As families navigate an increasingly crowded market for SAT and ACT preparation, Michael Romano, founder of Mr. Test Prep, argues that the most important decisions are made before any tutoring begins. With more than 4,000 students coached since 1997, Romano has identified seven questions that he believes every parent should ask to ensure they are making an informed investment in their child's test preparation.
The first question is who will actually teach the student. Romano notes that many companies sell a program but then assign a different, less experienced tutor. At Mr. Test Prep, Romano personally coaches every student, bringing nearly 30 years of experience to each session. "The best way to evaluate a tutor isn't to listen to a sales pitch," Romano said. "It's to see how that person works with your student." 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 believes a diagnostic should reveal how a student works through the test—accuracy, pacing, question patterns, and decision-making—not just a score. Mr. Test Prep begins with a free two-hour trial session built around diagnostic work rather than a predetermined curriculum.
Third, the decision between the SAT and ACT should be based on more than comparing scores. Romano advises looking at what produced those scores and which weaknesses are most responsive to instruction. "The recommendation should come from watching the student work under timed conditions," he said.
Financial commitments and guarantee terms are the fourth question. Romano warns that score guarantees often come with extensive conditions, such as required homework. Mr. Test Prep instead charges one session at a time and caps the number of paid sessions based on the student's starting point and goals. If the student achieves the desired score before reaching the cap, the family pays nothing more. If the cap is reached and more coaching is needed, additional sessions are free. Because there is no required homework, this arrangement is not dependent on outside work.
Fifth, parents should ask what happens between sessions. Romano maintains a no-homework philosophy, concentrating preparation inside coaching sessions where he can observe students in real time. "The goal is not simply to give students more work," he said. "It is to make the work they do more useful."
Sixth, preparation for performance under pressure is crucial. Mr. Test Prep addresses this through the Mr. Test Prep Method™, which provides tactics and frameworks for test execution, and A-Game Access™, which focuses on the mental state students bring to the test. Together, they help students access what they know when it matters most.
Finally, parents should ask if their student can try the program before committing. Mr. Test Prep offers a free two-hour trial session nationwide, followed by a Zoom meeting to review diagnostic results, discuss test choice, and outline a 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."
These questions matter because they shift the focus from marketing promises to the actual experience of the student. In an industry where sales pitches can obscure reality, Romano's approach empowers families to demand transparency and personalized attention. As test scores continue to play a significant role in college admissions, making a well-informed choice about preparation can have lasting implications for students' futures.
