Firstprep.co Reviews

Based on checking the website, firstprep.co appears to be a legitimate online tutoring and university consulting service specifically designed to help students prepare for US admission exams like the Digital SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT.

Their focus is on providing high-quality, personalized tutoring with experienced educators, including Ivy League graduates and university academics.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

0.0 0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews) Excellent0% Very good0% Average0% Poor0% Terrible0% There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. Your review Your overall rating Select a Rating5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star Title of your review Your review Your name Your email This review is based on my own experience and is my genuine opinion. ​ Submit Review

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Firstprep.co Reviews Latest Discussions & Reviews:

firstprep.co Review & First Look

When you first land on firstprep.co, the immediate impression is one of professionalism and a clear mission: prioritizing your success in US admission exams. The site emphasizes its team of distinguished tutors, a crucial point for anyone seeking high-stakes academic preparation. It’s not just about finding a tutor. it’s about finding university academics, Ivy League graduates, and experienced guidance counselors who bring firsthand knowledge of the admission process. This depth of experience is a significant differentiator.

• Initial Impression: Clean, user-friendly interface that quickly communicates its core value proposition. The focus is on expertise and results.
• Target Audience: Clearly caters to students aiming for US undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing the need for robust test preparation and university consulting.
• Key Message: Success in US admissions is achievable with their guidance and experienced tutors.

The Promise of “Distinguished Tutors”

• Credentials Highlighted: University academics, Ivy League graduates, Guidance Counsellors, and experienced teachers.
• Holistic Support: The site suggests tutors provide “guidance and support throughout the entire process,” not just subject matter instruction. This implies a more mentorship-based approach.

On-Demand Learning and Accessibility

• Device Compatibility: Compatible with laptops, tablets, and smartphones, ensuring students can access their learning materials and sessions from virtually anywhere.
• Interactive Environment: Tutors are described as “engaging, initiative-driven and interactive,” which is vital for effective remote learning. Passive learning rarely leads to mastery.

firstprep.co Features

Firstprep.co offers a suite of features designed to cater to various learning styles and needs, all centered around rigorous preparation for US admission exams.

Comprehensive Exam Coverage

The platform covers a broad range of major US admission examinations, indicating a versatile service that can support diverse academic goals.

• Digital SAT: Includes Reading & Writing, and Math.
• ACT: Covers English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science.
• GRE: Focuses on Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.
• GMAT Focus: Concentrates on Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.

Diverse Tutoring Formats

Recognizing that one size doesn’t fit all, firstprep.co provides different tutoring structures to accommodate individual preferences and budgets.

• 1-2-1 Tutoring on the Go:
  • Hourly Rate: £150/$180 per hour.
  • Flexibility: Ideal for students needing a small number of targeted sessions.
  • Matching: Students are matched with a distinguished tutor best suited to their specific needs.
• 1-2-1 Tutoring Packages:
  • Cost Savings: Encourages bulk purchases for significant savings.
  • Packages:
    • 10-hour package: £1200/$1500 effectively £120/$150 per hour.
    • 20-hour package: £2000/$2400 effectively £100/$120 per hour.
  • Dedicated Tutor: Students are paired with a dedicated tutor for the duration of the package.
  • Customization: Option to inquire for 20+ hours for tailored arrangements.
• Group Sessions:
  • Focus: Specific questions of SAT and ACT examinations.
  • Size: Maximum of five students per session, ensuring personalized attention within a group setting.
  • Cost: £1000/$1200 for 10 hours 5 x 2-hour sessions, making it £100/$120 per hour per student.
  • Collaboration: Offers a collaborative learning environment.

Complimentary Consultation

A key feature for prospective students is the offer of a complimentary consultation. This allows students to discuss their needs and goals before committing financially. Tovfurniture.com Reviews

• Benefit: Provides an opportunity to assess fit and understand how firstprep.co can specifically address their US admission journey.
• Value: It removes initial friction and demonstrates confidence in their service.

firstprep.co Pros & Cons

Like any service, firstprep.co has its strengths and potential drawbacks.

