Get ready to ace the SAT with the best SAT prep courses. Whether you’re looking to improve specific sections or overall scores, these SAT tips will guide you in selecting the right prep course. The preparation courses in this blog will help you understand the format, scoring, and strategies to master the SAT. Dive in and boost your confidence for the exam.
What Is The SAT?
The SAT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States that college admissions officers often consider along with your transcript, essays, extracurricular activities, and other aspects of your application. Your scores on the SAT can range from 400 to 1600, and the test consists of sections in Reading, Writing & Language, and Math, with an optional Essay section. It’s important to understand the significance of the SAT in the college admissions process, as your scores can greatly influence your chances of acceptance into your desired schools.
What Aspects Does the SAT Cover?
The SAT is divided into several sections, each of which covers specific areas of knowledge and skills that are considered essential for success in college. The Reading section assesses your ability to comprehend written passages and answer questions based on them.
The Writing & Language portion evaluates your skills in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. The Math section includes both multiple-choice and grid-in questions that test your mathematical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Finally, the optional Essay section asks you to analyze a provided source text and craft a well-structured, evidence-based argument.
How Can SAT Prep Courses Help You Succeed?
Preparing for the SAT can be a daunting process, given the test’s importance in the college admissions process. SAT prep courses are designed to help you navigate the test’s content and format, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and develop effective strategies for optimizing your scores.
These courses offer comprehensive instruction in all areas covered by the SAT, including reading, writing, math, and essay writing. They provide practice materials, simulated tests, and personalized feedback to help you track your progress and focus your efforts on areas that need improvement.
Why Should You Invest in the Best SAT Prep Courses?
Investing in the best SAT prep courses can significantly enhance your chances of achieving your target scores and securing admission to your dream colleges. These courses are led by experienced instructors who are experts in the test’s content and structure and who can provide you with valuable insights and strategies for mastering the SAT.
The best SAT prep courses offer personalized instruction, tailored study plans, and ongoing support to help you stay motivated and focused throughout your test preparation journey. Ultimately, enrolling in a top-notch SAT prep course can be a wise investment in your academic future and long-term success.
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SAT Vs ACT: Which One Should I Take?
When it comes to the SAT and ACT, there are a few key differences to consider. First and foremost, it’s important to understand that both are college admissions tests, and most colleges will accept your score from either test. This means you have the flexibility to choose which test you want to take based on your skills, preferences, and goals.
Understanding Test Structure
The SAT consists of three sections: Reading, Writing & Language, and Math. On the other hand, the ACT has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. One of the key differences between the two tests is that the SAT gives you more time per question than the ACT, which might be better suited for some test-takers.
Contrasting Content and Question Styles
Another notable difference is that the SAT tests you explicitly on vocabulary, while the ACT tests you on science reasoning skills. To make the best decision for yourself, it’s a good idea to research both the SAT and ACT, look at sample questions from each exam, and reflect on your skills and preferences. Ultimately, the test or tests you should take will depend on your individual circumstances.
What’s A Good SAT Score And What Does It Mean For Me?
Your SAT score can open the doors to your dream college, or it can hold you back from getting into the school of your choice. For instance, you might have your eye on a particular university with an incredibly competitive SAT score range. To stand out from the crowd, you need to know what you’re aiming for.
One way to do this is by researching the middle 50% of test score ranges for admitted students at the colleges on your list. Once you’ve done that, check the standardized test score data for admitted students at each school to find out what score you need to aim for. This information can be found in the school’s Common Data Set.
How to Define a Good SAT Score
A good SAT score is one that aligns with the middle 50% of test score ranges for admitted students at the colleges on your list. While a score close to the national average can give you a solid chance of getting into a variety of schools, the higher your score, the better your chances of admission at selective schools will be. High SAT scores can also lead to merit-based scholarships, potentially saving you money in the long run.
Implications of Low SAT Scores
On the flip side, a score that is well below average can hinder your chances of getting into most four-year colleges. Even if you’re accepted, you might be required to take college-readiness courses before you can enroll. Low scores may also make it less likely for you to receive merit-based financial aid. An SAT score can also affect the classes you take in college, with low scores possibly landing you in remedial classes.
