Nationwide ACT, SAT & College Prep Specialists — Based in Chicago

Your Child Doesn't Need More Practice.
They Need Precision Coaching.

Anya Pasowicz has spent years inside Chicago's most competitive academic environments — first as a student, then as an educator and coach. She serves families nationwide via remote sessions and in person across Chicagoland. Students she has supported have reported more than $2 million in scholarships and acceptances to universities including Harvard, Cornell, and UChicago.

$2M+
In scholarships
earned by students
Up to 280
Reported SAT
point increase
Up to 12 pts
Reported ACT
score increase
Nationwide
Remote sessions
available everywhere

Selected Student Results

Score Transformations That Open Doors

A meaningful ACT or SAT increase can expand a student's admissions and scholarship opportunities — especially when the improved score strengthens an already competitive application.

19 → 31
+12 pts  |  ≈ +360 SAT
U of Illinois
Full Ride Scholarship
1280 → 1560
+280 pts  |  ≈ +7 ACT
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor Admit
30 → 36
+6 pts  |  ≈ +180 SAT
Cornell
Ivy League Admit
Universities attended or accepted to by students Anya has supported
HarvardCornellUChicagoNorthwesternDukeGeorgetownNotre DameVanderbiltEmoryJohns HopkinsWashington Univ. in St. LouisRice UniversityWake ForestUniversity of VirginiaUNC Chapel HillUCLAUC BerkeleyUSCNYUBoston UniversityNortheasternVillanovaLoyola University ChicagoDePaul UniversityMarquette UniversityUniv. of MichiganUW MadisonU of Illinois — Full RidePurdueIndiana University BloomingtonOhio StateMichigan StatePenn StateUniversity of MinnesotaUniversity of MissouriUniversity of KansasIowa StateUniversity of NebraskaBoston CollegeTulaneUniversity of RochesterUniversity of IowaUniversity of FloridaUniversity of GeorgiaUniversity of TennesseeUniversity of ArizonaArizona StateUniversity of Colorado BoulderUniversity of Kentucky
$2,000,000+
In scholarship dollars reported by Elevate studentsFocused preparation can strengthen a student's overall application and expand scholarship opportunities when paired with strong academics and thoughtful planning.

Why Elevate

Why Choose an Independent Specialist?

Large tutoring companies often mean a rotating roster of tutors and fees that cover corporate overhead. An independent specialist works differently.

Remote — Built for Flexibility

Sessions are conducted via video from anywhere in the country. No commute, no scheduling around geography — just expert coaching delivered directly to your student, wherever they are.

Direct Access to the Expert

You work with Anya or Lizzie — not whoever is available that week. Every session is with the same specialist who knows your student's history.

Flexible, Goal-Based Programs

Each student receives a clear plan based on their starting point, test date, and goals. Programs provide enough consistency for meaningful progress while remaining personalized and practical.

Neurodivergent-Experienced

Extensive background with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, 504 Plans, and test anxiety coaching. Every student gets a plan built for how they actually learn.

The Process

How It Works

A repeatable four-step method that turns scattered preparation into a focused, results-driven plan.

STEP 01
Baseline Assessment

A full practice test establishes a precise starting point. No guessing. No generic assumptions.

STEP 02
Custom Strategy

Anya builds a personalized plan targeting your student's specific gaps — not a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

STEP 03
Weekly Sessions

Two-hour sessions with targeted homework that reinforces material without overwhelming other commitments.

STEP 04
Measurable Results

Students go into their exam confident, prepared, and strategically equipped to perform under pressure.

Programs & Packages

Choose the Level of Support Your Student Needs

ACT and SAT preparation is offered in structured packages so students have the time, accountability, and targeted practice needed to make meaningful progress. Every package begins with a baseline assessment and a personalized study plan.

8 Sessions
Focused Foundation

A targeted program for students with a specific section weakness, a solid starting score, or a shorter preparation window.

Includes baseline review, weekly coaching, targeted homework, and progress tracking
16 Sessions
Comprehensive Intensive

The highest-support option for ambitious score goals, significant foundational gaps, or students preparing across more than one test date.

