While the ACT and SAT scores are not the only criteria for getting selected into a college, getting high scores does boost your chances of getting accepted. Studying and prep are essential to improving your ACT or SAT score, but some students take it a step further by working with a tutor. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of getting a tutor will help you determine whether or not you should personally get a tutor for the ACT or SAT.
Advantages of Getting a Tutor for the ACT/SAT
A tutor for the SAT and ACT can be a great way to improve your scores because…
1. They Offer Personalized Assistance
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While group test prep sessions have their benefits, they’re dedicated to meeting the needs of all students. If it’s a particularly large group, it can be difficult to get the attention that will really help you increase your score.
The benefit of hiring a private prep tutor for the ACT / SAT is that you get personalized one-on-one attention. If you need help on a particular area of the exam, they can pivot to that subject and assist you. They can also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses to develop a customized plan to better manage your study and prep time.
In addition, tutors can monitor your progress as your test date approaches and tweak that plan to better fit your changing needs and goals. They’ve worked with countless other students so they know the best tactics, tools, and tips to help you overcome your hurdles and become better at taking the SAT and ACT.
2. They Help You Stay Motivated
Finding the motivation to study can be tough. By working with a tutor, however, you have a dedicated time block to focus on your SAT and ACT prep. They’ll also keep you on track for success by keeping you motivated throughout the week as you’ll be held accountable.
3. They Sometimes “Guarantee” Point Increases
Some individual tutors and tutoring companies actually guarantee point increases as part of their service. If you don’t increase your ACT or SAT result by the number they guarantee, you’ll get your money back.
However, you will have to adhere to their strategies and tips to see the point increase or be eligible to receive a refund. If you’re not doing the studying on your own that they recommend, you probably won’t see the results you’re after!
Disadvantage of Getting a Tutor for the ACT or SAT
There’s really only one disadvantage of getting a tutor for the ACT or SAT: it’s expensive.
Tutors tend to charge by the hour, and over time this can add up to a lot. There are some that can be more affordable, but even the most affordable will cost you a pretty penny.
For some, this cost may not be worth it. There are plenty of free SAT and ACT prep materials available online and off. However, there may be tutors through your school or community that offer financial waivers if you can demonstrate financial need. It’s worth looking into!
While getting a tutor has several measurable benefits, the one major downside is that it can be very expensive. Most tutors charge by the hour and this can add up to a lot.
Should You Get a Tutor for the ACT/SAT?
While a tutor may “guarantee” a score increase on your ACT or SAT, this only refers to the cost. It means if you don’t see the score increase they promised and you adhered to their suggestions and study plan, they’ll refund your money. It doesn’t guarantee actual success on the SAT or ACT. That’s up to you. The more work you put in, the more likely you are to see your goals realized.
Whether or not you should get a tutor is completely up to you. The cost puts many students and families off of the prep resource, however. You should discuss the pros and the expense with your parents or guardians to determine the next step forward.
If you’re on the fence, you may want to consider hiring a tutor after you’ve already taken the ACT or SAT once, especially if you didn’t get the score you were looking for. This will help you hone in on your goals and give more information to your tutor that will help them create a plan that gets you from your current score to your goals.
A major reason students don’t hire a tutor is because of the cost. The benefits for the ACT and SAT can’t be understated, and a tutor can be key to reaching your desired score. However, you’re going to have to compare those benefits with how much it will cost you out of pocket. If you could really benefit from a tutor but can’t afford it, you might want to consider looking into financial programs or ACT/SAT study groups that are free through your school or community.
See Your Acceptance Odds Based on ACT/SAT Scores
ACT and SAT scores are not the be-all and end-all of college applications, but they can impact your chances of acceptance. Schools are looking for certain scores from their students. Use College Match to see what your dream college is looking for today.