Understanding these can help students make an informed decision.

Pros

• High-Caliber Tutors: The emphasis on Ivy League graduates, university academics, and guidance counselors is a major selling point. This indicates a commitment to quality instruction and deep institutional knowledge.
• Comprehensive Exam Coverage: Catering to SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT means they can support a wide range of students.
• Flexible Learning Options: The availability of hourly, package, and group sessions offers flexibility to suit different budgets and learning preferences.
• On-Demand Accessibility: The platform’s compatibility across devices ensures learning can happen anywhere, anytime.
• Personalized Matching: The promise of matching students with the “best-suited” tutor for their needs is crucial for effective one-on-one instruction.
• Complimentary Consultation: This risk-free initial assessment is valuable for students exploring their options.
• Transparent Pricing: The pricing structure is clearly laid out, which builds trust.
• Focus on Success Stories: The site highlights its goal to make “dreams come true” by helping students gain admission, which is motivating.

Cons

• Premium Pricing: While the quality of tutors justifies it, the hourly rates and package costs are at the higher end of the spectrum compared to some other online tutoring platforms.
• Limited Group Session Scope: Group sessions are currently only focused on SAT and ACT, potentially leaving GRE/GMAT students without this more affordable option.
• No Free Trial for Tutoring: While a free consultation is offered, there isn’t a direct free trial of an actual tutoring session.
• Reliance on Remote Learning: While a pro for many, some students may still prefer in-person tutoring, which this service doesn’t appear to offer.
• Specific Niche: The service is highly specialized for US admissions exams, which is great for those students, but not for broader academic needs.

firstprep.co Pricing

Understanding the pricing structure is essential for budgeting and making an informed decision about whether firstprep.co is the right fit.

The platform offers a tiered approach designed to provide flexibility and cost savings for longer commitments.

Hourly 1-2-1 Tutoring

• Cost: £150 / $180 per hour.
• Purpose: This is ideal for students who need highly targeted support for a few specific sessions, perhaps to clarify complex concepts or review a particular section of an exam. It offers maximum flexibility without a long-term commitment.

1-2-1 Tutoring Packages

These packages offer significant savings compared to the hourly rate, encouraging a more sustained and comprehensive preparation strategy. Baggatti.com Reviews

• 10-Hour Package:
  • Cost: £1200 / $1500.
  • Effective Hourly Rate: £120 / $150 per hour.
  • Savings: £300 / $300 compared to 10 individual hourly sessions.
• 20-Hour Package:
  • Cost: £2000 / $2400.
  • Effective Hourly Rate: £100 / $120 per hour.
  • Savings: £1000 / $1200 compared to 20 individual hourly sessions.
• Custom Packages 20+ hours: For students requiring extensive preparation, firstprep.co encourages direct contact to arrange customized plans and pricing.

Group Sessions

Group sessions provide a more cost-effective option while still benefiting from expert guidance.

• Cost: £1000 / $1200 for 10 hours structured as 5 x 2-hour sessions.
• Effective Hourly Rate: £100 / $120 per hour per student assuming 5 students, this means the overall cost per group hour is £500/$600, divided by 5 students.
• Capacity: Maximum of five students per session.
• Focus: Currently specific to SAT and ACT examination questions.

Payment Flexibility

The website states that they support payments from 25 currencies. This is a significant advantage for international students, allowing them to pay in their local currency without potentially incurring high conversion fees. It’s advisable to inquire for a precise price if paying in a currency other than GBP £ or USD $.

firstprep.co vs. Khan Academy

When considering test prep, it’s helpful to compare firstprep.co with other established platforms.