Includes deeper content review, repeated benchmarking, and an extended testing plan
Additional programs
ACT Reading or English Focus Selective Enrollment Prep Personal Statement Intensive AP Exam Preparation Ongoing Academic Support

Selective Enrollment & Private Admissions

We Know These Schools Because We Came From Them

Chicago's Selective Enrollment system is unlike any other in the country. Anya is a Whitney Young graduate — this isn't research, it's lived experience turned into a repeatable method. Preparation is also available for competitive private high schools that use their own entrance exams.

Whitney Young
Lane Tech
Northside Prep
Jones College Prep
Walter Payton
St. Ignatius
Loyola Academy
DePaul Prep

What Families Say

In Their Own Words

ACT · 28 → 33
★★★★★
"

Anya came in with a detailed plan — time management, pacing, and strategies that worked. His scores jumped from 28 to 33. Beyond the score, he learned to approach problems strategically rather than rushing.

Mrs. G.
Parent of an ACT student
Selective Enrollment · Jones
★★★★★
"

We were nervous about the SEHS exam — it felt like a black box. Anya mapped out exactly what the test rewards and drilled it systematically. My daughter got into Jones on her first attempt.

Mrs. T.
Parent, Jones College Prep admit
Personal Statement · Cornell
★★★★★
"

She helped me dig deeper and find the real story I wanted to tell. I went from stuck to proud. I was accepted to Cornell, and I truly believe my essay played a huge role.

Former Student, Class of 2025
Cornell University admit
Selective Enrollment · Northside
★★★★★
"

Anya spent weeks preparing my son specifically for Northside Prep — the reading, the math pacing, all of it. He walked in calm and prepared. Getting that acceptance was one of the best days of our family's life.

Mr. A.
Parent, Northside Prep admit

Selected Student Outcomes

Real Students. Meaningful Progress.

These examples reflect score increases, school acceptances, and scholarship outcomes reported by students and families who committed to a focused preparation plan.

ACT & SAT Score Jumps

How Focused Preparation Can Change a Score

Score growth varies by student, starting point, timeline, and consistency. The examples below show the kind of progress students have achieved through targeted instruction and sustained practice.

19 → 31
+12 pts  |  ≈ +360 SAT
U of Illinois
Full Ride Scholarship
1280 → 1560
+280 pts  |  ≈ +7 ACT
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor Admit
30 → 36
+6 pts  |  ≈ +180 SAT
Cornell
Ivy League Admit
Universities attended or accepted to by students Anya has supported
HarvardCornellUChicagoNorthwesternDukeGeorgetownNotre DameVanderbiltEmoryJohns HopkinsWashington Univ. in St. LouisRice UniversityWake ForestUniversity of VirginiaUNC Chapel HillUCLAUC BerkeleyUSCNYUBoston UniversityNortheasternVillanovaLoyola University ChicagoDePaul UniversityMarquette UniversityUniv. of MichiganUW MadisonU of Illinois — Full RidePurdueIndiana University BloomingtonOhio StateMichigan StatePenn StateUniversity of MinnesotaUniversity of MissouriUniversity of KansasIowa StateUniversity of NebraskaBoston CollegeTulaneUniversity of RochesterUniversity of IowaUniversity of FloridaUniversity of GeorgiaUniversity of TennesseeUniversity of ArizonaArizona StateUniversity of Colorado BoulderUniversity of Kentucky
Selective Enrollment & Private High School Placements
Whitney YoungJones College PrepNorthside PrepWalter PaytonLane TechSt. IgnatiusLoyola AcademyDePaul Prep
$2,000,000+
Total scholarship dollars reported by Elevate studentsStronger scores can expand scholarship opportunities when paired with a competitive academic record and thoughtful application strategy.

All Reviews

What Students & Families Say

ACT · 28 → 33
★★★★★
"

Anya came in with a detailed plan — time management, pacing, and strategies that worked. His scores jumped from 28 to 33. Beyond the score, he learned to approach problems strategically rather than rushing.

Mrs. G.
Parent of an ACT student
Selective Enrollment · Jones
★★★★★
"

We were nervous about the SEHS exam — it felt like a black box. Anya mapped out exactly what the test rewards and drilled it systematically. My daughter got into Jones on her first attempt. We are so grateful.

Mrs. T.
Parent, Jones College Prep admit
High School Admissions · St. Ignatius
★★★★★
"

My son had his heart set on Ignatius but his scores weren't there. Anya identified exactly where he was losing points and rebuilt his approach section by section. He got in. Worth every penny.

