Testive Reviews, Alternatives, Pricing, & Offerings in 2025
Testive is an online tutoring platform specializing in personalized, one-on-one SAT and ACT test preparation. Founded in 2011 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, Testive combines adaptive learning technology with expert human coaching. The platform serves students globally, with a focus on delivering measurable score improvements.
This article helps students and parents compare Testive with other tutoring platforms. If you’re evaluating online tutoring options, understanding Testive’s strengths and weaknesses will help you make a smarter decision.
Testive Reviews and Testimonials
Testive receives consistent praise across multiple review platforms. Here’s what users are saying:
Customers highlight the quality of tutors and personalized attention. Reviewers mention that tutors are patient, motivating, and genuinely invested in student success. One parent shared that their son improved significantly on two SAT exams. Another student scored a 1540, up from 1390. Students appreciate instant feedback from the platform and video explanations for incorrect answers. Common praise includes tutor expertise, effective strategies, and the customizable study plans that adapt to individual needs.
Reviewers describe Testive as ideal for students needing structured support and personalized attention. The platform’s one-on-one coaching model stands out as a key strength. The AI-driven adaptive practice system is noted as intuitive and effective. Students appreciate how the platform adjusts difficulty levels to keep them in the right learning zone. However, some reviewers mention the rigid schedule and higher costs compared to alternatives.
Reviewers praise Testive’s personalized approach and focus on one-on-one tutoring. The practice platform is described as decent, with questions fairly close to real SAT problems. Between tutoring sessions, students get assignments designed to target weak areas. The platform helps students stay motivated and on track.
Testive’s Own Website – Success Stories
Testive features numerous student testimonials on their website. One student went from a 29 on practice tests to a 34 on the ACT. Parents describe the teaching as excellent and patient, with tutors helping students build confidence. Students mention learning tricks and strategies they can apply during tests. Testimonials emphasize the connection between student and tutor as a key success factor.
Is Testive Legit? Yes. Testive operates as a legitimate tutoring platform with strong customer testimonials across multiple independent review sites. The company maintains 4.6/5 stars on Trustpilot with 94 verified reviews. Students consistently report score improvements and positive tutor interactions. The platform uses real AI technology and employs tutors in the 99th percentile of test scores. However, like all services, Testive has limitations—primarily its higher pricing and limited subject coverage beyond test prep.
Students and parents value Testive for its combination of technology and human expertise. The platform delivers measurable results, with users reporting significant score improvements. The transparent review platforms show genuine customer satisfaction. Most complaints center on pricing rather than service quality.
Testive Pricing
Pricing Range
Testive charges on an hourly basis. Tutoring services start at USD $250 per hour. General exam prep or homework help also starts at USD $250 per hour. College admissions and essay advising services begin at USD $300 per hour. Pricing varies based on tutor experience and expertise, with some specialized tutors charging higher rates. The company does not publish a public list of all available tutors or their exact pricing variations, so rates may differ.
Service-Specific Pricing: All three main service categories (SAT/ACT prep, general exam prep, and college advising) operate on hourly rates. No package deals or bulk discounts are mentioned on the pricing page. Students must purchase tutoring hours at the set rate or higher depending on tutor selection.
What Students Say About Testive Pricing
Student reviews indicate mixed feelings about pricing. On Trustpilot and in blog reviews, many students acknowledge Testive’s high hourly rate compared to industry averages. However, reviewers justify the cost by pointing to proven score improvements and high-quality tutoring.
Parents report that the results—including college acceptances and merit aid—justify the investment. Online forums and Reddit discussions show that while students recognize Testive is expensive, they often view it as worth the cost for serious test preparation. Some students compare Testive favorably to competitors like Wyzant (which has lower average rates but highly variable tutor quality) and Kaplan (which charges premiums for top tutors).
Hidden Costs
Testive’s pricing is straightforward—hourly rates for tutoring. The company does not list registration fees, cancellation fees, or add-on service charges on its public pages. However, the refund policy states that “all sales are final” with refunds granted only in exceptional circumstances. This means students should carefully plan their tutoring hours before committing, as changing course may result in lost money. No hidden subscription charges or surprise fees are documented in user reviews.
How Testive’s Pricing Works
Testive operates on a direct hourly billing model. Students pay tutors per hour of tutoring received. No subscription plans or package deals are offered. Payment is typically processed upfront or after each session, depending on the arrangement. The company does not advertise group discounts, promotional codes, or special rates for military families, low-income students, or other categories. Promo codes occasionally appear on coupon websites offering discounts ranging from 10% to 60%, though the platform “very rarely issues promotional discount codes.”
