FAQ
Explore answers to common queries about SAT classes and IELTS exam support in our comprehensive FAQ section. Get insights on prep methods, scheduling, payment options, and more.
What subjects do you offer support for?
What are the qualifications of exam tutors at Prep Pal?
Why are Prep Pal fees so competitive?
Isn’t face-to-face learning more effective than online learning?
Do Prep Pal tutors have the right practice and study material to help me succeed?
How do I schedule a tutoring session?
What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?
How are tutoring sessions conducted?
Which is better for exam preparation, group sessions or one-to-one sessions?
How can I track my progress and performance?
What subjects do you offer support for?
At Prep Pal, we specialize in SAT and IELTS exam support. Each of our tutors is specialized in a specific exam structure and content, to ensure you receive the best guidance possible.
What are the qualifications of exam tutors at Prep Pal?
All Prep Pal tutors are highly qualified and experienced professionals in their respective fields, each with the formal education and experience necessary to provide outstanding exam coaching. We require them to have prior experience at elite top-tier global training institutes providing SAT classes or IELTS preparation with proven results, or with training programs/schools for a minimum of five years accompanied by a track record of helping students achieve high scores. This is in combination with university level education either for a teaching degree or a field specialization. Rest assured, we make no compromises on the quality of people on our team.
Why are Prep Pal fees so competitive?
Prep Pal fees are competitive because we are solely an online academy. As we don’t have a physical facility, we don't mark up our fees to cover heavy overheads such as utility bills, rental payments, or insurance; as do other tutoring providers. This means our students pay only for quality exam support, nothing more.
Isn’t face-to-face learning more effective than online learning?
Online learning can be just as efficient as face-to-face learning when the right tools are used. A study conducted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2021 found that "students who participated in online courses demonstrated significant improvements in both subject-specific knowledge and critical thinking skills compared to their counterparts in traditional classroom settings" (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2021). Another survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed in 2020 revealed that "a majority of faculty members who transitioned to online teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic reported positive experiences and believed that online learning could be just as effective as face-to-face instruction, if not more so, in certain contexts" (Inside Higher Ed, 2020). The survey also found that, contrary to initial skepticism, a substantial number of respondents noted the efficiency of online learning and cited benefits such as increased flexibility, accessibility, and the ability to tailor instruction to individual student needs.
Prep Pal provides sessions through Google Meet, where tutors can share screens and utilize a whiteboard to facilitate the learning process. Online learning provides the same results as face-to-face learning but at optimal cost and offers a better overall experience due to time efficiency and flexible scheduling.
Do Prep Pal tutors have the right practice and study material to help me succeed?
Yes, Prep Pal coaches have access to a wide range of practice and study materials to help you succeed in your exams, including official practice tests and materials as well as additional support material if needed. We always recommend relying mainly on official materials provided by the exam authority to ensure alignment with actual exam questions. Beware of supplementary practice tests prepared by external organizations, as they might not always align with actual exam questions.
How do I schedule a tutoring session?
Scheduling a tutoring session is easy! You can schedule sessions by contacting us via WhatsApp or by filling out the contact form on our website. You will be greeted by our friendly customer service team, who will connect you with the exam tutor in case you have any specific queries and will schedule a session at a time that suits you and the tutor.
How do I make a payment?
You can make payments for tutoring sessions through secure payment links with our payment gateway provider. Payments through credit cards, Google Pay or Apple Pay are accepted.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?
If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, simply notify us at least 12 hours in advance. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may occur and will accept late cancellations on a case-by-case basis for emergencies.
How are tutoring sessions conducted?
Tutoring sessions at Prep Pal are conducted online through Google Meet, ensuring a convenient and interactive learning experience. Our tutors utilize shared screens and whiteboards to facilitate effective online learning sessions.
Which is better for exam preparation, group sessions or one-to-one sessions?
While group sessions may offer more interaction and collaboration between students, they can present challenges when it comes to the purpose of exam preparation. These sessions often include individuals with different educational backgrounds and stages of schooling, varying levels of motivation, and conflicting learning styles. This can leave some students out of sync with the structure and pace of the sessions and result in the need for additional lesson packages in order to reach the student's goals.
Individual, one-to-one tutoring sessions are often more beneficial for exam preparation. In these sessions, the tutor can tailor the instruction specifically to the student's needs, pace, and learning style. This personalized approach allows for focused attention on areas of weakness, individualized practice, and targeted feedback. Additionally, one-to-one sessions can often provide the student with faster results in fewer sessions, due to the focused attention it provides.
How can I track my progress and performance?
We provide regular feedback to keep you informed of your academic progress and performance. Your tutor will assess your strengths and areas for improvement, set achievable goals, and provide guidance and support to help you succeed.
What if I'm not happy with my exam tutor?
At Prep Pal, we work hard to ensure the quality and efficiency of our tutors. However, in the unlikely event that a student is not satisfied with their tutor, the student should inform Prep Pal as soon as possible, and we will address the issue promptly and effectively.
What if I get a low score on my exam?
While Prep Pal cannot provide a guarantee on your exam results, we will address your concerns of an unsatisfactory result in the best way possible. In the unlikely situation that you aren't happy with your tutor, we request that you get in touch with us regarding the matter as soon as possible, prior to moving too far ahead in your exam preparation.