The Score, Issue #21: How to Find a Great ACT / SAT Tutor
A Guide to Choosing Your Ideal Test Prep Partner
Identifying the Ideal Tutor: Beyond Credentials and Experience
When diving into the wild and treacherous seas of SAT / ACT preparation, the guidance of a seasoned tutor can be invaluable. However, finding a great test prep tutor isn't merely about examining their test scores or even academic credentials. While a degree from a prestigious institution can be a plus, it doesn't necessarily translate into top-notch ACT / SAT test prep tutoring skills. It’s essential to understand that personal academic achievement and effective test prep expertise are distinct categories.
Learn the same powerful SAT / ACT test prep strategies I teach my private students, at just a fraction of the cost. Become a premium subscriber. You can also gain full access to my complete archive of strategies and drills with a free 7-day trial.
Track Record: The Cornerstone of Competence
Without a doubt, a tutor’s track record is the best indicator of their capacity to do what you’re hiring them to do: help you increase your scores. First and foremost, you should look for tangible evidence of score gains made by a tutor’s previous students.
To that end, seek out, and closely scrutinize, testimonials from past clients, particularly those that contain specific starting and ending scores. Independent third-party platforms offering verified reviews add an extra layer of reliability to such testimonials. Authentic, positive, detailed feedback on sites such as WyzAnt can serve as reassurance of a test prep tutor’s true expertise and capabilities.
Approach & Style: Ad-Hoc vs. Systematic
In the realm of test prep tutoring, tutors’ approaches predominantly fall into two categories: Ad-Hoc and Systematic.
The Ad-Hoc Approach - This approach is characterized by its flexibility and spontaneity. Tutors following this style are open to covering various materials, depending on the student's desires. While this method offers a certain level of freedom and adaptability, it often results in a patchwork of strategies drawn from conflicting sources, which may not constitute a cohesive and effective method of test preparation.
The Systematic Approach - Advocated by many seasoned professionals, including myself, this method presents a structured and coherent curriculum. It involves specific homework assignments and revolves around ingraining detailed tactics through deliberate practice and expert feedback, ensuring that students not only learn but master the strategies integral to succeeding on the SAT and ACT.
Before embarking on your test prep journey, it’s crucial to reflect on which approach resonates with you and aligns with your preferred learning style. Then, choose a tutor accordingly. Attempting to nudge a tutor into deviating from their chosen approach to accommodate yours is a recipe for frustration and disappointment.
The Right Approach at the Right Price
For those who prefer a systematic approach like mine, I’m thrilled to announce an exclusive offer tailored for students preparing for the upcoming October 28th ACT.
This limited-time package includes a minimum of six personalized sessions, with priority scheduling, from now until October 27th. Whether your focus is on ACT Reading, English, Science, or a combination of all these, this package deal will meet your needs — and at a cost significantly lower than my regular rates. You’ll enjoy premium tutoring at a 40% discount!
This exclusive package is not only a gateway to personalized, expert tutoring but also an opportunity to prioritize your preparation as the exam approaches. Act swiftly, though, as I have only three packages available! To reserve your spot and lock in your savings, click here.
Empower Your Prep with Quiz Hacker
For the diligent self-preppers among you, Quiz Hacker Test Prep offers a treasure trove of resources and strategies identical to those I share with my private tutoring students. With a paid subscription, you gain access to a curriculum proven to boost scores at a fraction of the cost of private sessions. Begin your 7-day free trial or subscribe to start your ascent to higher scores today!
Subscribe and Elevate Your Test Prep Journey
Ready to transform your test preparation experience? Whether you opt for one of the exclusive October ACT Package Deals or decide to navigate through ACT or SAT self-prep with Quiz Hacker at your side, exceptional score gains are within your grasp.
Subscribe today and embark on your journey towards higher ACT and SAT verbal scores!
Until next time, remember to Prep Smarter!
~ Dave Walker