Mr. K.
Parent, St. Ignatius admit
Selective Enrollment · Northside
★★★★★
"

Anya spent weeks preparing my son specifically for Northside Prep — the reading, the math pacing, all of it. He walked in calm and prepared. Getting that acceptance was one of the best days of our family's life.

Mr. A.
Parent, Northside Prep admit
Personal Statement · Cornell
★★★★★
"

She helped me dig deeper and find the real story I wanted to tell. I went from stuck to proud. I was accepted to Cornell, and I truly believe my essay played a huge role.

Former Student, Class of 2025
Cornell University admit
AP US History · Score 5
★★★★★
"

Anya created a clear roadmap and taught my son memory strategies and how to approach every question type. He scored a 5 — beyond our expectations — and genuinely enjoyed learning history again.

Ms. H.
Parent of an APUSH student
AP Literature
★★★★★
"

Anya broke down each assignment and developed my daughter's own voice and critical thinking. By the AP exam she felt confident and prepared. Her teacher even commented on her growth.

Mr. R.
Parent of an AP Lit student
Student with ADHD
★★★★★
"

Anya structured lessons to maintain engagement, breaking topics into smaller sections. My daughter stayed on task, built confidence, and her test scores improved noticeably. Truly tailored.

Mr. W.
Parent of a student with ADHD
Test Anxiety · ACT
★★★★★
"

Anya worked with my son on stress-reduction and pacing — not just content. He went into the ACT feeling prepared rather than stressed. Strategy, practice, and support all made the difference.

Ms. B.
Parent of an ACT student
AP Psychology
★★★★★
"

Anya created a plan with active recall, practice tests, and concept mapping. My son developed strategies to tackle challenging questions — not just memorize. His scores improved significantly.

Mrs. F.
Parent of an AP Psych student
K–12 Math
★★★★★
"

My child started looking forward to math homework instead of dreading it. Within weeks, test scores improved and he gained real confidence. Anya's ability to simplify complex concepts made all the difference.

Mrs. C.
Parent of a middle school student
AP Spanish
★★★★★
"

Anya structured lessons with conversational practice, essay writing, and comprehension exercises. By the AP exam my daughter felt prepared and calm. Her consistent encouragement was key to her success.

Mr. V.
Parent of an AP Spanish student

Personal Statement & College Essay Coaching

The Strongest Essay Is the One That Sounds Like You.

Writing a college personal statement can feel overwhelming — it is often the most vulnerable part of the application. Anya guides students from uncertain first drafts to polished, authentic essays, including students later accepted to highly selective universities.

Anya's Story

She Has Been on Both Sides of the Application

Whitney Young Writing Center — One of Three

When Anya was a senior at Whitney Young, her personal statement was selected as one of only three essays included in the school's Writing Center example book. That experience ignited a deep interest in personal storytelling that has shaped her teaching ever since.

What Makes an Essay Stand Out

Her approach goes beyond grammar edits. She guides students through idea development, structure, voice, clarity, and revision — to produce an essay that reflects the student's personality, maturity, and goals in a way that stands out in a competitive pool.

Student Outcomes: Cornell, Northwestern, Full Rides

Students Anya has worked with have been accepted to Cornell University and Northwestern University, and have earned full scholarships to the University of Illinois. The essay is more than writing — it is your student's opportunity to be heard.

01
Story Discovery

We uncover the experiences that are uniquely yours — the ones admissions officers have never read before.

02
Structure & Voice

We build a narrative arc that is compelling, specific, and authentically the student's own voice.

03
Revision & Polish

Multiple rounds of detailed feedback until the essay is sharp, honest, and impossible to put down.

What Students Say

Essays That Made the Difference

Cornell University admit
★★★★★
"

Working with Anya completely changed my college application. She helped me dig deeper and find the real story I wanted to tell — more specific, more reflective, more authentic without losing my voice. I went from stuck to proud. I was accepted to Cornell, and I truly believe my essay played a huge role.

Former Student, Class of 2025
Cornell University
AP Literature student
★★★★★
"

Anya helped my daughter develop not just writing skills but her own critical voice. She focused on content, voice, and critical thinking. Her teacher commented on her growth by the AP exam. These are skills she'll use far beyond the classroom.

