Determine what kind of tutoring is right for you. Professional test preparation comes in a variety of formats, such as a standard classroom setting, private in-home tutoring, and online tutoring. Factors to consider when choosing a format include the cost and timing of the sessions, your schedule, and your own personal preference. Some students are more comfortable in a one-on-one format, whereas others might thrive in a classroom setting amongst peers.
Interview potential tutors and check their credentials. Tutoring companies vet their tutors thoroughly and you should too. If you plan to hire an independent tutor, ask for a resume and references and follow up on these. An effective tutor should at least have a bachelor's degree, prior teaching or tutoring experience and be very familiar with the material on the test.
Determine your own strengths and weaknesses. Although you will cover all areas of the standardized test with your tutor, you want to spend extra time on the ones that give you difficulty. Identify your problem areas before tutoring sessions to ensure the most effective use of time for you and your tutor.
Purchase the appropriate materials. These vary depending on what test you are preparing for and what type of tutoring you choose. Test prep companies provide you with their own study guides, but independently hired tutors may suggest other books or materials. In addition, purchase any official study guides put out by the testing organization, such as College Board or Educational Testing Service, as these contain real questions from previous versions of the actual test.
Prepare a quiet area in which to work. This is particularly important if you are working with a private or online tutor. You need to focus without interruptions to make the tutoring session productive.
Set clear goals about what you expect the tutoring sessions to accomplish and discuss these with your tutor. You and your tutor should both have realistic expectations about how tutoring can help you.