Free Trial
Testive offers a free 14-day trial with no credit card required (according to some third-party sources), allowing students to test the platform and experience one tutoring session before committing. Students should verify current trial terms directly on Testive’s website, as terms may change.
Refund Policy
According to Testive’s terms and conditions, “All sales are final. Refunds may be granted only in exceptional circumstances at Testive’s discretion.” This is a stricter policy than many competitors. In comparison, platforms like Wyzant offer a “tutor match guarantee,” and others provide money-back guarantees within specific timeframes.
User reviews on Trustpilot and other platforms do not prominently mention refund disputes, suggesting most customers are satisfied enough to not request refunds. However, the strict final-sale policy means students should be certain about their tutor choice before investing significant money. No user reviews specifically detail the company’s handling of exceptional refund requests or what circumstances might qualify.
Testive Alternatives
Many students seek Testive alternatives for various reasons—lower cost, different subject focus, or different learning formats. Here are popular alternatives worth considering:
Why look for alternatives?
Some students find Testive’s $250+ per hour rate too expensive. Others need help with subjects beyond test prep. Still others prefer group classes over one-on-one tutoring or want more flexible scheduling.
The following platforms offer competitive features at varying price points and with different specializations. Each has distinct strengths in test prep, homework help, subject coverage, or pricing.
Wyzant
Pros over Testive: Wyzant tutors set their own rates, resulting in lower average hourly costs ($35-60/hour vs. Testive’s $250+). The platform offers broader subject coverage beyond just standardized tests. Students can browse tutor profiles, ratings, and reviews before booking. The “tutor match guarantee” or money-back guarantee appeals to students worried about compatibility.
Cons: Tutor quality varies significantly due to open marketplace model. Students may need to try multiple tutors to find the right fit. Response times and availability can be inconsistent compared to Testive’s dedicated coaching model.
Chegg
Pros over Testive: Chegg offers on-demand homework help and tutoring with rapid response times. Pricing is generally lower, with some tutors available for less than $50/hour. The platform covers a wide range of subjects beyond test prep. Live tutoring connects students with tutors quickly for urgent questions.
Cons: Less focused on long-term test prep strategy like Testive. Tutor consistency is lower since students often get different tutors for each session. The homework-help focus means less personalized coaching for standardized tests.
Kaplan
Pros over Testive: Kaplan offers group classes alongside one-on-one tutoring, giving flexibility. They provide extensive study materials and practice tests. The brand name and established reputation appeal to many families. Both online and in-person options are available.
Cons: Charges a premium (often $100+/hour) for tutors in the 99th percentile, similar to Testive’s pricing. Group classes are less personalized than Testive’s one-on-one coaching. Limited college advising services compared to Testive.
The Princeton Review
Pros over Testive: The Princeton Review offers diverse prep options—online, in-person, and hybrid. Group classes start around $700 for SAT prep. The platform combines technology with instructor expertise. Strong brand recognition and many location options.
Cons: One-on-one tutoring still carries high costs. Group classes may not suit students needing personalized attention. Less emphasis on ongoing coach relationship like Testive provides.
My Engineering Buddy
Pros over Testive: My Engineering Buddy specializes in advanced academic subjects and homework help, not just test prep. Pricing starts at just USD $20 per hour, making it accessible to many students. The platform covers 100+ subjects including engineering, data science, and technical fields.
Cons: Primarily focused on academic subjects rather than standardized test preparation like SAT/ACT. Not ideal if your sole goal is improving a test score for college admissions.
University Tutors
Pros over Testive: University Tutors offers broader subject coverage beyond standardized testing. Tutors are vetted and rated by students. Multiple pricing tiers allow students to find affordable options. Flexible scheduling available.
Cons: Less specialized in test prep than Testive. Smaller platform means fewer specialized tutors in niche subjects. Less comprehensive college advising services.
How It Works?
For Students
Signup process: Students begin by visiting Testive’s website and requesting information or a free trial. New students typically take a diagnostic test to assess current abilities in SAT or ACT content. Testive’s team reviews the diagnostic results and matches the student with an appropriate tutor. The company gathers information about the student’s goals, learning style, and availability to ensure a good tutor fit.
Connecting with tutors: Once matched, students connect with their tutor through the platform. Video conferencing powers all tutoring sessions. The platform includes an online whiteboard and screen sharing for collaborative problem-solving. Tutors provide weekly coaching sessions tailored to the student’s needs.
Scheduling sessions: Students and tutors coordinate weekly meeting times that fit both schedules. Sessions typically last 60 minutes. Students can access practice materials and complete assignments between sessions. The platform tracks progress and adapts recommendations based on performance data.
