Excel Test Prep Reviews, Alternatives, Pricing, & Offerings in 2025

Excel Test Prep is a California-based test prep company that helps students improve their scores on standardized tests. The company was founded in 2003 and focuses on SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, and professional engineering exams.

This article provides insights about Excel Test Prep for students and parents comparing tutoring platforms. It will help you make an informed decision about whether this company is right for your test preparation needs.

The company specializes in three distinct academic phases. Here is a quick breakdown of the exams they currently cover:

While they are famous for SAT prep, their engineering licensure courses (FE/PE) are increasingly popular among professionals.

Excel Test Prep Reviews and Testimonials

Excel Test Prep has received reviews across multiple platforms. We examined feedback from Trustpilot, Indeed, their own website, and other sources to give you a complete picture.

Trustpilot: Excel Test Prep has a 4-star rating on Trustpilot with 13 reviews. One student achieved a perfect 1600 on the SAT and received 800s on multiple SAT Subject Tests. Students praised the dynamic teaching methods and high-quality instructors. The review mentioned Excel Test helped them get perfect scores on Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Math SAT Subject Tests, plus a perfect 36 on the ACT.

Indeed: As an employer, Excel Test Prep received a 4.5 out of 5 rating based on 4 employee reviews. Employees mentioned it was good for college students as a second job or side hustle. The work environment was described as chill and relaxed. Tutors appreciated the flexibility, nice management, and ability to study during downtime. However, pay was reported at base minimum wage with low hours. Some tutors noted occasional long commutes on short notice.

Yelp Reviews: Reviews on Yelp highlight that Excel Test makes learning fun. Students noted that most SAT prep places just drill students, but Excel teaches in a way that makes learning enjoyable while improving scores.

Their Own Website: Excel Test Prep’s website features numerous positive testimonials. Students report score increases of 200-600 points on the SAT. Many testimonials mention fun and engaging teachers who make test prep enjoyable. Students consistently praise the strategies taught and the positive learning environment. One student said their score increased at least 200 points on every practice test.

Is Excel Test Prep legit? Yes, Excel Test Prep is legitimate. The company was founded in 2003 and has been operating in California for over 20 years. Students on Trustpilot and their website report significant score improvements. The company has physical locations in Fremont, Cupertino, and San Ramon, California. Employee reviews on Indeed confirm it is a real company that hires tutors.

In summary, Excel Test Prep receives positive reviews across multiple platforms. Students appreciate the engaging teaching style and score improvement guarantees. The company has a solid reputation for helping students achieve their test score goals. However, tutors report relatively low pay compared to industry standards.

Excel Test Prep Pricing

Pricing Range

Excel Test Prep offers various pricing options depending on the course and format. For GMAT courses, the regular price is $899, with early registration at $999 and a group discount price of $799 for groups of 10 or more. Private 1-on-1 courses at Excel Test Main location cost $2,999.

Tutors at Excel Test Prep earn approximately $31.31 per hour for Math and English teaching positions, according to Indeed salary data. The pricing varies based on whether you choose classroom courses, online courses, or private tutoring. Custom group courses offer flexibility but typically cost more.

Check their page for more information about current course costs.

What Students Say About Excel Test Prep Pricing

Based on reviews, students feel the pricing is justified given the score improvement guarantees and quality instruction. One student mentioned that the SAT course was worth every penny due to significant score increases. The 4-month free Exam Club program adds value beyond the initial course fee.

Compared to competitors like Kaplan and Princeton Review, Excel Test Prep appears to be competitively priced. Students appreciate the money-back guarantees and free retake options if score goals are not met.

Hidden Costs

Excel Test Prep does not appear to have significant hidden fees. The course price includes course materials and access to the Exam Club program for 4 months after course completion. There are no registration fees mentioned on their website.

Students should be aware that travel costs may apply if commuting to physical classroom locations. Online courses eliminate this expense. Private tutoring sessions cost more than group classes but provide personalized attention.

