With countless SAT and ACT preparation options available, from large national companies to independent online tutors, parents often struggle to distinguish effective programs from marketing hype. Michael Romano, founder of Mr. Test Prep, argues that the key lies in asking the right questions before committing. Based in Palo Alto and coaching students online nationwide, Romano has worked with more than 4,000 students since 1997. He believes that websites and testimonials reveal little about what a student will actually experience.
Romano recommends that families ask seven specific questions. First, who will actually teach the student, and what is that person's experience? At Mr. Test Prep, Romano personally coaches every student, bringing nearly 30 years of experience. Second, does a diagnostic come before the preparation plan? Mr. Test Prep begins with a free two-hour trial session built around diagnostic work, not a predetermined curriculum. Third, how will the tutor decide between the SAT and ACT? Romano says the choice should be based on watching the student work under timed conditions, not just comparing scores.
Fourth, what are the financial commitments and guarantee terms? Mr. Test Prep charges one session at a time and caps the number of paid sessions based on goals. If the student achieves the target score before the cap, the family pays no more; if the student reaches the cap and needs additional coaching, sessions continue at no extra charge. Fifth, what happens between sessions? Romano maintains a no-homework philosophy, concentrating preparation inside coaching sessions where he can observe real-time decision-making.
Sixth, how do you prepare students for performance under pressure? The Mr. Test Prep Method™ provides tactics for navigating the test, while A-Game Access™ addresses the mental state needed to execute under stress. Seventh, can the student try the program before committing? The free two-hour trial allows the student to experience Romano's style and receive feedback. A follow-up Zoom meeting with the student and parent reviews diagnostic results, discusses test choice and dates, sets target scores, and outlines a plan, with a written proposal to follow.
This matters because families often invest thousands of dollars in test prep without fully understanding what they are buying. By asking these questions, parents can avoid programs that assign students to less experienced tutors, require extensive homework, or impose restrictive guarantee conditions. Romano's approach emphasizes transparency and a student-centered process. "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." For a market driven by promises, his advice offers a practical framework to evaluate options and ensure that students receive the personalized instruction they need to succeed.