The Benefits of a Higher SAT Score
Working towards a higher SAT score can have a range of benefits that go beyond just college admissions. From gaining entrance to your dream school to earning scholarships, having a strong SAT score can positively impact your academic journey. Whether you’re a first-time test-taker or looking to improve on previous scores, striving for a higher SAT score can help you achieve your educational goals.
12 Best SAT Prep Courses For Preparing Towards The SAT
1. The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review offers something for nearly every type of test-taker, which is why it’s our Best Overall pick. The Princeton Review provides multiple live programs, both online and in-person, a self-paced on-demand course, intensives, and 1:1 tutoring services, all developed over 40 years in the college prep space. Regardless of the package you choose, they include comprehensive lessons, practice exams, bonus material like ACT prep, and discounts for add-ons, like on-demand tutoring.
The Princeton Review’s online interface is engaging and easy to navigate, with a welcome video and chatbot available to walk new students through the orientation process. Students using The Princeton Review’s Self-Paced online program create a personalized study plan, with suggestions for schedules that work for each type of student.
Pros of The Princeton Review
- Variety is The Princeton Review’s strongest selling point. Students who want a virtual classroom experience can choose between the Essentials course, which has 18 hours of live online instruction, and the 1400+ course, with 36 hours of instruction time. Both include practice tests, a year of access to online materials, hard copy materials, and student and parent portals.
- For those who want intensive SAT prep, The Princeton Review offers a Summer Camp, which condenses the material covered in the Essentials course into a 2-week program.
- For students who want to take their time, there’s the SAT Self-Paced course, which gives students a year of access to lessons, practice questions, and full-length practice exams. If self-paced students need extra assistance, they can access 10 hours of on-demand tutoring at the discounted price of $200.
- Most Princeton Review SAT prep courses also include access to ACT review materials, which is a benefit for any students considering taking both standardized tests.
- Princeton Review offers in-person instruction (in select locations) as of publication.
Cons of The Princeton Review
- The Princeton Review has a lot to offer, but it does come at a price. Their signature live instruction course, SAT 1400+, can cost as much as $2,199, which may place it out of reach of many students. There are money-back and score-improvement guarantees, but read the fine print carefully.
- In-person classes are available but are largely concentrated in metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles.
2. Khan Academy
Khan Academy stands out among SAT prep services for two reasons. It’s the official SAT prep program of the College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, and it’s completely free. Accessing SAT prep materials from Khan Academy is as simple as creating an account on their website. Students then have immediate and ongoing access to multiple resources, including video lessons, drill questions, and feedback.
Khan Academy partners with the College Board to ensure prep materials are aligned with what is tested on the SAT. There are 13 units for math and five for reading and writing. Each unit includes lessons, quizzes, and a unit test. Khan Academy automatically tracks your proficiency and progress.
Pros of Khan Academy
- Khan Academy is free, which removes one common access barrier to SAT prep. But just because Khan Academy is free doesn’t mean it’s not quality. Articles, videos, and thousands of practice exercises are provided, covering every skill evaluated in both the Math and Reading and Writing tests.
- You can take quizzes, unit tests, and course challenges to ensure you master each skill before moving on.
- The content is all organized in a simple, user-friendly dashboard.
- Khan Academy also has mobile apps for iOS and Android, so students can access their accounts on the go.
Cons of Khan Academy
- The key thing to note about Khan Academy is that it’s a completely self-guided program, meaning it’s best suited for motivated students who prefer to learn independently.
- While there’s a Help Center and Support Community on the website, there’s no instructor interaction or 1:1 tutoring available. This approach may not work for all students.
3. PrepScholar
PrepScholar lands near the top of our best list for a number of reasons, with one of the main highlights being their insane volume of Digital SAT practice work. Offering over 7,100 practice questions and 4 practice exams, this Digital SAT prep course blows the competition out the water when it comes to practice material (more on this below).
Keeping High School Students Interested
PrepScholar is much more than an accumulation of SAT practice questions – they also offer a comprehensive SAT prep curriculum through a set of very detailed lessons. Their lesson plans, which cover just about every testable subject on the Digital SAT, are a mix of text-based instruction and video lectures. The text-based lessons are extremely informative and provide more than enough information to master a given topic.
