As families navigate the increasingly crowded landscape of SAT and ACT preparation, the decision of which tutor or program to choose 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 pitches to make their choice. However, according to Michael Romano, founder of Mr. Test Prep, these sources reveal little about what a student will actually experience. Romano, who has worked with more than 4,000 students since 1997, advocates for a more practical approach: asking seven specific questions before committing to any test-prep program.
The first question parents should ask is who will actually teach their student. Romano emphasizes that families need to know if the person they speak with will be the one teaching, or if the student will be assigned to someone else. At Mr. Test Prep, Romano personally coaches every student, bringing nearly 30 years of experience and a track record of over 4,000 students. Because the program is online, students nationwide can work directly with him.
Second, parents should inquire whether a diagnostic comes before the preparation plan. Romano believes a diagnostic should go beyond scores to reveal how a student works through the test—accuracy, pacing, question patterns, and decision-making. Mr. Test Prep begins with a free two-hour trial session focused on diagnostic work, not a predetermined curriculum.
Third, how will the tutor decide between the SAT and ACT? Romano cautions against simply comparing scores. Instead, the recommendation should stem from watching the student work under timed conditions and understanding which weaknesses are most responsive to instruction. The initial higher score may not indicate the better test if it masks a difficult-to-fix pacing issue.
Fourth, parents must understand the financial commitment and any guarantee terms. Romano notes that score guarantees often come with conditions like 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 the cap, preparation ends and the family pays nothing more. If the cap is reached and more coaching is needed, additional sessions continue at no extra charge. This arrangement does not depend on required test-prep homework.
Fifth, what happens between sessions? Romano maintains a no-homework philosophy. While students can practice independently, no test-prep homework is required. Instead, preparation is concentrated inside coaching sessions where Romano observes how students approach questions, manage time, and make decisions in real time. The goal is to make the work more useful, not just to assign more.
Sixth, how do you prepare students for performance under pressure? Knowing the material is only part of test-day success. Mr. Test Prep addresses this through two complementary methods: The Mr. Test Prep Method™ provides tactics and frameworks for navigating the test, while A-Game Access™ addresses the mental state students bring to execution. Together, they help students access and use what they know when it counts.
Finally, can my student try the program before we commit? Mr. Test Prep offers a free two-hour trial session nationwide. The student works through diagnostic material while Romano checks in, observes, and offers feedback. A follow-up Zoom meeting with the student and parent reviews findings, discusses SAT vs. ACT, testing dates, target scores, and a recommended plan. A written proposal follows by email. As Romano says, "Parents shouldn't have to make a large commitment just to find out whether the relationship works."
For more information, visit Mr. Test Prep.
