdrawal from the program.

30 Days Before the Exam

This is a great option for students who already have a strong math foundation and want to keep skills fresh right before the official test. Students can go directly from the cohort into exam day with strategies still fresh in their minds.

60 Days Before the Exam

This gives students more time to learn, practice, and build confidence. It is a strong option for students who will commit to practice between sessions. Students need to be honest with themselves—if procrastination is an issue, they must stay disciplined.

90 Days Before the Exam

This is the ideal timeline for most students. It allows enough time to review, practice, attend office hours, revisit difficult topics, and focus on the harder ACT/SAT problem types without feeling rushed.

Students should take the Desmos Mastery Cohort if they want to improve speed and accuracy on Algebra and Advanced Math problems using the Desmos calculator.

Students should take the Geometry Mastery Cohort if they need to strengthen geometry skills, review formulas, and become faster at recognizing geometry question types.

Students who take both cohorts receive the most complete preparation because they strengthen both the calculator-based strategies and the geometry concepts that are commonly tested.