How Excel Test Prep’s Pricing Works

Excel Test Prep accepts various payment methods. Students can enroll online through their website or call (510) 490-7000 to speak with staff. Early registration discounts are available for some courses.

Group discounts apply when 10 or more students enroll together. Custom courses can be scheduled at times and locations of your choice. The company offers different course formats—classroom, online, and private—at varying price points.

Free Trial

Excel Test Prep does not appear to offer a traditional free trial. However, they provide a 4-month free Exam Club program after course completion. This allows students to return for unlimited in-person practice sessions at no additional cost.

Refund Policy

Excel Test Prep offers score improvement guarantees rather than traditional refunds. If students attend every class and complete all homework but do not achieve the guaranteed score increase, they can retake the course for free. For SAT courses, students who do not achieve a 200-point increase are eligible for an 8-day Score Improvement Program. ACT students receive 8 free extra help sessions if they do not achieve a 4-point increase.

For GMAT and GRE courses, students can retake the next available course absolutely free if they do not reach the guaranteed score improvement. The full refund policy and score guarantees are detailed on their score guarantee page.

We did not find significant complaints about Excel Test Prep’s refund practices on review sites. Students must submit exam score sheets to qualify for free repeats. The guarantee requires attendance at every class and completion of all homework assignments.

The refund policy isn’t a simple cash-back offer. It is a conditional ‘Satisfaction Guarantee’ that works like this:

As shown above, missing even one homework assignment can disqualify you from the free retake, so diligence is key.

Excel Test Prep Alternatives

Students may look for Excel Test Prep alternatives if they need different subjects, prefer online-only options, or want homework help beyond test prep. Here are 5 popular alternatives that offer different features and pricing.

Wyzant

Wyzant is an online tutoring marketplace connecting students with tutors across many subjects. Compared to Excel Test Prep, Wyzant offers more subject variety including homework help, not just test prep. Pricing is typically $30-60 per hour for most tutors, though top tutors charge up to $300 per hour.

Wyzant provides more flexibility since students can choose their own tutors. However, Excel Test Prep offers structured courses with multiple expert instructors and score guarantees. Wyzant has a broader geographic reach while Excel Test Prep focuses on California locations.

My Engineering Buddy

My Engineering Buddy specializes in advanced STEM subjects, homework help, and 1-on-1 tutoring for college students. Unlike Excel Test Prep, which focuses on standardized test prep, My Engineering Buddy helps with engineering, math, physics, and technical coursework. The platform offers affordable hourly rates starting around $25-35 per hour.

Students choose My Engineering Buddy for personalized homework help in complex technical subjects. The service operates entirely online via WhatsApp and Google Meet. Excel Test Prep is better for students preparing for standardized tests, while My Engineering Buddy excels at subject-specific academic support. My Engineering Buddy has 71 positive reviews on Trustpilot with a 5-star rating.

Chegg

Chegg provides 24/7 online tutoring across many subjects with flexible pay-as-you-go or subscription pricing. Compared to Excel Test Prep, Chegg offers instant access to tutors without scheduled courses. Chegg is better for quick homework questions and on-demand help.

Excel Test Prep provides more structured test prep with proven score improvement guarantees. Chegg is generally less expensive per session but may not provide the same comprehensive test preparation. Students can use Chegg alongside textbook rentals and step-by-step solutions.

Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors offers both test prep and academic tutoring with flexible online and in-person options. Pricing is generally higher than Excel Test Prep, with hourly rates varying widely based on tutor expertise. Varsity Tutors provides more subjects beyond standardized tests.

Excel Test Prep specializes exclusively in test prep with California classroom locations. Varsity Tutors offers nationwide coverage and a mobile app for easy scheduling. Both companies vet their tutors, but Excel Test Prep focuses on multiple instructors per course rather than single tutor relationships.

Tutor.com

Tutor.com provides 24/7 online tutoring across many academic subjects with a subscription model. Unlike Excel Test Prep’s course-based approach, Tutor.com offers on-demand help whenever students need it. Pricing is typically subscription-based rather than per-course.