Video-Based Learning
That said, we did find them to be a little dry at times – which can be an issue when trying to hold a high school student’s attention. This was one of our only complaints with this SAT prep course though.
The Learn-Practice-Review Approach
The video lessons are very good, but we just wish they had these video-based lectures for every lesson topic (they only have them for most). Our team was also very impressed with the structure of PrepScholar’s coursework, using a classic “learn, practice, review” pattern.
Guided Learning Process
You start by reviewing necessary content and learning a strategy, then test your knowledge with a quiz. Following this set of practice questions, you then review your answers to learn from your mistakes.
Tailoring Study Plans
This is a classic and proven learning process used in a number of online SAT prep courses that we were happy to see. And one final point worth noting is PrepScholar’s clear step-by-step guidance through their lesson work and practice tests.
Quantity and Quality of Practice Problems
Students are given clear direction on what to study and when, which is directed by PrepScholar’s smart, adaptive software. All in all, PrepScholar is a formidable online prep course with competitive pricing that should work well for students that learn well through reading and aren’t 100% reliant on visuals.
The most eye-popping feature of the PrepScholar package is their level of practice work. PrepScholar provides an astounding 7,100+ SAT practice problems and 4 full-length tests. To put things in perspective, the next closest competitor barely offers 3,000 practice problems – less than half of what PrepScholar boasts.
Pros of Khan Academy
- Adaptive algorithm personalizes your study plan for most efficient studying in SAT Prep
- Highly effective curriculum with classic “learn, practice, review” pattern
- Tons of study material with 7,100+ practice questions and 4 full-length tests
- Easy to follow structure with straightforward guidance
- Video lessons are highly digestible
- Solid score guarantee (+160 points)
Cons of Khan Academy
- Some learning modules lack video lessons, making those lessons a little dry
- More practice-focused than lesson-focused
4. Magoosh
It’s no secret that Magoosh makes our list of the best SAT prep courses primarily based on cost. But it isn’t ultra-affordable pricing alone that earns you a spot on our roster of top online SAT courses. You also have to deliver the goods – and Magoosh does.
Video Lessons and Practice Problems
When you sign up for one of the Magoosh self-paced SAT prep plans you will get access to their library of 200+ video lessons, 1,750+ practice problems, 3 practice exams, and a ton of fantastic problem explanations. While the format of the video lessons isn’t our favorite, with a slideshow-style presentation and basic production value, the quality of the content cannot be disputed. And the practice problems designed by Magoosh’s SAT experts do a fine job replicating real Digital SAT questions.
Text and Video Solutions
Many test prep experts actually prefers the Magoosh text and video-based solutions to many of the problem explanations you get with other SAT prep companies on this very list. The text explanations are thorough and well-executed with graphics, equations and diagrams. And the video lessons are an extremely valuable benefit for visual learners.
Extensive Resources at an Affordable Price
We still can’t figure out how Magoosh offers thousands of video-based solutions for their problems when much more expensive courses don’t offer any. In short, yes, Magoosh offers incredible bang for your buck. They offer a solid prep program built on some pretty incredible study resources that we are confident will work for most students.
Magoosh’s Pricing Structure
As mentioned above, the biggest selling point of the Magoosh SAT course is its price tag. This course really is for students (or parents) working with a limited budget. The company’s two online prep courses, which are identical in terms of content, differ only in terms of bonus live classes. These two packages run for right around $130 and $400, respectively.
Pros of Magoosh
- Most bang for your buck in SAT prep with their value pricing
- Incredibly helpful video explanations of problems for reviewing answers
- Massive library of informative video lessons that cover every topic and strategy
- Quality Digital SAT practice problem Qbank with advanced filtering
- 24/7 emails support with SAT tutors
Cons of Magoosh
- Not as much practice material as you get with other prep providers
- Library-style approach to prep makes you drive your own studies
5. Kaplan
Kaplan has been preparing standardized test takers for nearly 90 years, making it one of the most established SAT prep companies in the game. While Kaplan offers SAT prep in various formats, including a self-paced on-demand program, 1:1 tutoring, and in-person classes, its Live Online program is a stand-out for flexibility, content, and instructor interaction.
