I recently accepted a friend’s request for me to tutor him for the September ACT and October SAT, but I could really use some tips on how to do so! Initially, I thought I ought to find out his current/goal scores and come up with a study plan- would this be a good place to begin? Should I spend time teaching him about whichever areas he is weak in, or work through problems with him, or both? When I took the tests, I simply practiced problems and didn’t bother studying material necessarily, but I think that was just what worked for me and am not sure if that’s how I ought to go about helping him.
I’m concerned because the friend has a reputation for slacking off, so I would greatly appreciate any tips to help him maximize his scores and perhaps also ensure that he remains motivated and keeps up his end of the bargain. Thanks! 
My best tip is not to charge very much if you don’t really know what you’re doing.
Personally, I would figure out his scores/goals like you said. Then maybe have him do a practice test on his own, and you go over it together and explain the ones he gets wrong? I don’t really know or have any experience, but that it one way to do it
@Shrimps Helping your friend is a very kind thing to do. I would review his last test and identify weakness. And base your plan off of your findings. Keeping your friend on track may be the most important aspect of your tutoring.
Did you ever take the SAT/ACT and what did you get?
If you want to motivate him, set up a reward system or something. Every time he improves, go out for Starbucks or watch a movie. Always have regular breaks in between lessons so that he doesn’t get burnt out.
Have him take a practice test or two and go over what he did wrong and figure out why. After maybe 2-3 tests, you can kind of tell where his weaknesses lie (Math, vocab, passage-based reading, grammar, essay etc.) and you can focus on that for a couple of classes and then take another targeted practice test (3 sections of CR or whatever subject he’s weak in, not a whole practice test) and see if he improves.
@iubaccounting @HereToHelpYou Thank you both for your help! I think the practice test and identifying weaknesses is how I’ll start.
@rdeng2614 I took both the SAT and the ACT, yes! I got a 35 and 2380. Thank so much for your help! I think splitting up lessons like that is definitely a good idea, I’ll probably do that. Thanks!