Excel Test Prep is better for comprehensive test prep with structured lessons and score guarantees. Tutor.com is ideal for students needing homework help across multiple subjects throughout the school year. Tutor.com does not specialize in test prep like Excel Test Prep does.

How It Works?

For Students

Signup process for students and parents: Students can visit the Excel Test Prep website and click on their desired course. The website provides a course schedule with available dates and locations. Students can enroll online by creating a student account with their email and password. Parents enrolling minor students enter the student’s information during signup.

How to connect with tutors: Excel Test Prep assigns expert instructors to each course. The company uses multiple teachers per course, with each instructor specializing in their subject area. Students do not choose individual tutors like marketplace platforms. Instead, they attend scheduled classes taught by Excel Test’s trained instructors.

Process for scheduling sessions: For classroom courses, students select from the published schedule on the website. Classes meet at specific locations in Fremont, Cupertino, or San Ramon. Online courses provide more flexibility, allowing students to watch recorded lessons on their own schedule. Custom courses offer the most flexibility—students can schedule classes at times and locations of their choice. Private 1-on-1 tutoring sessions are scheduled by calling (510) 490-7000 or contacting Excel Test online.

For Tutors

Becoming a tutor at Excel Test Prep requires meeting specific qualifications. The company hires instructors with at least a Bachelor’s degree, and many tutors hold Master’s degrees. Teaching or tutoring experience is desirable but not always required.

Applicants must be willing to take a qualifying exam in the subject they want to teach or show equivalent expertise. Excel Test looks for tutors who can make learning fun and engaging while maintaining high teaching standards. The company trains tutors in test-taking strategies and their proprietary teaching methods.

Tutors work in a classroom environment or provide private instruction. The job offers flexibility and is popular among college students as a second job. Management is described as accommodating in employee reviews. However, pay starts at minimum wage with potential to earn up to $31.31 per hour for experienced Math and English teachers.

To get started as a tutor, visit the Excel Test Prep employment page for current openings and application instructions.

Can tutors set their own fees or are they fixed by the company?

Tutors at Excel Test Prep do not set their own fees. The company sets standardized pay rates based on position and experience.

How much can a tutor expect to earn on an hourly basis?

According to Indeed salary data, Math and English teachers at Excel Test Prep earn approximately $31.31 per hour. Entry-level positions like test proctors start at minimum wage, around $19.17 per hour for administrative roles. Earnings vary based on position, experience, and hours worked.

How many hours of work can a tutor get per month?

Employee reviews indicate hours are relatively low. The position is described as good for a second job or side hustle. Tutors can study during downtime between classes. Hours fluctuate based on course schedules and student enrollment.

Is it easy to get students?

As an employee-based model, Excel Test Prep assigns tutors to scheduled courses. Tutors do not need to recruit their own students. The company handles marketing and enrollment. However, this means tutors have less control over their schedules and student volume.

Tips on how to get more students on Excel Test Prep: Since Excel Test Prep operates on an employee model rather than a marketplace, tutors do not recruit students directly. To increase hours and opportunities, tutors should demonstrate excellent teaching skills, maintain high student satisfaction, and be available for multiple course schedules. Being qualified to teach multiple subjects increases scheduling opportunities.

What tutors like about Excel Test Prep: Based on Indeed reviews, tutors appreciate the relaxed and chill work environment. The flexibility of schedule is valued, along with nice and accommodating management. Tutors can study during downtime, making it ideal for college students. The work-life balance receives high marks with a 5.0 rating. The company culture is strong at 4.7 out of 5 stars.

What tutors do not like about Excel Test Prep: The main complaints are low pay at minimum wage starting rates and limited hours available. There is no job advancement or pay raises mentioned in reviews. Some tutors must drive to different locations on short notice, which can be inconvenient without mileage compensation.

