What Are the Absolute Best SAT Prep Courses? In fact, there is not one right answer to this. After all, what works for one student may not work for another. in the text,We Profile Five of the Best SAT Prep Courses (In-Person & Online)And tell you their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which course is best for you. We also give you four tips for getting the most out of your SAT prep course. Featured Image:u education/Flickr Before we dive into the best SAT prep courses, let's take a moment to review them brieflyGeneral Qualities That Make a Good SAT Prep Course. First, you always have toNote the small class sizes (ideally 10 or fewer students).Smaller SAT classes mean you have more one-on-one time with your teacher, helping you get definitive answers to questions and tailor lessons to your weaknesses. Second would be a good SAT courseTaught by expert teachers with super high (even perfect!) SAT scores.For example, PrepScholar classes areGiven only by those who scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT. Next, the class should provide students withHigh-quality homework and/or additional study material for use between lessons.This ensures that you are constantly practicing and steadily improving the various skills and strategies you have learned in class. In the end, the best will be SAT prep classesProvides students with guaranteed results, usually in terms of score improvement or score thresholds.This claim suggests that the program is available to all types of students, regardless of their weaknesses or SAT experience. Guaranteed results also underline the program's confidence: if you don't get the promised score,You will get most or all of your money back.This is how confident the class is that the curriculum and teaching methods are right for you. Now that we've learned what makes a good SAT prep course, it's time to take a look at our pick of the five best SAT prep courses.
In a Nutshell: What Makes a Good SAT Prep Course?
5 Best SAT Preparation Courses
Preparatory lessons
- price:$895 ($498 for existing PrepScholar students)
- Format:online
At PrepScholar, we offerFirst-class on-site SAT classes, guaranteed to improve your score by more than 160 points or get your money back.All our live lessons take place online in a virtual classroom and work the same as traditional face-to-face lessons: you can raise your hand, ask the teacher questions with your real voice (not just a chat box) and use the interactive whiteboard to ask a specific question - or share test concepts.
Our courses includediagnostic testView your current score, an overview of the best SAT reading techniques, an in-depth look at the most useful SAT math strategies and questions, and an overview of SAT writing grammar and punctuation.
PrepScholar's Online Coursestakes two to five weeks,Depends on the schedule you choose; however, you also have accessOur complete preparation programfora whole yearOnce registered, you can continue learning at your own pace with quality materials and resources.
benefit
- All our teachers are SAT expertsInscored in the 99th percentile,So you can be sure that they know what they are talking about!
- Class size is limited to nine students,This allows you to ask questions and get one-on-one support from your teacher. You will never feel overwhelmed or drowning in a sea of students.
- The entire curriculum is tailored to the student's weaknesses,You are encouraged to hone the specific skills and concepts to focus on. Our prep class isSome of the only ones using a student-driven syllabus.
- Homework is adaptive and tailored to your needs.Assignments are completed through the SAT Complete Prep program, which you can use online for an entire year after enrollment. You can learn at your own pace- Great for busy high school students.
- You can choose to take follow-up coursesIf you really want to get your score even higher.
- If your SAT score doesn't improve by 160+ points,You will receive a full refund.That's how confident we are that our program will work for you!
shortcoming
- PrepScholar courses are offered online only,So if you prefer traditional face-to-face lessons, you may not like the style of our lessons. That said, we've worked hard to make classes as comfortable as possible so you can use audio and video chat to communicate with your classmates and teachers.
- You only have 9 hours of real-time class time, but that's helped by the quantity and quality of the homework.In addition, you do not waste time during the lesson with individual practice questions—All of this takes place between classes, giving you more time in class to discuss tricky concepts, review answers, and ask questions.
