Author: Tatyana Yukhtman

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About Tatyana Yukhtman
Tatyana Yukhtman is the founder and director of Groza Learning Center. A Harvard Kennedy School and UCLA graduate with over 25 years in education, she has helped thousands of LA students build the executive functioning skills they need to succeed.

Posts by Tatyana Yukhtman

8 Signs Your Child Has Executive Functioning Challenges (and What to Do)

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The most common signs of executive functioning challenges include: difficulty starting tasks (task initiation), forgetting multi-step instructions (working memory), losing materials repeatedly (organisation), emotional outbursts when plans change (cognitive flexibility), chronic lateness and poor time awareness (time management), and difficulty calming down after being upset (emotional regulation). Recognizing the Subtle Signs of Executive Functioning Problems […]

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Best Time to Take the SAT or ACT in Junior Year (2026 Guide)

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Junior year is the single most important year for SAT and ACT testing. Students who hit their target score almost always follow the same pattern: a spring junior year primary attempt, followed by one strategic retake window in fall of senior year if needed. Getting the timing right matters more than most families realise. Test […]

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Digital SAT 2026: What Parents Need to Know About the New Format

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Over the past few years, the SAT has undergone one of the biggest transformations in its history. The exam administered by the College Board is now fully digital, shorter, and designed to better reflect modern learning environments. For parents preparing their children for college admissions, understanding the Digital SAT in 2026 is essential. The format, […]

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SAT vs ACT in 2026: Which Test Is Better for Your Teen?

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Every spring, families across Los Angeles face the same question: should my teen take the SAT, the ACT — or both? It is one of the most common questions the advisors at Groza Learning Center hear from parents in Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Westwood, and Beverly Hills. Here is the most important thing to […]

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How to Raise Your SAT Score 200 Points in 3 Months (Realistic Plan)

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A 200-point improvement on the Digital SAT is one of the most common goals — and one of the most achievable — for students who approach preparation with the right system. Most students who plateau are not working hard enough; they are working on the wrong things. This guide gives you a precise, week-by-week plan […]

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How to Raise Your SAT Score 150–250 Points in 3 Months

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A 150–250 point improvement on the SAT is not wishful thinking — it is a predictable outcome when you follow the right system. At Groza Learning Center, we have helped Los Angeles students from Pacific Palisades to Beverly Hills achieve exactly these gains since 2002. The difference between a 1100 and a 1300 is rarely […]

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When Should My Student Start SAT or ACT Prep?

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This is one of the most common questions parents ask — and the honest answer is: it depends on your student’s goals, current academic standing, and target schools. The general rule: earlier preparation produces higher scores, less stress, and more flexibility for retakes. But “earlier” does not mean a student needs to be buried in […]

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SAT vs ACT in 2026: Key Differences, Scoring, and How to Choose

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Every year, millions of students face the same question: SAT or ACT? In 2026, both tests are accepted equally by every accredited four-year college in the United States — but they are not the same test. The differences in format, timing, scoring, and content are significant enough to give one student a 200-point advantage on […]

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Is Test Optional Really Optional in 2026? What Competitive Colleges Expect

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“Test optional” became widespread during COVID-19 when colleges needed flexible policies for a disrupted testing environment. By 2026, the landscape has shifted significantly. Several elite universities have reinstated test requirements. Others remain test optional — but the data tells a different story about what actually helps competitive applicants. This guide explains what test optional really […]

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