Excel Test Prep: Company Information

Excel Test Prep was founded in 2003 by Rakhi Israni. The company started with the goal of providing high-quality test preparation services in California. Over two decades, Excel Test has grown into one of California’s most rapidly growing test prep companies.

Rakhi Israni is the Founder and President of Excel Test Prep. She has led curriculum development, operations, and strategic growth since 2003. Rakhi holds an MBA from Rice Business, a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, and a BBA in marketing and international business from the University of Texas at Austin. She earned an LL.M. with high honors from Columbia Law School in 2023. Her background includes roles at Test Masters, Enron, and Dabhol Power in legal, finance, and compliance.

Mission: Excel Test Prep’s mission is to help students achieve high scores on standardized tests through dynamic teaching, unique test-taking strategies, and comprehensive programs. They aim to prepare students for high achievement professionally and academically. More information is available on their about page.

Vision: The company envisions becoming a leading test preparation provider that consistently helps students achieve perfect scores and impress universities with their test performances. They focus on making test prep engaging and effective.

Scale of operation: Excel Test Prep is headquartered in Fremont, California at 4160 Technology Drive. The company operates primarily in the California Bay Area with locations in Fremont, Cupertino, and San Ramon. Excel Test serves thousands of students annually. The company employs numerous tutors and administrative staff, though exact employee numbers are not publicly disclosed.

Types of services: Excel Test offers SAT/PSAT prep, ACT prep, AP exam preparation, GRE and GMAT courses, EIT/FE and PE professional engineering exam prep, ISEE Upper Level, HSPT prep, TOEFL preparation, and college essay workshops. They provide classroom courses, online courses, private 1-on-1 tutoring, and custom group courses.

Subjects offered: SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, AP Exams (multiple subjects), SAT Subject Tests, EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering), PE (Professional Engineering), ISEE Upper Level, HSPT, College Essay Writing, Mathematics, English, Science, and Critical Reading.

Unique features: Excel Test Prep offers a 4-month free Exam Club program where students can return for unlimited practice sessions. They use multiple expert teachers per course rather than a single instructor. The company provides score improvement guarantees for most exams. They use 100% real, official test materials for practice and coursework.

USP of Excel Test Prep

• Score Improvement Guarantees: Excel Test Prep promises specific score increases (200 points for SAT, 4 points for ACT, 100 points for GMAT, 10 points for GRE). Students on Trustpilot and their website confirm achieving these improvements. If students do not meet the guarantee after attending all classes and completing homework, they receive free retake courses or additional help sessions. This commitment is genuine and backed by student testimonials.

What makes them stand out is their specific numerical promises. They don’t just say ‘better scores,’ they quantify it:

Note that these points refer to the total score increase, not just a single section.

• 4-Month Free Exam Club: After completing SAT, ACT, or PSAT courses, students get 4 months of unlimited free in-person practice sessions. This is highly valued in student reviews. Students mention that those who take advantage of this program achieve the highest scores. This unique feature extends learning beyond the course period at no extra cost.
• Multiple Expert Instructors: Unlike competitors who use a single tutor, Excel Test employs multiple teachers for each course, with each instructor specializing in their subject area. Student testimonials praise the quality and expertise of these instructors. This approach ensures students learn from true subject matter experts rather than generalists.
• Dynamic and Engaging Teaching Style: Reviews consistently mention that Excel Test makes learning fun and exciting. Students report that teachers are hilarious and engaging, which keeps them motivated. This is confirmed across Trustpilot, Yelp, and their website testimonials. The positive learning environment helps students actually enjoy test prep.