For Tutors
Tutors interested in joining Testive must meet strict criteria. The company only hires tutors who scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT or ACT themselves. This ensures expert-level knowledge and proven test-taking ability. Tutors must demonstrate strong communication skills and ability to work with diverse learners. The vetting process is rigorous, as reflected in the company’s high customer satisfaction ratings. Once hired, tutors receive training on Testive’s methodology and coaching approach. They use the platform’s adaptive technology to identify student weaknesses and customize lesson plans. Tutors monitor student progress daily and adjust coaching strategies based on performance data. Tutors work with multiple students throughout the year, building long-term coaching relationships.
FAQs for Tutors:
Can tutors set their own fees, or does Testive set them?
Testive sets all pricing. Tutors do not independently set their hourly rates. The company maintains consistent pricing at $250/hour for standard tutoring and $300/hour for college advising. Individual tutors cannot negotiate rates with students.
How much can tutors earn hourly?
Testive tutors earn based on company rates. While the public sees $250-$300/hour pricing, tutors’ actual earnings are not publicly disclosed. Typical online tutoring platforms split revenue, so tutors likely earn 40-60% of the hourly rate, though this varies by platform and agreement.
How many hours of work can tutors get monthly?
This depends on student demand and tutor availability. Tutors with strong ratings and good availability typically work more hours. The company does not publish average monthly hours for tutors. Full-time tutors may work 40-60 hours weekly, while part-time tutors work as needed.
Is it easy to get students as a tutor on Testive?
Once accepted, the platform matches tutors with students based on expertise and student needs. Tutors don’t compete in an open marketplace like Wyzant. High ratings and prompt responses to student requests improve visibility. New tutors may need time to build a student base, but the matching system is more curated than marketplace-based platforms.
Tips on getting more students on Testive: Maintain excellent communication and session quality to earn high ratings. Respond quickly to student requests and match requests. Offer flexibility in scheduling when possible. Deliver measurable score improvements, as positive results lead to referrals and repeat bookings. Engage actively in the platform’s tutor community if available.
What do tutors like about Testive? Based on available information, tutors appreciate the platform’s rigorous vetting process, which creates a smaller, more professional tutor network. Students are pre-matched rather than forcing tutors to compete in a marketplace. The one-on-one model allows for meaningful coaching relationships. Testimonials suggest tutors enjoy seeing measurable student success. The platform’s technology supports tutoring with adaptive practice materials and progress tracking, reducing tutors’ workload in creating lesson plans from scratch.
What do tutors dislike about Testive? Information on tutor complaints is limited, as Testive is smaller than marketplace platforms like Wyzant or Chegg. However, typical concerns on similar platforms include inconsistent student flow, limitations on setting own rates, and platform fees or commission structures. Limited public information means prospective tutors should ask Testive directly about compensation, benefits, and work stability.
Testive: Company Information
Founding and Background: Testive was founded in 2011 by Tom Rose and Miro Kazakoff, both MIT graduates. Tom Rose was previously a high-priced SAT tutor charging $500 per session. He realized that much of his work was repetitive and could be automated with smart technology. This insight led him to build Testive—a platform combining machine learning with expert human coaching. The company launched with a mission to make high-quality test prep accessible through technology enhancement.
Founder Details: Tom Rose founded Testive after recognizing inefficiencies in traditional tutoring. His background in test prep gave him credibility in the market. Miro Kazakoff, his MIT classmate, co-founded the company and contributed technical expertise. Both founders focused on building a platform that reduced repetitive tutoring tasks while keeping human coaches in the loop for personalized support.
Mission and Vision: Testive’s mission is to provide a non-standard approach to standardized testing by combining intuitive technology with expert educators. The company aims to help students achieve higher test scores faster while building long-term confidence.The vision emphasizes efficiency—students get personalized coaching without wasting time on material they’ve already mastered. The platform intends to level the playing field by making expert tutoring more efficient and effective.
Scale of Operations: Testive is headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts (Boston area), and operates globally, serving students across the United States and internationally. The company operates offices in Boston, MA, and Durham, NC. As of recent data, Testive has fewer than 25 employees. The platform has served over 7,000 families since inception. Testive tutors have generated median SAT/ACT score improvements that are 3 times the national average, with some individual students improving 10 times the average. The company maintains a curated network of tutors in the top 1% of test scorers rather than operating a large open marketplace.
Types of Services: Testive offers SAT and ACT test preparation as primary services. The platform provides one-on-one virtual tutoring, personalized practice materials, progress tracking, and proctored practice tests. College admissions advising and essay support are also available. Academic tutoring in general subjects is offered, though test prep remains the core focus.
