7 Test Prep Coach Success Stories [2023]
Test prep coach businesses focus on helping students prepare for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, or GRE. These businesses often offer one-on-one or small group tutoring sessions, mock exams, and other resources to help students succeed.
To run a successful test prep coach business, it is essential to have a strong understanding of the test material and a proven track record of helping students improve their scores. It is also essential to have a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of students and their busy schedules.
Marketing efforts should focus on targeting high school and college students and their parents through social media and local outreach efforts. It is also helpful to establish relationships with guidance counselors and educators in the community to reach potential clients.
In addition to tutoring services, consider offering additional resources such as test-taking strategies and study guides to provide added value to clients. Consistently updating and improving the materials and methods used can also help to differentiate the business from competitors and attract new clients.
A test prep coach business can be rewarding and lucrative for those passionate about helping students succeed. Test prep coaches can build a successful and long-lasting business in this field by staying up-to-date on test material and offering high-quality resources and services.
Here are some real life success stories of starting a test prep coach:
1. Granite Education ($360K/year)
Grantly Neely (from Nashville, Tennessee, USA) started Granite Education ago.
My name is Grantly Neely and I am the founder of GRANITE®,an education technology, and learning center. I am a longtime ed-tech enthusiast, certified KORU mindfulness instructor, and certified Mindfulness-Based Educator™.
Thanks to a bootstrap funding approach, a virtually non-existent capital requirement, and almost immediate cash flow, Granite’s average revenue is $30K/month and I have been able to retain 100% equity in the business!
2. Prep Expert ($20M/year)
From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2019. Our interviews on Entrepreneurs On Fire are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URL's in these archive episodes are still relevant. Shaan Patel is the founder of Prep Expert SAT & ACT Preparation & ClearHat Digital Marketing, and winner of a Shark Tank deal with billionaire Mark Cuban. Top 3 Value Bombs: 1. Do what you know. Avoid going into an industry that you know nothing about. 2. Never trade time for money. 3. Self-control is the number one predictor of success. The Business Automation Software Of The Year Is Finally Here! - Sponsors: : A platform that’s easy for your entire team to use! Learn how HubSpot can make it easier for your business to grow better at ! : Roll is the first chat- based payroll app designed for small businesses. Ready to Roll? Check out to download the Roll by ADP app and get your first 3 months free! : If you don't have life insurance, then you need Ethos. Visit to get your free life insurance quote today!
Shaan Patel (from Las Vegas, NV, USA) started Prep Expert almost 13 years ago.
Shaan Patel is the founder and CEO of Prep Expert, a test preparation platform that provides online SAT and ACT prep courses.
He founded the firm from his dorm room eight years ago with just $900 left over from his undergraduate scholarships.
His SAT and ACT prep classes, books, and licensed items have already brought more than $20 million in sales. In 2016, he pitched Prep Expert on ABC's "Shark Tank" and secured an investment from billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban.
He spent no money on marketing during the first five years of starting Prep Expert. Despite this, the company's sales doubled yearly based on word-of-mouth marketing.
The SAT prep classes offered by Prep Expert increased the students' SAT scores by hundreds of points. As a result, parents would refer it to other parents, enabling this company to grow quickly and for free.
When he first founded Prep Expert, Patel approached the local TV station about doing a piece on SAT preparation suggestions for parents and kids. He moved from having no clients to having several when the television interview aired.
Patel attributes his entrepreneurial success to self-control and never giving up.

Learn more about starting a test prep coach:
Where to start?
-> How much does it cost to start a test prep coach?
-> Pros and cons of a test prep coach
Need inspiration?
-> Examples of established test prep coach
-> Marketing ideas for a test prep coach
Other resources
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7. USA TEST PREP
USATestprep has helped more than 2 million students master state standards with K-12 standards-aligned resources. Request a free trial today!
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