As families navigate an increasingly crowded test-preparation market, Michael Romano, founder of Mr. Test Prep, argues that the most important decisions happen before any tutoring begins. With more than 4,000 students coached since 1997, Romano has seen how websites, testimonials, and sales calls can obscure what a student will actually experience. He recommends that parents ask seven practical questions to evaluate any SAT or ACT program.
The first question is who will actually teach the student. Romano personally coaches every student, bringing nearly 30 years of experience. Many companies assign students to different tutors after a sales conversation, and reviews may not reflect the specific instructor's track record. Because Mr. Test Prep operates online, students nationwide work directly with Romano.
Second, does a diagnostic come before the preparation plan? Romano looks beyond scores to 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 built around diagnostic work rather than a predetermined curriculum.
Third, how is the SAT versus ACT decision made? Romano believes comparing scores alone is insufficient. A higher initial score on one test might mask pacing limitations, while a lower score on another could reflect weaknesses more responsive to instruction. The recommendation should come from watching the student under timed conditions.
Fourth, what are the financial commitments and guarantee terms? Families should understand conditions behind any score guarantee. Mr. Test Prep charges one session at a time and caps the number of paid sessions based on the student's starting point and goals. If the target score is achieved early, preparation ends and the family never pays for remaining sessions. If the cap is reached and more coaching is needed, additional sessions continue at no extra charge. No required test-prep homework means the arrangement does not depend on extensive outside work.
Fifth, what happens between sessions? Romano maintains a no-homework philosophy. Students may practice independently, but 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.
Sixth, how are students prepared for performance under pressure? Knowing the material is only part of test-day success. The Mr. Test Prep Method™ provides tactics for navigating the test—time management, decision-making, and execution. A-Game Access™ addresses the mental state students bring to that execution. Together, they help students access more of what they know when it counts.
Seventh, can the student try the program before committing? 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 reviews findings, discusses SAT/ACT options, testing dates, target scores, and a recommended plan. A written proposal follows by email.
Romano's approach underscores a broader implication: in a market saturated with automated platforms and large national companies, the quality of the individual tutor and the evidence behind any plan matter more than marketing. By asking these seven questions, parents can make more informed decisions and ensure their investment truly supports their student's success.