Subjects Offered: Testive specializes in standardized tests: SAT, ACT, PSAT, SSAT (private school entrance), ISEE (independent school), HSPT (high school), GRE (graduate), and LSAT (law school). The platform also offers general exam prep for various tests and homework help across academic subjects. For college admissions, essay brainstorming and application strategy are covered. The platform’s subject breadth is narrower than marketplace tutoring platforms but deeper in test prep strategy.
Unique Features: Testive’s adaptive learning platform customizes practice questions based on student performance, adjusting difficulty in real time. The platform provides instant feedback with video explanations for incorrect answers. Tutors monitor student progress daily and offer weekly coaching sessions. Diagnostic tests identify strengths and weaknesses upfront. Proctored practice tests with detailed score analysis help students prepare for real test conditions. The combination of AI-driven practice and human expert coaching differentiates Testive from test-prep-only platforms.
USP of Testive
- Adaptive Learning Technology: Testive’s algorithm customizes practice based on performance, keeping students in an optimal learning zone—not too hard, not too easy. Users praise this feature for accelerating improvement. However, some reviewers note that while the technology is smart, it’s not dramatically different from competitors’ offerings. The true differentiator is the combination with expert coaching.
- 99th Percentile Tutors: All Testive tutors scored in the top 1% on the SAT or ACT, ensuring expert guidance. Reviews consistently highlight tutor quality as a major strength. Students and parents emphasize tutor expertise and ability to explain complex concepts clearly. Unlike Wyzant (where quality varies), Testive’s vetting creates a more reliable expert pool.
- One-on-One Personalized Coaching: Every student works with a dedicated tutor who develops customized lesson plans and tracks progress weekly. Parents and students appreciate the consistent tutor relationship and accountability. This differs from on-demand homework platforms where students meet different tutors each session.
- Proven Score Improvements: Testive advertises that students improve 3 times the national average, with some improving 10 times the average. Testimonials support this claim with documented score increases (e.g., 1390 to 1540, 29 to 34 on ACT). However, selection bias may apply—only satisfied students leave positive reviews.
Drawbacks of Testive
- High Pricing: At $250-$300/hour, Testive is among the priciest tutoring options. Most users acknowledge this as a major drawback, though reviews justify it with results. For budget-conscious families, cheaper alternatives exist. Monthly commitment for ongoing tutoring can easily exceed $1,000, limiting accessibility.
- Limited Subject Coverage: Testive focuses almost exclusively on standardized test prep and college advising. Students needing help with specific courses (calculus, biology, chemistry) may find broader tutoring platforms more suitable. The narrow focus excludes students seeking general academic support.
- No Live Group Classes: Unlike Kaplan or Princeton Review, Testive offers only one-on-one tutoring. Some students prefer group class environments for cost savings and peer interaction. The absence of group options limits appeal to price-sensitive customers.
- Strict Refund Policy: “All sales are final” with rare exceptions. This creates risk for students uncertain about committing. If a student dislikes their matched tutor or changes goals, they may lose money. Most tutoring platforms offer more flexible refund terms.
- Limited Transparency on Tutor Pricing Variation: While the company states starting prices, individual tutor rates aren’t publicly disclosed. Students don’t know upfront which tutors fall above the base price, creating potential surprises during booking.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
Where My Engineering Buddy Excels: My Engineering Buddy stands out with significantly lower pricing (starting at USD $20/hour vs. Testive’s $250+/hour), making it accessible to more families. The platform covers 100+ advanced subjects including engineering, data science, chemistry, physics, and specialized coursework that Testive doesn’t address. Students needing homework help, project support, lab assistance, and essay writing find comprehensive support. The tutor base is expert-vetted globally, ensuring quality. Flexible scheduling accommodates busy student calendars worldwide.
My Engineering Buddy Testimonials: Students report high satisfaction with tutor expertise in technical subjects. Parents appreciate the detailed explanations and patience tutors demonstrate. The platform receives praise for solving complex homework problems and clarifying difficult concepts. Students highlight the stress relief from getting expert help on challenging coursework. Long-term relationships with tutors lead to better academic understanding and improved grades.
Why Students Should Consider My Engineering Buddy for Complex Subjects and Homework Help: Testive specializes in standardized tests, leaving a gap for students struggling with course material. My Engineering Buddy fills this gap with expert tutors in math, science, engineering, economics, and other advanced subjects. For college students working on challenging projects, labs, and research, My Engineering Buddy provides specialized support that test-prep platforms can’t. The lower price point means students can afford ongoing help throughout their academic journey, not just during exam season.
