College Coaching
Scottsdale Education Center’s College Coaching Department includes Desert Mountain High School’s Career and College Coordinator and Kim Duckworth, SEC owner. Kim specializes in the application process including resume development, application essay writing and question selection, the common application, college research, timeline development, letters of recommendation, in-state admissions, standardized testing review (ACT vs. SAT), and overall application review and student packaging. Kim has helped students gain admission to all in state schools as well as Stanford, Columbia, Yale, USC, George Washington University, Loyola, SMU, Georgetown, Pepperdine, Loyola Maramount, University of Cincinnati.
SAT Ready class
SEC engages students in a comprehensive SAT preparation class which targets either language or math skills. In addition to test-taking strategies, SEC teachers go further, actually teaching concepts. Students take three practice tests at intervals in order to measure progress. In preparation for the writing block, students actually write a timedessay each week which is then graded and analyzed. Not only do students see higher test scores, but they receive> solid instruction to enhance post graduate skills. Download and choose the class session that best suits your schedule. SAT Class Schedule >>
ACT Ready Class and College Admissions
Made Easy
SEC engages students in a 16-hour comprehensive ACT preparation class spread over 8 sessions, covering the
4 main sections of the ACT (Reading, English, Math and Science). Students will take a practice test for each
section throughout the course of the class, while learning tips and strategies to get through the test effectively
and efficiently. Subject areas will be broken down per week by our highly qualified teachers, allowing the
students to get an in-depth look at the specific section of the test and what it entails. Homework is assigned and
graded during the course for a better understanding of each area. Choose the class session and site that best suits your schedule
Read What Other's have said about SEC:
"Hi Kim! Yes, I heard from all of my colleges…There’s one I think you would be particularly excited about J. I was accepted at SMU…. BC, USC, and Stanford. When I look back and read the essays I wrote for these schools, I can’t help but think how grateful I am to you for all your advice and support. Not only did you give me great ideas, but you helped me realize what it was that I wanted to say in each essay. I am so grateful to you for helping me open up that side of myself in those essays.
- Xavier Student
Thank you so much for advising me with my college decisions and refining my college essays this past summer. Your tips and tricks were definitely helpful. I would recommend the Scottsdale Education Center for any high school student interested in improving their essay writing skills and gaining college advice. It was with your help that I was accepted into several prestigious universities including Yale, Duke, Northwestern, Cornell and UC Berkeley. I appreciate all your efforts in helping me achieve my dreams.
- DMHS student
"Not only are Kim and Dave extremely knowledgeable and experienced in their field but they are also compassionate and "user friendly" with the kids. In addition the staff at SEC is very competent and well trained with the Duckworths having mentored a high level of excellence there. They have proven results that the high school students that they have worked with are being admitted into great colleges."
-SEC/Brophy parent
“ More than just tutoring, SEC provides the perfect coaching environment with extensive personal attention.”
- SEC/ Desert Mountain High School parent