Khan Academy, for instance, is a widely recognized name, particularly for its free resources.

firstprep.co

• Model: Premium, personalized 1-2-1 and small group tutoring with highly qualified Ivy League, university academics tutors.
• Cost: Paid service, with hourly rates from £100-£150 / $120-$180.
• Content Focus: Explicitly tailored for US admission exams SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, offering structured preparation and direct guidance.
• Interaction: Highly interactive, direct feedback, and personalized learning paths from dedicated tutors. Emphasis on mentorship.
• Support: Includes a complimentary consultation and guidance through the entire admission process, indicating a more holistic approach.
• Best For: Students who require individualized attention, structured accountability, expert mentorship, and are willing to invest financially for a potentially more targeted and effective preparation experience, especially for competitive admissions.

Khan Academy

• Model: Free, self-paced learning platform with a vast library of instructional videos, practice exercises, and quizzes.
• Cost: Completely free.
• Content Focus: Broad educational content spanning K-12, college-level subjects, and test prep including official SAT prep in partnership with College Board.
• Interaction: Primarily self-driven. While content is engaging, direct personalized feedback from a tutor is absent.
• Support: No direct tutoring or consultation. Learning is self-managed through their platform.
• Best For: Students who are highly self-motivated, can learn independently, and prefer a free resource for foundational knowledge and practice. It’s an excellent supplementary tool but typically not a substitute for personalized, strategic tutoring.

Key Differentiators

• Personalization vs. Self-Paced: firstprep.co offers direct, personalized instruction. Khan Academy provides resources for self-study.
• Cost: firstprep.co is a paid, premium service. Khan Academy is free.
• Tutor Quality & Mentorship: firstprep.co emphasizes highly qualified tutors offering comprehensive guidance. Khan Academy offers instructional content but no direct tutor interaction.
• Accountability: A dedicated tutor from firstprep.co provides inherent accountability. Khan Academy requires strong self-discipline.

In essence, firstprep.co is for those ready to invest in a concierge-level test prep experience, while Khan Academy is an unparalleled resource for free, self-guided foundational learning and practice. Many students might even use both, leveraging Khan Academy for initial concept mastery and then turning to firstprep.co for advanced strategies, personalized feedback, and application-specific guidance. Fernrise.com Reviews

firstprep.co Alternatives

While firstprep.co offers a compelling service, exploring alternatives can ensure you find the best fit for your specific needs and budget.

The market for US admission exam preparation is robust, offering various approaches.

1. The Big Name Test Prep Companies

• Kaplan, Princeton Review, Manhattan Prep for GRE/GMAT: These are established players with decades of experience.
  • Pros: Wide range of options self-paced courses, live online classes, 1-2-1 tutoring, extensive practice materials, proven methodologies. They often have dedicated online platforms with progress tracking.
  • Cons: Can be expensive, especially for 1-2-1 tutoring. Live classes might not offer the same level of personalization as firstprep.co’s dedicated tutor model. Quality of individual tutors can vary within large organizations.
  • Pricing: Comparable to or slightly less than firstprep.co for 1-2-1, but often more affordable for group classes or self-paced courses.

2. Specialized Online Tutoring Marketplaces

• Chegg Tutors, Skooli, TutorMe, Wyzant: These platforms connect students with independent tutors, often with a wide range of academic backgrounds and pricing.
  • Pros: Huge selection of tutors, often more competitive pricing, ability to read reviews and choose a tutor based on specific criteria. Many offer trials or pay-as-you-go options.
  • Cons: Quality can vary significantly. vetting might not be as rigorous as a specialized service like firstprep.co. Finding the right tutor can take time and trial-and-error. Less likely to offer a “holistic” admission consulting approach.
  • Pricing: Highly variable, from $20/hour to $100+/hour depending on tutor experience and subject.

3. Independent Admission Consultants

• Local or Online Independent Consultants: Many highly experienced individuals operate independently, offering tailored guidance.
  • Pros: Highly personalized service, deep expertise in specific aspects of admissions e.g., essay writing, specific university tiers, often strong networks.
  • Cons: Can be very expensive, availability might be limited due to high demand, vetting their credentials might require more effort on your part. Might not offer test prep themselves, requiring separate arrangements.
  • Pricing: Can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars for comprehensive packages.