Kaplan offers multiple scheduling options, including morning, afternoon, and evening classes on weekdays and weekends. The Live Online course includes nine two-hour classes and two practice tests.
Pros of Magoosh
- In Kaplan’s Live Online SAT prep course, students receive 18 hours of live instruction. Live Online classes are held throughout the academic year, so students can start prepping whenever they’re ready. Some classes meet multiple times per week for a short period, while others meet once a week over a 6-8-week timeframe.
- Whatever the pace, the Live Online class is comprehensive, including lessons for both the Math and Reading and Writing tests. Students have the opportunity to take two practice exams as well.
- A key benefit of the Live Online program is the instructor interaction. Each class is taught by one of Kaplan’s expert faculty, while another instructor is available via a private chat feature to answer questions during class. An upgrade to Live Online Plus, which includes three hours of 1:1 tutoring, is available for students who need extra support.
Cons of Kaplan
- Students who live in Mountain or Pacific time zones should be mindful of Live Online class start times, which are all listed on the website in Eastern time.
- Unlike other virtual classroom prep programs, Kaplan doesn’t give Live Online students extended access to any prep materials.
- Students only have access to the program until the next official SAT date. Kaplan students must sign up for the Unlimited Prep program for continued access.
6. Prep Expert
A relative newcomer to the world of SAT prep, Prep Expert offers several different options for SAT study, designed around founder Dr. Shaan Patel’s strategy-based approach. For students who have several weeks to prepare, Prep Expert offers live online classes that last 6-8 weeks and a self-paced on-demand course. We chose their unique Weekend Review course as our pick for students who have limited time and need to brush up on their skills and strategies before tackling the SAT.
Inside Prep Expert’s virtual classroom, instructors break down SAT questions, demonstrate problem-solving strategies and answering questions about content and methodology. Prep Expert’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to find the right course for your particular needs.
Pros of Prep Expert
Even if students only have a limited amount of time before taking the SAT, that doesn’t mean they should forgo preparation altogether. Prep Expert offers an intensive Weekend Review for last-minute learners each weekend prior to scheduled SAT dates.
- This intensive online course offers 12 hours of SAT prep over two days. There are four three-hour sessions, with one hour-long break each day. The comprehensive curriculum covers all SAT subjects, including math, reading, and writing, as well as test-taking strategies and tips.
- Prep Expert’s skilled instructors break down SAT practice questions, demonstrating hacks that allow students to solve problems and answer questions quickly and correctly. Learning in a virtual classroom means students can engage with faculty in real-time and ask their burning SAT content and strategy questions before sitting for the actual test.
- A perk of Prep Expert is that they regularly offer discount codes for all their courses, including the Weekend Review. This can help put their learning options within the financial reach of more students.
Cons of Prep Expert
- Students participating in Prep Expert’s Weekend Review course get just that — one weekend of SAT content and strategy review, with no additional access to materials, lessons, or practice tests. This likely means it’s not the right solution for students who need or want a deep dive into SAT prep with a lot of time to process the material. T
- There’s also no money-back guarantee for the Weekend Review course.
7. Testive – Best for 1:1 Coaching
Testive’s learning software adapts to each student. After taking their diagnostic test, a student’s ability scores are established to show what needs to be worked on. Whenever students get a question wrong, they are provided with instant feedback along with a video that shows how to solve the problem.
Students have access to a scoreboard for tracking their progress, and all feedback is shared on the Parent Portal as well. And whenever they need help, they can consult one of Testive’s expert tutors. Testive’s process starts with a free consultation to help determine a personalized plan of study.
Pros of Testive
- What really sets Testive apart is their live tutoring services. Testive’s tutors are exceptionally well-qualified, and they are available for any questions or problem areas that the student needs to address.
- Testive even has experts on hand who can help with issues outside the SAT, such as strategies for submitting applications and writing college essays.
