5 Highly Effective Strategies for Hiring SAT®/ACT® Prep Tutors in 2025
You’re looking to expand your team, but you’re not just looking for anyone to fill that spot; you’re looking for a skilled, competent tutor.
Hiring the right SAT®/ACT® tutor can make all the difference for your business, your team, and your students. Whether you run a small test-prep business or you’re a tutor looking to expand your team, finding the right fit is crucial.
In this updated guide, I’m diving into five of the best practices for hiring new test-prep tutors in 2025, based on the latest trends and tried-and-true methods that continue to work.
5 Steps to Hiring a New, Proficient Tutor
When it comes to building a successful test-prep team, finding the right tutors is key. You want professionals who not only understand the SAT® and ACT® but also know how to connect with students, adapt to different learning styles, and provide effective strategies.
These five steps will help guide you through the process of hiring tutors who will be a great fit for your business and your students’ needs.
Step #1: Define Your Needs
Before you start the hiring process, you need to be clear on what kind of tutor you're looking for. Here are some factors to consider:
Type of Tutoring: Are you looking for in-person tutors, or will remote, online, or hybrid sessions work better for your clients? The flexibility of online tutoring continues to increase in popularity, especially with the continued rise of digital testing and learning tools.
Student Level: What level of student are you working with? Are they beginners, intermediate students, or advanced? Do you have clients with learning differences? Different tutors specialize in different skill levels, so it's essential to know which level your business needs the most.
Subject Matter Expertise: SAT® and ACT® prep covers a broad range of subjects—math, reading, writing, science, and test strategy. Are you hiring tutors to specialize in one area, or will your tutors need to be able to teach across multiple subjects?
Scheduling Needs: Tutors with flexible schedules can make a big difference in your business. Think about the time zones and availability of your clients, and find tutors who can accommodate those days/hours.
Step #2: Search for Potential Tutors
Once you know what you're looking for, it’s time to start your search for your new team member. Here are some ways you can find the best candidates:
Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and We Work Remotely are fantastic resources for finding SAT®/ACT® tutors. Look for candidates with teaching/tutoring experience and the ability to teach remotely.
Test Prep Companies: Companies like Kaplan and The Princeton Review have networks of trained tutors. Some of them might be interested in freelance or part-time opportunities, so it’s worth reaching out to see if they have any leads.
Local Learning Centers: If you’re focused on in-person tutoring, don’t forget to check in with local libraries or even schools. Teachers often make great tutors, and many independent/freelance tutors set up shop at local libraries.
Networking: Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find reliable tutors. Ask your existing tutors, friends, family, and colleagues in education for recommendations.
Post Online: Post your opening on your site. Be clear about what type of tutor you're looking for and the job requirements.
Step #3: Evaluate Potential Tutors
Now that you’ve got a pool of potential candidates, it’s time to evaluate them to make sure they meet your needs. Here’s what you should focus on:
Credentials and Experience: Look for candidates with a strong academic background. While a degree in education or a relevant subject is helpful, it’s more important that they have real-world experience tutoring for the SAT®/ACT®. Ideally, they should have been tutoring for a few years, have experience with different learning styles, and be able to connect with students.
Test Scores: A tutor with a high SAT® or ACT® score—preferably in the 99th percentile—can provide an edge when teaching the strategies needed to succeed on these exams. While test scores are important, they should complement other qualities like teaching ability and rapport-building skills.
Communication Skills: Tutors need to be able to explain complex concepts in a simple, accessible way. During the interview process, pay attention to how well they communicate their ideas. Do they make things clear, or do they overcomplicate simple explanations?
Tutoring Style: Every tutor has a unique style. Some tutors might use a structured, test-taking approach, while others focus more on building conceptual understanding. Make sure their style aligns with your company’s values and approach. A trial tutoring session can help determine if their style is a good fit for your business.
References: Always check references to hear about a tutor’s strengths and areas for growth. Previous employers or clients can provide invaluable insights into their effectiveness and personality.
Need ideas on what questions to ask your potential new tutor? Check out: 7 Valuable Interview Questions You Aren’t Asking when Hiring Tutors.
Step #4: Determine the Right Fit
Once you’ve narrowed down your pool of candidates, it’s time to make sure the tutor will be a good fit for your business. Here’s what you should focus on:
Personality and Rapport: Your tutors must connect with your clients. Nobody knows your clients better than you. If they can’t engage with students or lack the interpersonal skills needed to create a positive learning environment, they will not be a great fit.
Alignment with Goals: Tutors should understand your business's goals and be ready to help students achieve their individual academic goals. Whether that’s boosting test scores, providing a variety of teaching strategies, or offering additional college-prep support, your tutor should share the same vision.
Flexibility: Flexibility isn’t just about hours. It’s also about being adaptable to different students and situations. Tutors who are willing to adjust their approach based on student needs are always more successful and valuable.
Price: While you might want to go with the most experienced tutor, it’s important to consider the price point that works for your business. Don’t forget that high-quality tutoring can be an investment, and you should consider the value provided to your clients when determining rates.
One more thing: Make sure your new hire doesn’t undermine the growth of your business. Take my advice: Is Your Top Tutor Preventing the Growth of Your Test Prep Company?
Step #5: Set Up a Contract and Communication Plan
Once you've selected your ideal tutor(s), it’s time to formalize the agreement. Having a clear contract ensures both parties know what to expect:
Contract: Create a written agreement that includes details like hourly rates, cancellation policies, expectations for lesson planning, and confidentiality agreements. This protects both you and the tutor.
Communication: Ensure open lines of communication with your tutors. Establish expectations for regular check-ins and progress updates. Tutors should be able to share feedback on their students’ progress and any issues that arise during sessions.
Hiring the right SAT®/ACT® tutor isn’t just about qualifications and experience—it’s about finding someone who fits well with your team and is committed to your students’ success. Take the time to choose the right tutors, and you'll help your students reach their goals while building a successful, sustainable business.
Stay Ahead in Test Prep
At Clear Choice Prep, we’re dedicated to helping your tutoring business thrive with personalized solutions designed to meet every client’s unique needs.
We provide a full range of ACT® and SAT® prep materials, available in both digital and paper-and-pencil formats, equipping you and your tutors with the tools they need to deliver tailored instruction to help your students reach their full academic potential.
Ready to elevate your test-prep services? Schedule a free demo today and see how Clear Choice Prep can create a fully customized, white-label test-prep system for your business. With our support, you can expand your offerings and empower your students to succeed academically.
Are you ready to make 2025 your most impactful year yet?