Kaplan Personal SAT Prep
- price:Personal from $899, Personal PLUS from $1,299
- Format:Use available online resources yourself
Kaplan is a recognized leader in SAT preparation and as such offers an impressive array of test prep courses, the best of which are theTwo face-to-face courses: SAT In-Person en SAT In-Person PLUS。
During these two courses you will win18 hours of live instruction, plus 30 hours of online electives via Kaplan's SAT channel. Classes include diagnostic tests; an overview of Kaplan's best tips and tricks for SAT reading, math, and writing; and a comprehensive overview of key content areas and skills, such as vocabulary, similes, and rhetoric in context.
course length usuallyLasts anywhere from 10 days to 8 weeks.
benefit
- all the chaplain teacherSAT score above 90%,So you don't have to worry whether your teachers know what they are talking about. However, it is worth noting that all PrepScholar SAT teachers scored in the 99th percentile, indicating they have well-rounded expertise.
- You can visitsignificant additional resources,Includes 30 hours of live online lessons, 40 hours of on-demand lessons (which you can schedule by difficulty and topic), tons of practice tests and quizzes, andSAT Prep Books.
- You will definitely improve your SAT score or get your money back.That's a nice promise, but it's not nearly as good as the 160-point improvement we guarantee at PrepScholar.
- itA combination of face-to-face classes and online resourcesCan appeal to many different types of students and learning styles.
shortcoming
- Classes are often too many students - sometimes 50!—It is difficult to ask questions in class and get personal advice from teachers. While the PLUS program offers three hours of private tuition, Kaplan still pales in comparison to the PrepScholar program when it comes to one-on-one support and interaction with peers.
- Lessons are not tailor-made for students,That way you don't pay too much attention to the topics you struggle with the most; everyone just works on the same things regardless of their strengths and weaknesses. Your prep course can be customized through Kaplan's electives and online resources, but a course that tailors everything to you, like our SAT course at PrepScholar, will ultimately serve you better.
Princeton review SAT Ultimate Classroom
- price:$ 749
- Format:Hybrid (in-person and online)
Like Kaplan, The Princeton Review is a well-known test prep company that offers a number of high-quality SAT prep materials, including a course called Ultimate Classroom. to existThis hybrid preparatory course,Students receive 18 hours of live (face-to-face or online) instructionAnd get unlimited access to the company's LiveOnline SAT courses.
Programs vary in length, but mostlyFrom 10 days to 9 weeks,Depends on the schedule you choose and whether you take in-person or online classes.
benefit
- The mixed nature of this preparatory course—With its live instruction and unlimited access to SAT Advantage LiveOnline courses—allow it Engage different students and learning styles.
- All students receiveCustom homeworkand a tailor-made readiness plan.
- Courtesy of the Princeton Reviewan impressive range of learning resources,From the best SAT prep books to hundreds of online practice and on-demand courses. You even get tools to prepare for the PSAT and ACT!
- You will definitely get a higher score.If you don't, you will get a full refund. If you are not 100% satisfied with your SAT course, you cantake it again for freeWhile that promise is nice, it's nowhere near our 160 point improvement guarantee at PrepScholar.
shortcoming
- Instructors must achieve a minimum SAT percentile to teach courses. it means you areThere is no guarantee that the teacher is an SAT expert.With PrepScholar Classes you will always be taught by testing experts.
- There are often more than 20 students in a class,It's not terrible, but it can make it harder for you to get individual attention and questions from your teacher. In our in-house SAT classes, you'll never have more than 8 of your peers.
- While you can get free SAT prep books with this course, it's important to note thatNo Princeton Review books have been publishedOur list of the best SAT Prep books of 2019.Often the practice questions in their SAT review books are conceptually too simplistic.
Prep Expert's 6-week flagship SAT prep course
- price:$ 899
- Format:online
Prep Expert, a slightly newer test prep company, has gone the extra mile to create an excellent prep program with its flagship 6-week SAT course completely online.
In this SAT program, students take two, three hour online classes per week that allow you toThere are a total of 36 hours of live lectures over six weeks.Students are also required to take a four-hour practice exam once a week.
benefit
- Similar to the PrepScholar course,All teachers in the program scored 99% on the SAT,This way you get first-class guidance and support.