Drawbacks of Excel Test Prep

• Limited to California: Excel Test Prep’s physical classroom locations are only in the San Francisco Bay Area (Fremont, Cupertino, San Ramon). Students outside California cannot access in-person classes or the Exam Club program. Online courses are available but do not include the free practice sessions.
• Strict Guarantee Requirements: To qualify for score guarantees, students must attend every class and complete all homework. Missing even one session disqualifies students from the guarantee. Students must also take the official exam within specific timeframes. These requirements may be challenging for students with busy schedules.
• Focus Only on Test Prep: Excel Test Prep does not offer regular academic tutoring or homework help like competitors such as Wyzant or My Engineering Buddy. Students needing help with ongoing coursework must look elsewhere. The company specializes exclusively in test preparation.
• No Free Trial: Unlike some competitors, Excel Test Prep does not offer a free trial class or consultation. Students must commit to the full course without trying it first. The only “trial” is the guarantee itself—retaking if scores do not improve.
• Limited Availability for Working Professionals: The company focuses primarily on students preparing for college entrance exams. While they offer professional engineering exam prep, the range of professional certification courses is limited compared to broader platforms.
• No BBB Accreditation: While not necessarily negative, Excel Test Prep is not BBB accredited according to Better Business Bureau records. There are no BBB complaints on file, but the lack of accreditation means no formal BBB oversight.

Let’s summarize the strengths and weaknesses found in student reviews to give you a balanced view:

The ‘Exam Club’ is clearly the standout feature, offering value that extends months beyond the initial class.

Comparison with My Engineering Buddy

My Engineering Buddy (MEB) excels in areas where Excel Test Prep does not operate. While Excel Test focuses exclusively on standardized test preparation, MEB specializes in homework help and tutoring for advanced STEM subjects like engineering, physics, calculus, and technical coursework. MEB offers more affordable hourly rates starting at $25-35 per hour compared to Excel Test’s course-based pricing.

MEB operates entirely online with flexible scheduling via WhatsApp and Google Meet. Students can get help with specific homework problems rather than committing to full courses. The platform is better suited for ongoing academic support throughout a semester.

Testimonials from MEB users: MEB has 71 reviews on Trustpilot with an excellent 5-star rating. One student mentioned their tutor helped them review all electrical engineering course content within a month, exceeding expectations. Another parent praised MEB’s accommodating staff and flexible scheduling across time zones. A user stated MEB reduced academic stress and improved grades over a year of tutoring. Students appreciate the knowledgeable tutors and responsive support team at affordable fees.

Why students should consider MEB for complex subjects and homework help: Students struggling with ongoing coursework in engineering, advanced mathematics, or technical subjects will find MEB more suitable than Excel Test Prep. MEB provides personalized attention to specific homework problems and concepts. The service is ideal for college students who need help understanding difficult material rather than preparing for standardized tests.

If you are looking for help with specific engineering homework rather than a standardized test, you might need a different approach. Here is how we compare:

For exam prep, Excel is a solid choice. For surviving your difficult engineering semester, My Engineering Buddy is the specialized solution.

Customer Support and Policies

Excel Test Prep customer support is available by phone at (510) 490-7000 and toll-free at (800) 913-PREP (7737). They can also be reached via email at info@exceltest.com. Office hours are by appointment. Student testimonials indicate responsive communication during the enrollment and course period.

The refund policy is based on score improvement guarantees rather than money-back refunds. Students who do not achieve guaranteed score increases receive free repeat courses or additional help sessions. This is clearly explained on their score guarantee page. No significant complaints about unfair practices were found in online reviews.

My Engineering Buddy offers a more flexible refund approach with upfront trial sessions at small fees. MEB’s customer care is praised for quick WhatsApp responses and accommodating special circumstances like health issues. Both companies provide support, but MEB’s on-demand model offers more immediate responsiveness.

Global Reach and Localization

Excel Test Prep’s platform is tailored primarily for the California market with physical locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company focuses on U.S. standardized tests (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT) that are relevant to American college admissions. Online courses extend their reach beyond California but still target English-speaking students.

There is no indication of multilingual support or international market focus. The company does not appear to have international offices or partnerships. Students outside the United States can access online courses but may not find content tailored to their regional exam needs.

In comparison, My Engineering Buddy operates globally with tutors working across time zones. MEB serves students primarily in the USA, Canada, UK, Gulf countries, and Australia. While not offering multilingual support, MEB’s online-first model makes geographic location irrelevant. Students can connect from anywhere with internet access.

