Your keys to test success

Build the skills, strategy and confidence to move forward.

Cox Tutoring Group is a caring, student-centered practice offering personalized SAT and ACT preparation, academic support and college essay guidance in Westborough and virtually.

I am unable to answer the phone when I'm with students, so please EMAIL me at Donna.coxtutoring@gmail.com to inquire about tutoring.

I do my very best to answer emails within 24 hours, so if you haven't heard from me within that time, PLEASE check your spam folder.

Official Cox Tutoring Group logo featuring three keys and the words Your keys to test success
Three keys. One individualized plan. Each key represents something students can carry with them on test day and beyond.
Orange key representing skills

Skills

Close knowledge gaps and strengthen the concepts and question types that matter.

Gold key representing strategy

Strategy

Manage time, recognize difficulty and make deliberate choices under test conditions.

Blue key representing confidence

Confidence

Know what to expect and approach the test prepared rather than surprised.

Personal attention. Thoughtful preparation.One-on-one guidance built around each student’s concerns, strengths and learning style.
Since 2003SAT and ACT preparation
180+ pointsAverage SAT score increase among hundreds of CTG students in the graduating classes of 2004–2023
One-on-oneIndividualized advice and correction-with-analysis
Flexible timesAfter-school, evening and weekend availability
Personalized support

Tutoring that meets students where they are

CTG supports test preparation, school coursework and the college application essay process while paying close attention to each student’s individual concerns and weak spots.

SAT & ACT preparation

Preparation for all portions of the SAT and ACT, including content review, timing, practice and test-taking strategies.

Compare the tests

Academic tutoring

Support in middle- and high school Math through pre-calculus as well as referrals for additional subjects.

See academic support

College essays

Brainstorming and editing support from experts, some of whom are published authors and all of whom have years of experience assisting students with their essays.

Explore essay support

Specialist referrals

Connections to experienced tutors and specialists in a variety of additional subjects, from Chemistry to Stats and even certain AP level courses.

View referral areas
The CTG philosophy

Three keys guide every student’s preparation

Skills, strategy and confidence work together to help students prepare deliberately and approach test day knowing what to expect.

Skills

Strengthen the concepts and question types most likely to appear, while addressing the student’s particular gaps.

Strategy

Practice how to recognize difficulty, manage time, retrieve knowledge and use personal strengths deliberately.

Confidence

Replace surprises and uncertainty with preparation, familiarity, encouragement and an individualized plan.

Experience and care

Part of your child’s academic team

CTG tutors work one-on-one so they can understand each student’s needs and offer individualized guidance. Every session is designed to be encouraging, respectful and responsive to the student’s learning style.

  • Timed practice under realistic conditions
  • College Board and ACT practice materials
  • Lectures, visuals and written review
  • Correction-with-analysis after practice
  • In-person and virtual tutoring options
A local practice

Westborough roots. Flexible support.

The CTG office is just off Route 9, with free parking in a well-traveled, well-lit lot. Virtual tutoring expands access to CTG’s specialists.

“More than anything, you give him confidence in Math - which is no small feat!”
— ES
“Her SAT score was the first time since the pandemic that she felt proud of an accomplishment and had hope for her future.”
— CH
“I got a 1420 - 730 in math and 690 in English. ... You were amazing at explaining details and your experience helped me a lot.”
— DK
“I was a bit worried about Zoom sessions as Allie does not like remote learning at all, but April was so engaging - it went great.”
— AC
“There’s improving your score, but there’s also managing the stress of the situation. My sense is that he felt prepared and calm throughout test day.”
— S&E
“The first comment he made coming out was, ‘That was really great and I learned a lot already.’ He really connected with Ben.”
— CR
“Your support, kindness and talent really impacted all of us. You’re running more than a tutoring business!”
— MS
In families’ own words

Results matter. So does how a student feels getting there.

Families consistently describe stronger scores, clearer understanding, reduced anxiety and greater confidence—and many students genuinely look forward to their sessions.

Read student and parent notes
Student outcomes

College acceptances across New England and beyond

Over the years, CTG students have earned acceptance to colleges and universities throughout New England and across the country.

DartmouthWellesleyWilliam & MaryUPennBrownYaleCornellMITOlinTuftsWest PointBoston CollegeBoston UniversityNortheasternNorthwesternWesleyanBrandeisUniversity of MarylandUConnOhio StatePurdueVanderbiltFurmanLoyola MarylandGeorge WashingtonQuinnipiacUnionTrinityProvidenceSacred HeartRPIWPISyracuseSt. AnselmSalve ReginaFlorida Stateand many others
Meet the team

Experienced tutors with complementary strengths

Donna and Ben are CTG’s principal tutors. Joyce, James and April are available as needed and as their schedules allow, bringing additional strengths in verbal reasoning and STEM subjects.

BC

Benjamin Cox, PhD

SAT/ACT · Verbal · Essays

Dartmouth Phi Beta Kappa graduate with advanced degrees from Harvard and UT Austin and experience as an instructor of record.

EnglishReadingEssays
JM

Joyce McGregor, MA

Verbal reasoning · Virtual tutoring

An educator with 35 years of teaching experience and a passion for reading comprehension, critical reading, writing and grammar.

ReadingWritingGrammar
JM

James McGregor, PhD

STEM test prep · Biology through AP

Emory PhD and CTG virtual specialist in the STEM portions of the SAT and ACT, as well as Biology through AP level.

STEMSAT/ACTBiology
AR

April Ratliff, PhD

STEM test preparation · Virtual tutoring

Biology PhD from Emory with national tutoring-company experience and a focus on virtual STEM test preparation.

STEMBiologyVirtual
New parent guide

Questions before you email Donna?

Ask the CTG assistant about the tutoring approach, tutors, rates, session length, in-person and virtual options, materials, homework and how the process works.

Answers from CTG's parent guide No account required Nothing is sent or stored

Ready to talk about your tutoring needs?

Email Donna with your student’s grade, school, tutoring need and any test dates or scores that may be relevant.

Call Email Donna