Cons of Testive
- A notable drawback of Testive is that it’s on the expensive end of the spectrum — depending on how much support a student needs, $250 per hour can really add up.
- There’s also no score improvement guarantee, making it a somewhat risky investment.
Other SAT courses worth considering
8. College Prep Genius
College Prep Genius prioritizes reasoning and logic, ensuring test-takers have the skills they need to optimize their SAT performance. This organization recognizes that preparing for the SAT takes time and offers one year of access to test prep materials.
Students can enroll in a three-day, live, virtual bootcamp; tackle an eight-week session; or take advantage of yearlong access to online eCourse content. Digital course content includes a textbook, a workbook, and over 300 interactive quiz questions.
9. ePrep
Boasting five levels of SAT preparation, ePrep supplies students with a user-friendly online platform through which they can track their progress, schedule study sessions, and take full-length practice tests. The company’s online school helps test-takers identify and isolate weaknesses, offering various content to confront testing shortfalls.
Depending on the subscription, students can access tools like video lessons and vocabulary building. Along with test simulations, ePrep gauges progress and gives advice for when to take the SAT.
10. Veritas Prep
Promising to boost SAT scores by 200 points, Veritas Prep takes three paths to deliver content: on-demand content, live online courses, and one-on-one tutoring. Students learn test-taking skills from expert instructors and take eight official SAT practice exams, all while having 24/7 access to study materials.
Veritas’ live online courses offer 25 hours of live SAT classes and provide test-takers with an exhaustive exam e-book. If students need one-on-one tutoring, they can get a personal study plan and daily homework assistance.
11. Peterson’s–SAT Prep Online Course
Peterson’s logoPeterson’s has a number of college prep resources, including test prep, college admissions coaching, writing help, and scholarship databases. Since the company is focused on more than standardized test prep, you might benefit from other services in addition to their SAT prep.
Flexible and Mobile-Optimized Learning Platform
Peterson’s SAT Prep Online Course is SAT prep for everyone, anywhere, anytime. They have a flexible learning platform that lets you work through SAT content on your own schedule.
The class is optimized for mobile and desktop platforms, so you are able to study on your phone, tablet, or computer. You can select a short, medium, or long path based on the test date you are signed up for. Peterson’s SAT course includes games, full-length practice tests, quizzes, and interactive lessons.
12. B Line Test Prep
B Line Test Prep prepares students for the SAT through a free, self-paced course, helping students understand which concepts and subjects need more attention.Its expert tutors are available all day, every day at no extra cost.
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Factors That Determine A Good SAT Prep Course
Flexible Scheduling and Adaptable Formats
When selecting a SAT prep course, it’s crucial to find one that suits your busy schedule and learning style. Look for courses that offer various formats such as on-demand, live online sessions, and in-person instruction.
Options like Kaplan, with intensive programs that can be completed in a few weeks, or self-paced instruction through platforms like Magoosh, can provide flexibility based on your needs.
Personalized Instruction
SAT prep is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Seek programs that offer personalized attention and preparation, such as Testive, Prep Scholar, and Khan Academy. These courses provide study plans tailored to your SAT requirements, 1:1 tutoring, and accessibility to instructors. Review the content delivery methods and test-taking strategies of programs to ensure they resonate with your learning and testing preferences.
Pricing and Plans
Investing in SAT prep is significant, so you should aim to get the best value for your money. Evaluate the cost per hour of instruction, materials like practice tests and books, instructor expertise, and access to money-back guarantees. Explore free and low-cost programs like Khan Academy and Magoosh to access quality SAT prep services without breaking the bank
Course Materials
Comprehensive SAT prep goes beyond classes. Look for programs that offer a variety of materials and learning tools, including practice exams, prep books, question banks, flashcards, and more. Companies like Princeton Review and ePrep provide these resources to help you grasp essential concepts and familiarize yourself with SAT expectations.
Expert Instructors and Tutors
Having the right instructors guide your SAT prep journey can significantly impact your testing experience. Assess the hiring practices of top course picks, including the number of instructors and tutors companies employ, as well as their qualifications. Investigate who designs lessons and course materials to ensure experts are delivering instructions to students.
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