Customer Support and Policies
Testive’s customer support appears responsive based on available information. Contact details include a phone number (617-936-0694) and email (info@testive.com). Testimonials suggest tutors and support staff are helpful in matching and coaching. However, the strict “all sales final” refund policy offers less customer protection than competitors. Students should reach out to support early if concerned about tutor fit rather than expecting easy refunds later. Overall, support quality seems good, but policy flexibility is limited compared to platforms offering money-back guarantees.
Global Reach and Localization
Testive operates as a global platform, serving students across the United States and internationally. All tutoring is conducted online via video, eliminating geographic barriers. The platform is designed for English-speaking students in advanced countries. There is no mention of multilingual support, localized versions, or content adapted for non-English speakers. My Engineering Buddy also operates globally with similar online delivery but emphasizes support for students in “rich countries like the USA, Canada, UK, Gulf, Australia, etc.” Both platforms cater to English-speaking international student communities.
Testive’s Future Plans
AI and Machine Learning Integration: Testive has long emphasized its adaptive algorithm powered by machine learning. The company continues refining AI to better predict student weaknesses and adjust practice difficulty in real time. As AI trends accelerate in 2025, Testive likely will enhance its predictive analytics to forecast which topics students will struggle with and proactively suggest targeted practice. The platform may integrate generative AI for personalized video explanations or instant feedback mechanisms.
Expansion of Subject Coverage: While currently focused on standardized tests, Testive may expand into general academic tutoring and broader exam types. Competitors like Wyzant cover hundreds of subjects; expansion could position Testive as a more comprehensive platform.
International Growth: Testive serves international students but remains primarily US-focused. Future growth likely includes expanded marketing in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries where standardized tests drive college admissions.
Technology Platform Enhancements: Mobile app improvements, enhanced progress dashboards, and parent portals may be in development to compete with tech-forward competitors. The platform may integrate with student information systems used by schools.
FAQs About Testive
Q1. How does Testive compare to My Engineering Buddy?
Testive specializes exclusively in standardized test prep (SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT) with pricing at $250-$300/hour. My Engineering Buddy covers 100+ academic subjects with pricing starting at $20/hour. Testive suits students preparing for college entrance exams; My Engineering Buddy suits students needing homework help in any subject. The platforms serve different needs and student types.
Q2. Does Testive offer a money-back guarantee?
No. Testive’s policy states “all sales are final,” with refunds only in exceptional circumstances at the company’s discretion.
Q3. Can students try Testive for free?
Yes. Testive offers a free 14-day trial. Details on trial terms should be confirmed on their website.
Q4. What is Testive’s average score improvement?
Testive reports median SAT/ACT improvements of 3 times the national average for students in the program, with some improving 10 times the average.
Q5. Are Testive tutors certified?
Testive tutors are not formally certified but are required to score in the 99th percentile on the SAT or ACT, ensuring expert-level knowledge. Certification status is not publicly detailed.
Q6. Does Testive offer a tutor match guarantee?
Unlike Wyzant, Testive does not advertise a specific “tutor match guarantee” or money-back promise. The company matches students with tutors upfront and allows adjustments, but guarantees are not clearly stated in public materials.
Q7. What subjects does Testive tutor?
Testive primarily covers SAT, ACT, and other standardized tests. The platform also offers general exam prep, college admissions advising, and some academic tutoring, but subject breadth is limited compared to general tutoring platforms.
Q8. How long are Testive tutoring sessions?
Standard sessions are typically 60 minutes, though custom lengths may be arranged based on student needs and tutor availability.
Q9. Is Testive better than Wyzant?
Both have merits. Testive offers higher-quality guaranteed expert tutors but charges higher rates ($250+ vs. $35-60/hour on Wyzant). Testive suits committed test-prep students; Wyzant suits budget-conscious families seeking broad subject coverage.
Conclusion
Testive is a legitimate, high-quality tutoring platform delivering strong results in standardized test preparation. The platform’s combination of expert tutors and adaptive technology produces documented score improvements. However, the high pricing ($250-$300/hour) and narrow subject focus limit its appeal to budget-conscious families or students needing academic help beyond test prep. For serious college-bound students focused on improving SAT or ACT scores, Testive represents a premium option justified by quality outcomes.
For broader academic support and homework help at affordable rates, My Engineering Buddy and similar platforms provide better value. Choose Testive if test score improvement is your priority and budget is secondary. Choose My Engineering Buddy if you need comprehensive academic tutoring across subjects at accessible pricing.