Mr. R.
Parent of an AP Literature student

Meet the Specialists

Coached by People Who Know This System Intimately

Elevate Academic Prep is a two-person expert team serving families nationwide. Every student works directly with a specialist — not a marketplace tutor, not a rotating face — someone with deep expertise in the exact exam that matters most. Based in Chicago, available everywhere via remote sessions.

The Story Behind Elevate

Anya Pasowicz — Founder & Lead Strategist

Anya Pasowicz

"I have been tutoring my whole life. It started before it was ever a job."

Anya grew up in Chicago and attended Whitney Young Magnet High School — one of the city's most competitive Selective Enrollment schools. While there, she was selected for the Writing Center showcase for her personal statement and spent her time tutoring classmates in AP Economics and AP Calculus.

After earning her degree from the University of Dallas — majoring in English with a minor in Spanish — she returned to Chicago and built Elevate Academic Prep from the ground up. She spent two years as a Math Enrichment Specialist at Saint Mary of the Angels and has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent learners, including students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and 504 Plans.

Anya's passion for tutoring is personal: her own 34 on the ACT earned her a life-changing scholarship that made her college education possible. She founded Elevate to help other students unlock those same doors. Outside of tutoring, Anya is a professional harpist who performs across Chicagoland, bringing the same discipline of quiet, deliberate practice to every student she mentors.

Anya Pasowicz

Founder & Lead Strategist — ACT · SAT · AP · Selective Enrollment · Personal Statement

Advanced Math Division — New

AP Calculus BC Can Be a Major Milestone Before College

A strong AP Calculus BC score can demonstrate advanced preparation and may earn college credit, depending on the institution's policy. Lizzie brings focused, exam-specific support that connects course mastery with the pacing, reasoning, and problem types students will encounter on the AP exam.

Target Score
5
AP exam — top band
Covers
AB + BC
Both exam tracks

The Specialists

Meet the Team

Anya Pasowicz
Anya Pasowicz
Founder · ACT, SAT & Selective Enrollment
Whitney Young AlumFirst-hand experience with Chicago's Selective Enrollment system and the expectations of a highly competitive academic environment.
7+ Years of TutoringACT, SAT, AP courses, personal statements, and Selective Enrollment — all under one roof.
University of Dallas — BA in English, Spanish MinorAnalytical and linguistic depth that informs every session.
Math Enrichment SpecialistTwo years at Saint Mary of the Angels deepening classroom instincts.
Neurodivergent-ExperiencedADHD, autism, dyslexia, 504 Plans, and test anxiety coaching.
Lizzie Pasowicz
Lizzie Pasowicz
Advanced Math Lead · AP Calculus AB & BC
AP Calculus AB & BC SpecialistMath & Accounting double major at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Supports students aiming for strong course performance and AP exam results.
K–12 Through CalculusWorks with students from foundational arithmetic all the way through advanced college-level coursework.
Summer Camp & Group InstructionExperienced in small-group sessions and summer academic programs.
Patient & Structured ApproachEspecially effective with students who feel overwhelmed or unsure in math.

What We Cover

Services & Packages

Every engagement is tailored to the student's specific goals, timeline, and learning style.

Subject / ServiceSpecialistFormat
ACT & SAT — All SectionsAnya1-on-1 or Small Group
Selective Enrollment Entrance ExamsAnya1-on-1
Personal Statement & College EssaysAnya1-on-1
AP Language & AP LiteratureAnya1-on-1
AP US HistoryAnya1-on-1
AP SpanishAnya1-on-1
AP PsychologyAnya1-on-1
K–12 Math & ReadingAnya1-on-1
AP Calculus AB & BCLizzie1-on-1
K–12 Advanced MathLizzie1-on-1

Our Packages

Programs are recommended after a consultation and are built around the student's baseline, goals, and test date. Families receive a clear written agreement outlining the plan, payment schedule, cancellations, and expectations.

Chicago Specialty
Selective Enrollment Sprint

Designed specifically for Chicago Selective Enrollment entrance exam preparation, with targeted work in tested content, pacing, and strategy — informed by Anya's first-hand experience as a Whitney Young graduate.

Best for: 8th graders preparing for SEHS
AP Courses
AP Deep Dive

Targeted support for one or more AP courses. Content mastery plus exam strategy — so students learn how to perform, not just what to know.