4. Free Resources and Self-Study

• Khan Academy as discussed, official test prep guides College Board, ETS, GMAC, free online practice tests:
  • Pros: No cost, readily available, provides foundational knowledge and practice.
  • Cons: Requires extreme self-discipline and motivation, no personalized feedback, no direct guidance on application strategy. Difficult to identify and address specific weaknesses without expert input.
  • Pricing: Free.

When considering alternatives, ask yourself:

• What’s my budget?
• How much personalized attention do I need?
• Do I need just test prep, or broader admission consulting?
• How self-motivated am I?
• What level of tutor credentials do I prioritize?

Firstprep.co positions itself well for students who want high-quality, personalized support for specific US admission exams, valuing expertise and a streamlined process.

How to Cancel firstprep.co Subscription

Based on the information available on the firstprep.co website, particularly concerning their pricing models, the term “subscription” might not apply in the traditional sense of a recurring monthly payment for access to a platform like Netflix or a software service. Instead, firstprep.co operates primarily on a service-based model for tutoring sessions and packages. Mychildatschool.com Reviews

Here’s how cancelling might work based on their offerings:

For 1-2-1 Tutoring on the Go Hourly Sessions

• No Recurring Subscription: If you’re booking sessions on an hourly basis, you’re essentially paying for each session individually or a small number of sessions. There’s no ongoing “subscription” to cancel.
• Cancellation Policy for Booked Sessions: While the website doesn’t explicitly state a cancellation policy for individual pre-booked hourly sessions, standard practice for tutoring services often includes:
  • A 24-hour or similar notice period for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid being charged for the session.
  • No refunds for missed sessions without prior notice.
  • Recommendation: It’s best to contact firstprep.co directly via their contact form or provided contact details immediately if you need to cancel an upcoming hourly session. Clearly state your intention and ask about any potential cancellation fees or policies.

For 1-2-1 Tutoring Packages 10-hour, 20-hour, or custom

• Pre-Paid Service: When you purchase a package, you are pre-paying for a block of hours. This is not a recurring subscription that renews automatically.
• Refunds for Unused Hours: The website does not explicitly detail a refund policy for unused hours within a package. However, if circumstances change and you need to discontinue, you would typically inquire about:
  • Prorated refunds: Whether they offer a partial refund for the remaining unused hours in your package.
  • Expiration dates: If there’s a timeframe within which the hours must be used.
• Recommendation: If you have purchased a package and wish to cease tutoring, you should contact firstprep.co directly to discuss your situation. Be prepared to explain your reasons and inquire about their policy on package refunds or transfers of unused hours. It’s common for such services to have a policy that unused pre-paid hours might not be fully refundable, especially if a significant discount was applied for the package.

For Group Sessions

• Pre-Paid for a Block: Group sessions are also pre-paid for a block of 10 hours 5 x 2-hour sessions. This is a one-time purchase for a defined set of sessions.
• Cancellation of Participation: If you need to withdraw from a group session series you’ve paid for:
  • You would need to contact firstprep.co immediately to inform them.
  • Refund policies for group sessions may be stricter due to limited spots and the dynamics of a group.
  • Recommendation: As with packages, direct communication with firstprep.co is the only way to understand their specific policy for group session cancellations and potential refunds for missed or unparticipated sessions.

In summary, to “cancel” any service with firstprep.co, your best course of action is to directly contact their customer support or administration using the contact information provided on their website. State your intentions clearly and ask for their specific policies regarding cancellations, refunds, or rescheduling for the particular service you are using. Look for a “Contact Us” section on their site for email addresses or phone numbers.

How to Cancel firstprep.co Free Trial

Based on the publicly available information on firstprep.co’s website, there is no mention of a “free trial” in the traditional sense that allows access to their tutoring platform or services for a limited period.

Instead, firstprep.co offers a “complimentary consultation.” This is a key distinction.

• Complimentary Consultation: This typically involves a discussion with a firstprep.co representative or possibly a senior tutor to assess your needs, understand their methodology, and discuss how their services can help you. It’s a sales or introductory meeting, not a trial period where you experience actual tutoring sessions.