Excel Test Prep’s Future Plans

We could not find specific public announcements about Excel Test Prep’s use of AI or artificial intelligence integration plans. The test prep industry is increasingly adopting AI for personalized learning paths and adaptive practice. Excel Test Prep may incorporate these technologies as they become standard in the industry.

The company is likely to expand its online course offerings to reach students beyond California. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated online learning adoption, and Excel Test’s online courses can serve a broader national market. Custom group courses may become more popular for schools and organizations.

Excel Test Prep may add more professional certification exam prep courses beyond engineering exams. There is growing demand for test preparation in healthcare, finance, and technology certifications. Expanding into these markets would diversify their course portfolio.

The company could develop mobile apps for practice questions and progress tracking. Many test prep competitors now offer mobile solutions for studying on-the-go. A mobile app would enhance student engagement and convenience.

FAQs About Excel Test Prep

Q1. How does Excel Test Prep compare to My Engineering Buddy?

Excel Test Prep specializes in standardized test preparation with structured courses and score guarantees, while My Engineering Buddy focuses on homework help and tutoring for advanced STEM subjects. Excel Test operates primarily in California with physical locations, whereas MEB is entirely online and global. MEB offers more affordable hourly rates for ongoing academic support, while Excel Test provides comprehensive test prep courses with multiple expert instructors.

Q2. Does Excel Test Prep offer online courses?

Yes, Excel Test Prep offers online courses for most of their exams including SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, and engineering exams. Online courses provide the same content as classroom courses with more scheduling flexibility. Students can watch classes multiple times and review lessons as needed.

Q3. What is the Exam Club program at Excel Test Prep?

The Exam Club program provides 4 months of free, unlimited in-person practice sessions after completing a course. Students can return to Excel Test locations to take full-length simulated exams. This program is available for SAT, ACT, and PSAT students in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Q4. Can I get private tutoring at Excel Test Prep?

Yes, Excel Test Prep offers 1-on-1 private tutoring sessions and private courses for all exams. Private instruction provides personalized attention but costs more than group classes. Contact them at (510) 490-7000 to arrange private tutoring.

Q5. What score increase can I expect from Excel Test Prep?

Excel Test Prep guarantees a 200-point increase for SAT, 4-point increase for ACT, 100-point increase for GMAT, and 10-point increase for GRE. Student testimonials report score increases ranging from 200 to 600 points on the SAT. Actual results depend on student effort and attendance.

Q6. Are Excel Test Prep instructors qualified?

Yes, all Excel Test Prep instructors have at least a Bachelor’s degree, and many hold Master’s degrees. The company uses multiple expert teachers per course, with each instructor specializing in their subject area. Tutors must pass qualifying exams or demonstrate expertise in their subject before teaching.

Q7. Where is Excel Test Prep located?

Excel Test Prep is headquartered in Fremont, California at 4160 Technology Drive. The company has additional locations in Cupertino and San Ramon, California. Online courses are available nationwide and internationally.

Conclusion

Excel Test Prep is a well-established test preparation company with over 20 years of experience. Their strengths include score improvement guarantees, engaging teaching style, multiple expert instructors per course, and the valuable 4-month Exam Club program. Students consistently report significant score increases and positive learning experiences.

The main weaknesses are geographic limitations to California for in-person classes, strict guarantee requirements, and focus only on test prep without academic tutoring. The company does not offer free trials, and pricing is course-based rather than flexible hourly rates.

For students preparing for standardized tests like SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT, Excel Test Prep is a solid choice if you can attend California locations or access their online courses. However, for advanced subject tutoring, homework help, and more affordable hourly rates, My Engineering Buddy is a great alternative. MEB specializes in STEM subjects, offers personalized 1-on-1 support entirely online, and has excellent reviews from college students. Consider your specific needs—test prep versus ongoing academic support—when choosing between these platforms.