Best for: students targeting a 4 or 5
College Applications
Personal Statement Intensive

Story discovery through final polish. Multiple revision rounds, admissions perspective, and a finished essay the student is genuinely proud to submit.

Best for: rising seniors and early applicants
New · Advanced Math
AP Calculus BC Program

Exam-specific coaching with Lizzie for students aiming for a 4 or 5. Covers both AB and BC tracks with structured weekly sessions and targeted practice.

Best for: STEM-track students in Calculus
Ongoing
Academic Support

Flexible weekly tutoring for K–12 Math, Reading, or multi-subject support. Structured around the student's coursework and learning style.

Best for: students needing consistent support

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know
Before Applying

Elevate Academic Prep is an independent practice built around flexibility, personalization, clear expectations, and direct access to the specialist working with your student. Serving families nationwide via remote sessions.

01Why should we choose Elevate over a large tutoring company?
Anya brings 7+ years of experience and specializes in K–12 math, AP courses, and all sections of the ACT and SAT. Families work directly with the same specialist throughout the process, with a plan tailored to the student's goals, timeline, and learning style. Written agreements keep expectations clear without sacrificing personalization.
02What subjects does Elevate specialize in?
  • K–12 Math & Reading (specialty: Math)
  • AP Language, AP Literature, AP US History, AP Spanish, AP Psychology
  • AP Calculus AB & BC (with Lizzie)
  • ACT & SAT — all sections
  • Personal Statement & College Essay Consultations
  • Selective Enrollment entrance exam prep
03Do you offer formats beyond one-on-one?
Yes. Elevate offers private one-on-one sessions, small group ACT classes (great for cost-sharing among friends or siblings), and flexible academic support. School partnerships for structured ACT/SAT prep classes of 15–20 students are also available.
04Are online sessions available?
Absolutely — and it's how the majority of our students work with us. Remote sessions via video are available for ACT prep, SAT prep, AP courses, and K–12 academic tutoring, making expert coaching accessible from anywhere in the country. The remote setup offers tremendous flexibility: students can work from home on their own schedule without commute time, and many families across the U.S. have found it just as effective as in-person sessions.
05How are test prep sessions structured?
A standard ACT/SAT session is two hours, once per week — held remotely via video call or in-person for local Chicago-area families. Before the first session, Anya consults with the family and assigns a practice test as a baseline. Weekly homework of approximately 1–2 hours reinforces material without overwhelming other commitments.
06How are regular academic tutoring sessions structured?
Academic tutoring is fully tailored to each student's needs. Lessons focus on understanding concepts, reinforcing skills, and targeted practice in areas of improvement — adapted to the student's learning style and pace.
07What materials do you use?
Official ACT, SAT, and AP materials are used whenever possible so students practice with the most accurate, up-to-date content available. K–12 sessions use curriculum resources and personalized exercises based on each student's goals.
08What are your rates?
Test-prep and college-essay services are typically offered as structured packages, while ongoing academic support may be scheduled weekly. Rates depend on the subject, format, baseline, timeline, and level of support needed. After the strategy consultation, Anya provides a personalized recommendation, package quote, and written tutoring agreement.
09How do I pay?
Payments are accepted via:
VenmoZelleCheckCash
Invoices are available upon request.
10Where do you work with students?
Elevate Academic Prep serves families nationwide. Remote sessions are conducted via video call and are available to any student, anywhere in the country. For local Chicago-area families, group sessions are held at a local public library and one-on-one sessions can take place at the student's home. Anya primarily serves in-person families across Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Bucktown, Lakeview, Evanston, and the North Shore.

Apply for a Strategy Consultation

Let's Talk About Your
Student's Goals.

Anya works with a small number of students each semester so every engagement receives her full attention. Complete the form below to start the conversation.

Enrollment Is Limited by Design

Anya takes on a limited number of students each semester so every family receives her full attention. Complete the form to start the conversation — she reviews every inquiry personally and will follow up within 48 hours.

LocationBased in Chicago, IL — serving families nationwide via remote sessions. In-person available across Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Bucktown, Lakeview, Evanston & the North Shore.
Payment Methods
VenmoZelleCheckCash
Response TimeAnya reviews all inquiries personally and responds within 48 hours.

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