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If you want to know the truth before you sign up, this Testive review tells you what the company really offers for SAT/ACT prep and college admissions.
I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for students to get the right help during application season. And because I’ve worked in admissions for years, I want to share my thoughts so parents and students can decide if Testive is the right fit for their needs.
| ✔️ PROS | ❌ CONS |
|---|---|
| Students work 1:1 with expert tutors and admissions coaches who adjust strategies to individual needs. | Prices start around $300/hr (tutoring $250/hr), which is high for many families. |
| Admissions advising pairs well with their SAT/ACT tutoring and free diagnostics. | Most work is hourly, so budgeting and total cost can be harder to predict. |
| You can start with a strategy session (sometimes discounted or waived) before buying more hours. | Classes can be retaken if unsatisfied, but there is no official score-improvement or admission guarantee. |
As I know from general practice, Testive is a solid fit for students who want structured narrative coaching tied directly to testing support, all in one place.
If a student needs both admissions guidance and real test gains, and you’re okay with hourly billing, Testive.com is worth a look. But if you want flat-fee packages with extensive outcomes data, compare a couple of college admissions consultants before you decide.
What Are the Main Admission Consulting Services of Testive?
Testive is a U.S.-based tutoring company that provides SAT/ACT prep, academic tutoring, and college advising. It was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Boston.
Most of the time, families want one place that helps them with both test preparation and college admissions strategy. That’s what Testive leans into.
There are trained teachers there to help you prepare for the SAT and ACT, but they also give admissions guidance. That combination matters because I’ve seen students do great on the SAT but poorly on their essays (or the other way around). Having both choices on the same site helps you stay on track.
What’s Included in Testive Packages?
The real strength of Testive’s packages lies in their structure. You get a clear path from start to finish.
Everything kicks off with a strategy brief. You’ll have a brief consultation and then a more in-depth strategy session, which results in a written plan that students can use even after leaving Testive. From there, the support gets pretty hands-on:
- Application planning 📆 – think timeline mapping, college list adjustments, and regular accountability check-ins (weekly or biweekly, depending on the student).
- Essay support ✍️ – topic brainstorming tied back to the Skills + Purpose brief, plus outlines and multiple editing passes that make sure the student’s own voice stays intact.
- Interview prep 🎤 – mock interviews with feedback for improving clarity and confidence.
- Admissions officer–style reads 👀 – when time allows, students can get feedback that simulates how an actual admissions officer might read their application, focusing on theme, evidence, and fit.
This kind of framework, as I’ve seen from general experience, helps students complete assignments rather than putting them off.
Who Is on Their Team (Are They Knowledgeable Enough)?
Testive’s tutors and advisors are professionals who know their stuff. Many have years of test prep experience, and some have worked in admissions support roles.
In my opinion, that’s a plus, but I wouldn’t say they are as high-profile as the consultants you’ll find at boutique Ivy-only firms. Still, they’re approachable, relatable, and good at explaining things in a way students understand.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
Yes. In addition to test prep and college admissions counseling, they also offer academic tutoring and help with homework.
Families sometimes don’t realize how much basic grade assistance may help, as I’ve seen in my own work. If a student’s GPA isn’t outstanding, no amount of SAT practice will make up for it, so it makes sense to have both in the same place.
Does Testive Provide Any FREE Services?
Testive offers a few useful freebies you can tap before paying:
- Free tutoring session. You can book a no-cost session with a Testive educator to ask questions, see their approach, and get quick guidance.
- Free SAT/ACT diagnostic tests (live proctored most Saturdays or on-your-own) with a detailed score report and a free score-review chat afterward.
- Free baseline test call-to-action from the homepage if you’re just getting started and want a quick read on readiness.
Offers can change, so I always tell families to double-check the current “free session” and practice-test pages before scheduling.
Testive Pricing and Guarantees
Admissions advising on Testive is typically hourly on the higher end of the market, and tutoring sits a notch below that.
Below are the rates currently listed on Testive.com:
| College admissions and essay advising | 1:1 strategy, essay guidance, application planning | Starting at $300/hour |
| Private tutoring (SAT/ACT/academic) | 1:1 sessions with a Testive instructor | Starting at $250/hour |
| 4-week SAT prep class | Live small group + 1 hour of 1:1 | $799 total |
| Signature admissions session (strategy call) | Skills + Purpose alignment brief + written plan | $250 (sometimes discounted) |
The small-group SAT classes are a fixed price. There’s also a paid strategy session, and I’ve seen promos where the fee is discounted or waived for existing families.
On top of that, Testive offers tutoring bundles that make booking easier:
- Jumpstart (2 hours) – $500.
- Momentum (4 hours) – $900.
- Score Booster (6 hours) – $1,200.
Occasionally, they run sales, like a 4-hour package at $750, so you can lock in hours upfront at a better rate.
‼️ Importantly, there are no guaranteed admits to specific schools. In my opinion, that’s the right call. Ethical firms focus on process quality and student growth; “we’ll get you into Yale” is a red flag anywhere.
Their Professionalism in Testive Reviews (Available Online)
On Trustpilot, Testive holds an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars, with 94% of the 90 reviews marked as “excellent.” One reviewer shared this experience:
While most Trustpilot reviews are positive, several stand out for raising concerns:
There wasn’t much direct chatter specifically about Testive.com on Reddit. The fact that not many people are talking about it might imply something, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
Sometimes, smaller suppliers don’t receive as much attention, for better or worse.
4 Areas of Testive That They Should Work On
No company is perfect, and Testive has its own weak spots that you should be aware of.
- High Costs ⚠️
In my opinion, the hourly rates are steep, making Testive less accessible to middle-income families.
- No Score Guarantee ⚠️
They let you retake, but there’s no promise of score improvement, which some families expect.
- Limited Platform Features ⚠️
No dedicated app and fewer study tools compared to some other test prep companies.
- Review Footprint ⚠️
There are positive mentions, but third-party, detailed outcomes are thinner than those of some competitors. Parents doing heavy due diligence will want more data.
Our Verdict
So, is Testive the “perfect” choice? I would say not always. But is it a good option for families who want organized SAT/ACT prep and help with college admissions? Yes.
Testive works best for students who want to be held accountable, get regular help, and are willing to pay extra for extra support.
As a parent, you’ll like how structured it is and how often you can check in. If you are a student, you will likely like that their tutors are more like guides than strict teachers. However, some families might be hesitant because of the cost and the fact that there is no promise of a score.
Testive is a good, middle-of-the-road choice for me overall. Good enough if you want a mix between test prep and admissions help, but not the cheapest or the best.
❓FAQ
How much does Testive services cost?
Prices vary. Private tutoring starts at about $250/hour, admissions advising at $300/hour, and SAT classes around $799.
Is Testive a reputable company?
Yes. Testive has been around since 2011, based in Boston, and has worked with thousands of students on SAT/ACT preparation and college advising.
Can Testive.com guarantee acceptance?
No. Like any ethical admissions service, Testive can’t promise acceptance to a specific school. They focus on improving your application and test scores.
Is Testive worth it?
It depends. If you’re looking for consistent coaching and a structured plan, it can be a strong option. But if cost is your main concern, there may be more affordable choices.
Does Testive offer any free services?
Yes. They usually include a free consultation call and sometimes offer a free strategy session as a promotion.