- Who are youGuaranteed to improve your test score by at least 200 points on your next SAT testOtherwise you will get your money back. This is one of the biggest score guarantees, not much higher than our guarantee (160+ points) at PrepScholar.
- you will getHomework and practice testsKeep your skills sharp and let teachers monitor your progress. However, unlike what we offer at PrepScholar, these assignments are not tailored to a student's individual needs (more on that below).
shortcoming
- The course does not meet the needs of the student- Everyone just learns the same concepts and practices the same problems. Without a tailored syllabus, you don't have the opportunity to really learn about your biggest weaknesses.
- You don't get much extra resources.Homework can be helpful, but practice questions alone may not be enough to get you the SAT score you need on test day. Considering the price, no extra resources or online preparation means you're spending quite a bit of money on a fairly basic course. With PrepScholar you have access to our Complete Prep online program for a whole year.
- Classes can have more than 40 students,Severely limits your ability to communicate directly with the teacher and ask any questions. This larger classroom environment is very different from the more intimate atmosphere you get in a PrepScholar program.
Ivy SAT math and speaking online
- price:$ 650
- Format:online
Founded in 2001, Ivy Bound is a privately held test prep and tutoring company that offers reliable options for online SAT test prep courses called SAT Math & Verbal Online.
With this classStudents get 25-30 hours of live class time via video and audio chatWith a teacher and a small group of classmates. After taking this course, students can expect to improve their SAT scores by an average of 100-200 points on the test.
Class schedules can vary widely, but usually runBetween 11 days and 11 weeks.
benefit
- This class is one of the cheapest SAT prep classes available,So if you're on a tight budget, this is a good place to consider getting one. (Cheaper doesn't always mean better, though!)
- All Ivy Bound SAT course instructors are 99% scorers,So you shouldn't doubt that your teachers are experts in what they teach.
- The classes are very small and intimate—usually only three students—Make sure you have enough time to spend one-on-one with the teacher and ask as many questions as necessary. There is also an interactive whiteboard you can use to work on problems together, similar to what we offer at PrepScholar.
- ivy boundGuaranteed 100-point improvement in student SAT scores.If not, you will be refunded 50% of the course price. It's a nice compromise, but it's strange that they don't offer a full refund. With PrepScholar you get a higher score guaranteeIn100% money back if you don't see enough improvement on the test day.
shortcoming
- You will not receive orders tailored to your specific needs,So if you want to specialize in a particular skill or content area, know that this course may not be the case. (ItshallHowever, this happens in the PrepScholar classroom! )
- Timing options for this course are somewhat limitedCompare with SAT prep courses from other test prep companies.
- this preparatory lessonInstead of spending time reviewing the SAT essay,so if you goTake the SAT and Essay, you need to find your own way to prepare for this part. In the PrepScholar course, you get a special essay lesson with tips on how to write a strong essay and use your time wisely.
How to Get the Most Out of Your SAT Prep Course: 4 Tips
Once you've chosen your prep class, the real test begins! Pay attention to the following four tips to ensure you get the most out of your SAT class.
#1: Stay focused and committed
One of the most important factors in determining whether your SAT course is worth the money is your level of commitment to doing well in class and on the test.
Remember that SAT courses can often cost a fortune, so even if you don't like the prep course you're enrolled in, it's still in your best interestMake a concerted effort to attend each class and keep up with any practice tests and assignments.
If you have problems during class-For example,There may be a calamity that requires a lot of your time and attention—You can then discuss with the test preparation company of your choice whether you can catch up on lessons or switch to a different schedule.
#2: Ask questions if you don't understand
At the end of the day, the goal of an SAT course is to teach you what you need to know to get the score you need, so if you're having trouble understanding a particular concept, strategy, or practice questions ,It is up to you to ask questions and get explanations from the teacher.After all, that's what your teacher is for!
not reallyAshamed to ask questions,Whether in class or in a private online chat with your teacher. Granted, the SAT is a tough test to master, but youcapableGo for it as long as you're not afraid to stand up for yourself and get the answers you need.