Therefore, the concept of “cancelling a free trial” does not apply to firstprep.co. Exchangesails.co.uk Reviews

Since there’s no ongoing access or subscription tied to a trial period, there’s nothing to actively cancel once you’ve had your complimentary consultation.

If you have had a complimentary consultation and decide not to proceed with their services, there is no action required to “cancel” anything. You simply do not move forward with booking paid sessions or packages.

In the unlikely event that firstprep.co introduces a true “free trial” of their tutoring services in the future, the cancellation process would typically involve:

1. Checking the terms and conditions of that specific free trial, which would outline how to cancel before being charged.
2. Accessing your account settings on their platform to find an option to cancel the trial.
3. Contacting their customer support directly if an online cancellation option isn’t clear or available.

However, as of the current website information, since the offering is a “complimentary consultation” and not a “free trial,” no cancellation steps are necessary after the consultation if you choose not to proceed.

firstprep.co vs. Test Prep Gurus

Let’s do a quick comparison between firstprep.co and a hypothetical “Test Prep Gurus” type of service that is common in the market—often a smaller, highly specialized boutique firm or a well-regarded individual tutor with a strong reputation. Mirandabikestore.com Reviews

• Structure: Appears to be a more formalized, structured online tutoring company with a clear brand and established processes.
• Tutor Vetting: Emphasizes a team of “distinguished tutors” with specific credentials Ivy League, academics. This implies a rigorous internal vetting process for their tutors.
• Service Offerings: Clear, defined packages for 1-2-1 and group sessions across major US admission exams. Transparent pricing.
• Platform/Technology: Highlights on-demand learning and device compatibility, suggesting a dedicated or well-integrated online learning environment.
• Scalability: Designed to serve a broader base of students while maintaining quality, potentially with a pool of tutors.
• Pricing: Premium, reflecting the stated quality of tutors and organized service.
• Ideal For: Students seeking a structured, reliable, and professionally managed service with verifiable tutor credentials and flexible online access. Those who appreciate a clear pricing model and a company-backed guarantee of quality.

Test Prep Gurus Hypothetical Boutique/Individual Tutor

• Structure: Often a smaller operation, perhaps a single highly sought-after tutor or a small team. Less emphasis on corporate structure, more on individual expertise.
• Tutor Vetting: Relies heavily on the reputation of the “guru” themselves. Vetting for other tutors might be informal or less transparent to the client. Referrals and word-of-mouth are key.
• Service Offerings: Might be more flexible and customized, potentially off-menu options. Pricing could be negotiable or less transparently published. May specialize in fewer exams or specific score ranges.
• Platform/Technology: Could range from simple video calls Zoom, Google Meet to proprietary platforms, but often less sophisticated than a dedicated company’s.
• Scalability: Limited by the capacity of the individual or small team. High demand can lead to long waitlists.
• Pricing: Can also be premium, especially for highly renowned “gurus,” or sometimes more affordable due to lower overhead.
• Ideal For: Students who are seeking a very specific, bespoke approach and are willing to search for and vet individual tutors based on personal recommendations. Those who might prioritize a singular “expert” over a company’s collective expertise, and who value extreme flexibility in scheduling or curriculum.

Key Differences in Decision Making:

• Trust & Transparency: With firstprep.co, you’re trusting a brand and its stated vetting process. With a “guru,” you’re trusting an individual’s reputation.
• Consistency: A company like firstprep.co aims for consistent service delivery across its tutor base. An individual guru’s consistency depends solely on them.
• Support System: firstprep.co likely has a support system admin, tech support. An individual guru might manage everything themselves.
• Availability: Companies generally have more tutor availability. A popular guru might have a very tight schedule.

Ultimately, both models can be effective.

Firstprep.co appears to offer a robust, professional service with a focus on high-caliber tutors and a clear delivery model, making it a strong contender for those who value structure and verified expertise in their test prep journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is firstprep.co a legitimate tutoring service?

