Test Prep Tutoring (SAT/ACT/GRE)

Test prep tutors help students improve scores on standardized tests critical for college admissions or professional advancement.

Popular tests include SAT, ACT (college), GRE, GMAT (graduate school), LSAT (law school), MCAT (medical school), and professional certifications.

Success requires deep test knowledge, teaching ability, proven score improvement strategies, and patience working with anxious students.

Pricing ranges from $50-150+ per hour for individual tutoring with top tutors commanding $200-400 hourly.

Group classes or bootcamps charge $500-3,000 per student for complete programs.

Building 15-20 hours weekly of students creates substantial part-time income.

Startup costs are minimal for one-on-one tutoring - test prep materials, practice tests, whiteboard or tablet for online sessions totaling under $1,000.

Opening test prep center increases costs to $20,000-60,000.

Revenue peaks before major test dates creating seasonality.

Marketing targets parents through schools (some allow tutors to present), educational consultants, online advertising targeting test takers, content marketing with test tips, and referrals from successful students.

Operating costs include materials, software for online tutoring, and marketing.

Challenges include score improvement pressure, student motivation, parent expectations, and competition from large test prep companies (Princeton Review, Kaplan).

Success requires proven methodology improving scores, tracking student progress, excellent communication with parents and students, and testimonials showing results.

Many tutors transition to online group courses or recorded programs for scaling beyond hourly work.