#3: Make use of additional (online) resources
The best SAT prep courses provide you with plenty of additional resources and materials to help you with your SAT prep in the meantime.InBe sure to use this after the course.
Even if you don't need to take these online courses or take these practice tests, you can do itCan really improve your self-learning abilityAnd make sure you master the concepts and strategies you need to pass the exam.
#4: Keep practicing after class
This tip is related to the previous one, even after your course is over,You have to keep using every material— For example, test prep books, practice questions or online test prep courses—As the exam day approaches, you will receive this course as part of your exam preparation.
Taking the PrepScholar class as an example,You have one year of online access to our SAT Complete Prep programso that you can continue to develop the concepts and skills you learned during the preparation phase in the classroom.
For other SAT courses, you may get review books, tests, videos, and more.Make sure you use as many of these resources as possible during your studies!
what's next
Trying to figure out your SAT class budget?Our comprehensive guide explains the three steps required to calculateHow much you can and should spend on SAT preparation classes.
What Makes a Good SAT Course?Read all about itSix qualities to look for when choosing a basic program.
Taking the ACT instead of the SAT?Then check out our expert picksBest ACT Courses You Can Apply For.
Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points?
look at ourBest Online SAT Preparation Courses.we promiseyour money backIf you have not improved your SAT score by 160 or more.
Our courses are completely online, and they areTaught by SAT experts.If you liked this article, you will love our courses.In addition to expert-led lessons, you get personalized homework with thousands of practice questions, organized by individual ability, so you can study as effectively as possible. We'll also give you a tailored step-by-step plan so you never get confused about what to study next.
Try it now risk-free:
Hannah Muniz
Over by author
Hannah holds a master's degree in Japanese studies from the University of Michigan and a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan through the JET program. She is passionate about education, writing and travelling.
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FAQs
5 Best SAT Prep Courses: Which One is Right for You? ›
Ultimately, for some students, an initial “investment” of around $1,000 for a test prep class could mean they save up to $5,000 a year through scholarships. Obviously, this is not the case for every student, but the potential for a high ROI is one of the top reasons for enrolling in prep classes.
What SAT prep is best? ›- Editor's Choice: Princeton Review.
- Best Value SAT Course: PrepScholar.
- Highest-Quality Video Lessons: Kaplan.
- Best Budget SAT Course: Magoosh.
- Best SAT Testing Strategies: Prep Expert.
Ultimately, for some students, an initial “investment” of around $1,000 for a test prep class could mean they save up to $5,000 a year through scholarships. Obviously, this is not the case for every student, but the potential for a high ROI is one of the top reasons for enrolling in prep classes.
Is Kaplan or Princeton Review better for SAT? ›Yes, Kaplan is better than Princeton Review for SAT. Both Kaplan and Princeton Review offer some of the best SAT prep courses on the market, but the Kaplan course is better for SAT. It gives the official SAT practice tests, so students will know what to expect on test day.
Is Khan Academy the best SAT prep? ›Is the Khan Academy a Good Way to Study for the SAT? Yes! Khan Academy offers personalized and interactive tools and resources for SAT study and prep. The site gives students a tailored practice plan based on their practice scores or previous scores.
Is Kaplan the best SAT prep? ›Kaplan is one of the oldest and most popular test prep companies for a reason. They employ highly qualified and trained tutors and have a vast library of quality practice questions. Kaplan's reputation precedes them, so you'll know your child will be getting access to high quality SAT prep resources.
Which SAT is usually the hardest? ›In online forums, students also tend to identify Test #3 as the hardest of the official practice tests, so there truly seems to be a clear consensus. It's important to remember though that a hard practice test can actually be a great resource!
How much can tutoring increase SAT score? ›If the number of tutoring hours is increased and the process is extended across several months, then a student may expect 4-6 points of ACT improvement and 120-180 points of SAT improvement. While they do happen, improvements of more than 7 points on the ACT or 200 points on the SAT are relatively rare.
