As families navigate an increasingly crowded test-preparation market, the decision of which SAT or ACT tutor to hire can feel overwhelming. With options ranging from large national companies to automated platforms and independent online tutors, parents often rely on websites, testimonials, and sales calls to make their choice. But according to Michael Romano, founder of Mr. Test Prep, those sources reveal little about what a student will actually experience. Romano, who has worked with more than 4,000 students since 1997, believes parents should ask a more practical set of questions before committing to any preparation program.
The first question is simple but often overlooked: who will actually teach my student? Romano notes that families should know whether the person they speak with will conduct the sessions or whether the student will be assigned to someone else. Even positive reviews may not reflect the individual tutor's experience. At Mr. Test Prep, Romano personally coaches every student, bringing nearly 30 years of experience to each session. Because the program is online, students nationwide can work directly with him.
Second, parents should ask whether a diagnostic comes before the preparation plan. Romano emphasizes that a diagnostic should reveal more than a score; it should show how a student works through the test—accuracy, pacing, question patterns, decision-making, and where performance breaks down. Mr. Test Prep begins with a free two-hour trial session built around diagnostic work rather than a predetermined curriculum.
Third, how will the tutor decide whether a student should take the SAT or ACT? Romano cautions against simply comparing scores and choosing the higher one. The more important question is what produced those scores and which problems are most realistic to improve. A student may score better on one test initially but face a pacing limitation that is hard to overcome, while the other test may have weaknesses more responsive to instruction. The recommendation should come from watching the student work under timed conditions.
Fourth, what is the financial commitment, and what exactly does any guarantee require? Families should look beyond headline promises and understand the conditions behind score guarantees, including whether they depend on completing extensive homework. Mr. Test Prep takes a different approach: families pay one session at a time, and Romano establishes a cap on paid sessions based on the student's starting point and goals. If the student achieves the desired score before reaching the cap, preparation ends and the family never pays for remaining sessions. If the student reaches the cap and still needs additional coaching, sessions continue at no additional charge. Because Mr. Test Prep does not assign required test-prep homework, the arrangement is not dependent on outside work.
Fifth, what happens between sessions? Romano has maintained a no-homework philosophy for years. Students are always free to practice independently, but no test-prep homework is required. Instead, Romano concentrates preparation inside the coaching sessions, where he can observe how students approach questions, manage time, respond to difficulty, and make decisions in real time. The goal is to make the work students do more useful, not simply to give them more work.
Sixth, how do you prepare students for performance under pressure? Knowing the material is only part of performing well on test day. Mr. Test Prep approaches this from two directions: The Mr. Test Prep Method™ provides tactics and frameworks for navigating the test itself, while A-Game Access™ addresses the state students bring to that execution. Together, the goal is to help students access and use more of what they know when performance counts.
Finally, can my student try the program before we commit? Mr. Test Prep offers a free two-hour trial session to families nationwide. The student works through diagnostic material while Romano checks in periodically, gets a firsthand look at how the student approaches the tests, and offers feedback. A follow-up Zoom meeting with the student and parent reviews what the diagnostic revealed, discusses whether the SAT, ACT, or both make sense, considers testing dates and preparation frequency, establishes target scores, and outlines a recommended preparation plan. A written proposal follows by email.
“Parents shouldn't have to make a large commitment just to find out whether the relationship works,” Romano said. “Let the student experience the process first. Then everyone can make a much more informed decision.”
Mr. Test Prep has been an educational consultant for over 26 years, with a strategy focused on increasing student self-confidence and elevating more than a score.
