​How Do I Choose A Test Prep Tutor?

As the test season is fast approaching, many students start panicking about SAT or ACT tests. The test usually comes with anxieties, especially if the learners are not well prepared for the day. To boost the confidence, many parents turn to test prep tutors to help their kids.

Test prep tutors can help the students familiarize themselves with the test format. They also teach them new materials that they missed at school. However, finding a reliable private tutor for effective learning can be so overwhelming. In this article, we will answer some of the common questions about test prep tutoring.

​Table of Contents:

Does tutoring and practice improve test grades?

This is a common and important question that many parents ask before choosing a test prep tutor for their students. Now that you are already here, we believe that you know the value of test prep tutoring to your child.

It is a routine in the United States for learners to pass SAT or CAT exams to secure a spot in a top college or university. The same test score is also crucial when applying for a scholarship. However, what students learn at school may not be enough to see them through this test. That is why you, as a parent, need a test prep tutor.

Tutoring helps bridge the gap between what your kids learned at school and what is tested in SAT exams. Tutors are experienced and know how to prepare the students to face the big day of the test. Even though what your child learns during private lessons may not improve his or her academic score, he or she can get the best score.

Do SAT tutors really help students?

SAT tutors are helpful to any student. However, to get the best out of them, you need to choose wisely. Do not fall for any offer without effectively considering all that is expected of you. As a guardian, you have the role of checking the background of the chosen test prep tutor. You may do this by going through the testimonials and public reviews from previous clients.

If you want your child to face SAT test with confidence, then you undoubtedly need an effective tutor. Preparing for such tests requires a proper understanding of all the concepts tested, including the mind games that the learners may be subjected to. Your child will be exposed to the format and practice test expected in the actual exam.

Can I prepare for SAT on my own and get good scores?

SAT prep requires an approach. A student will definitely need guidance to make the best out of the dedicated time. As a parent, you can offer the assistance that your child needs if you have time experience. If that is not the case, then you will need to hire a tutor to ensure that your child is adequately prepared.

​Can students take the SAT without studying for the tests?

SAT or ACT tests are more the same as any other exams that students take at school. However, there is a slight difference since these tests are objective. If your child is smart at school, then he or she might not find problems in answering the questions. But bear in mind that good scores require a good SAT prep.

Yes, you can take SAT or ACT test without test prep tutoring. But since your admission to a college or getting a scholarship is tied to these tests, it is worth the effort of a test prep tutor. You are unlikely to get good scores without studying or passing through a test prep program.

As any part of your child’s education, invest in test prep tutoring today for the best score and a guaranteed spot in a top university and college.

What do you do in an effective tutoring session?

Tutoring sessions have an outline that is being followed. This is called syllabus, and it covers all the setting areas that your child is likely to find in SAT or ACT exams. That is why you need to find a reputable tutor to take your child through the right syllabus for the best scores.

A tutoring session usually comprises an interactive one-on-one online discussion. The tutor administers practice questions and additional materials to give the students the right mindset to face their exams.

How long should a tutoring session be?

Tutoring sessions can last between 30 minutes and 120 minutes, depending on the arrangements made between the student and the tutor. It is important to note that very short tutoring may not give enough time to present all the learning materials. Also, a very long session may get boring in between, and the tutor can lose the student.

At FPLA, we stick to 45 minutes of material presentation and leave the next 15 minutes for interaction. That takes it to exactly one hour, what we have come to realize as the most effective duration for a tutoring session. These sessions can be in the evening after school or during holidays when your student has all the time.

Why is tutoring so expensive?

There is nothing magical about the fee charged for test prep programs. If you have been in a business class, then you can understand that it is all about the law of supply and demand. With an increasing need for private tutoring and limited qualified tutors, the service has become more expensive over the years.

Very professional and qualified tutors will charge more for their services because good scores are guaranteed. Parents have come scrambling for the services, giving the service providers a reason to raise the fees.

How much do SAT prep education cost?

The cost of Sat test prep programs varies depending on the institution of choice. Professional tutors at FPLA charges $45/hour or per tutoring session. If you are a regular client or you have many students enrolled in any of our test prep programs, then you can a discount and pay only $39/hour. Other institutions may charge differently, but we don’t want to get into that as our clients always get the best SAT prep from us.

​How do I find a good SAT tutor?

Finding a dedicated private test prep online program is a daunting task for many parents. A good SAT tutor is a rare commodity that takes time and patience to find. You need to go through the very many options before you just to find a perfect match.

Finding the best tutor begins by looking in the right place. Know where to find one and use your other criteria to eliminate the rest. For instance, you may need to consider the cost of tutoring, payment plan, availability, syllabus, reputation, etc. Just keep in mind that the choice you make today may influence your child’s life for years to come.

What questions should I ask my SAT tutor?

There is an endless list of questions that you can ask your tutor. The goal here is to make sure to know who your SAT test prep tutor is and how the program will help you improve your scores. Here are some of the common questions that you need to ask an SAT or ACT tutor before hiring:

  1. ​What is your SAT tutoring qualifications and experience?
  2. What has changed about SAT exams over the years?
  3. Have you published any book or any other learning material about SAT?
  4. What is your approach in offering SAT tutoring services?
  5. Are you confident to provide a reference of families or students who succeeded through your program?
  6. What makes your SAT tutoring different from others?
  7. Do you use past SAT questions in teaching?
  8. What are your SAT tutoring sessions consist of?

​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

​How much does a test prep tutor cost?

A professional test prep tutor at FPLA charges $45 per session with the possibility of getting discounts if you are qualified. However, this might be different from what others charge. If you plan to use other tutoring services, then you should contact them for more information. Otherwise, it may be difficult to quote a specific figure here. 

​How does online test prep tutoring work?

Online test prep aims at familiarizing the students with the test format and questions, something that they might not get at school. A qualified and experienced tutor leads the session and guides the learners on handling SAT or ACT tests.

Most of the concepts are already learned at school and what a tutor does is bridge the gap. With a pre-defined syllabus, your student will gain all the skills and be psychologically prepared to take on the test.

​Are test prep tutors worth it?

If you find the right test prep tutor, then every session and a minute spent is worth the price. Proper tutoring guarantees the best score. And with it, your child can get into any of the top colleges and universities in the country. You only need to work with reputable tutors.

​What is the best test prep for ACT?

Preparing your student for the ACT exam requires that you have the best tutor. We may not recommend any other tutoring services as experiences are relative. But something that we can promise you for sure I that FPLA has the best program for your child.


​We have helped many students who all got the best score in their tests. Just call or contact us to get started with the services that we offer.

FPLA has a wide range of test prep and math tutoring services that your child surely needs. Do not let that scholarship money pass you or miss that admission stop in one of the top colleges. Our tutors are here to help you and out testimonials prove our ability.