Yes, based on the website’s professional presentation, clear service descriptions, and focus on specific US admission exams, firstprep.co appears to be a legitimate online tutoring and university consulting service.

What exams does firstprep.co help prepare for?

Firstprep.co helps students prepare for major US admission exams including the Digital SAT Reading & Writing, Math, ACT English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, GRE Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and GMAT Focus Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights.

Who are the tutors at firstprep.co?

The tutors at firstprep.co are described as “distinguished,” including university academics, Ivy League graduates, Guidance Counsellors, and teachers with firsthand experience in achieving success in US admissions. Sureserve.co.uk Reviews

Does firstprep.co offer one-on-one tutoring?

Yes, firstprep.co offers both “1-2-1 Tutoring on the Go” hourly and “1-2-1 Tutoring Packages” 10-hour and 20-hour blocks for personalized instruction.

What is the cost of hourly tutoring at firstprep.co?

One-to-one on-demand tutoring at firstprep.co costs £150 / $180 per hour.

Can I save money by purchasing tutoring packages?

Yes, purchasing tutoring packages can lead to significant savings.

The 10-hour package is £1200 / $1500 effectively £120/$150 per hour, and the 20-hour package is £2000 / $2400 effectively £100/$120 per hour.

Does firstprep.co offer group sessions?

Yes, firstprep.co offers group sessions focused on specific questions of the SAT and ACT examinations, accommodating a maximum of five students. Littlegreengrowers.ie Reviews

How much do group sessions cost?

Group sessions cost £1000 / $1200 for 10 hours, structured as 5 x 2-hour sessions.

Is there a free trial for firstprep.co services?

No, firstprep.co does not offer a free trial of its tutoring services.

However, they do provide a complimentary consultation to discuss your needs.

How do I book a complimentary consultation?

You can contact firstprep.co via their website to arrange a complimentary consultation.

Is firstprep.co suitable for international students?

Yes, firstprep.co appears suitable for international students as they support payments from 25 currencies and focus on US admission exams, which are relevant worldwide. Blenheimpalace.com Reviews

Can I access firstprep.co on my mobile device?

Yes, the firstprep.co platform is compatible with laptops, tablets, and smartphones, providing seamless access across devices for on-demand learning.

What is the cancellation policy for firstprep.co?

The website doesn’t explicitly detail a cancellation policy for individual sessions or refunds for packages.

It’s recommended to contact firstprep.co directly to inquire about their specific cancellation and refund policies for any booked service.

Are the tutors at firstprep.co engaging?

The website states that their tutors are “engaging, initiative-driven and interactive, ensuring an effective and stimulating learning environment.”

Does firstprep.co help with university consulting beyond test prep?

While primarily focused on test prep, the website mentions “first-class remote university consulting” and “guidance and support throughout the entire process,” suggesting broader consulting aspects. Gritandgainsmedia.com Reviews

How does firstprep.co differ from free resources like Khan Academy?

Firstprep.co provides personalized, direct 1-2-1 or small group tutoring with highly qualified tutors, whereas Khan Academy offers free, self-paced learning resources without direct tutor interaction.

What kind of payment methods does firstprep.co support?

Firstprep.co supports payments from 25 currencies, in addition to GBP £ and USD $. Specific payment methods e.g., credit card, bank transfer would typically be clarified during the booking process.

Is firstprep.co good for last-minute test preparation?

While not explicitly stated, the “1-2-1 Tutoring on the Go” hourly sessions option could be suitable for targeted, last-minute preparation needs, allowing students to focus on specific problem areas.

How are tutors matched with students at firstprep.co?

Firstprep.co states that you will be matched with a distinguished tutor who is “best suited to your needs” and has “years of experience tutoring students for US admissions.”

Can schools partner with firstprep.co for their students?

Yes, firstprep.co partners with schools/institutions worldwide looking for extra tuition for their students. They encourage inquiries referencing the school. Mantles.co.uk Reviews