How much is Khan Academy SAT prep? ›For parents
SAT practice on Khan Academy is world-class SAT prep that's effective and 100% free.
For every 50 points you want to raise your score, you will need to pick up four extra questions (more or less) on a given section. In the official SAT statistics published by ETS, the average combined improvement of test-takers is 60 to 70 points. That makes a 150-point improvement pretty darn good.
How much does Kaplan increase SAT scores? ›
Two of the biggest SAT coaching firms, the New York-based Kaplan Educational Centers and the Princeton Review, say those taking their courses score on average 120 points and 140 points higher, respectively.
Should I use Kaplan or Princeton? ›The primary difference between the Kaplan and Princeton Review MCAT offerings revolves around instruction. Kaplan provides better quality on demand, video-based instruction, while we tend to like the quantity and approach of Princeton's live classes better.
Is Barron's or Princeton better for SAT? ›Barron's SAT vs Princeton Review SAT
After thoroughly reviewing each company's seminal SAT prep book, including reading their subject reviews, working practice problems and playing with their online extras, our verdict is that we like Barron's for SAT prep.
A: Yes, the SAT is getting harder.
As the years have passed, students worldwide have improved on the SAT, as the number of real practice tests has grown, and knowledge about the exam has spread.
In many ways, the new SAT is much easier than the older version. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't study and be prepared! While the format may be better for some students, the questions are still designed to test your ability and skills in each particular subject.
How many hours should I study to improve my SAT score? ›As a rule of thumb, here is the amount of time students need to improve their SAT scores: 10+ hours of studying to maintain their score. 20+ hours of studying for a score improvement of 10-100 points. 40+ hours of studying for a score improvement of 100-150 points.
Is Kaplan or Princeton Review better test prep? ›While both courses are extremely similar in many ways, the main difference between the Princeton Review and Kaplan GRE prep courses is that Princeton provides more practice tests and live instruction.
Is Magoosh better than Princeton Review SAT prep? ›The comparison between Magoosh and Princeton Review is relatively easy when it comes to prep books: one course provides hardcopy books (Princeton Review) and one doesn't (Magoosh). That said, Magoosh is upfront about this matter and prides itself on being a strictly 100% digital online prep course.
Is Kaplan good for SAT practice? ›Kaplan's SAT Channel offers students the chance to squeeze in some extra lessons. These recorded lectures take a deeper dive into particular topics that often confuse students and are heavily tested. In total, there is around 16 hours of recorded SAT Channel lessons, and they are generally excellent.
Which month is the easiest SAT? ›Myth: The March SAT is the easiest SAT test date. Fact: There's no such thing as “the easiest SAT test date.” While it's true that some versions of the SAT are easier than others, it's false that some test dates are predictably easier than others.
What month is the best SAT curve? ›
Most high school student are advised to take the SAT in spring of their junior year and the March SAT test date is a big favorite of many college counselors.
Which SAT time is easiest? ›According to our research and a meta-study of analyses: there's no such thing as an 'easy' test date for the SAT or ACT. Though it sounds simplistic, the easiest time to take the SAT test is when you feel most prepared.
Is private SAT tutoring worth it? ›Despite what many private tutors and test-taking agencies say, they can't guarantee success. In the end, it's all up to you. Tutors can be a great resource for students who've already taken these tests and are struggling to improve. Tutors are also great for students who have a hard time studying on their own.
Can I raise my SAT score by 400 points? ›A 1300 is an admirable SAT goal and it's attainable if you're starting at an 1150. But if your initial test score is a 900, a 400-point score increase is not very realistic. Sure, it can be done, but the average student does not have 40-hours a week to invest in SAT prep for months at a time.
How to raise SAT score 200 points? ›- Take practice tests: Take as many practice tests as you can. ...
- Have Command over basic calculations and avoid careless mistakes: There is a section in the SAT where you cannot use a calculator. ...
- Try to improve your speed: Practice under timed conditions.
Given what it offers and the fact that it's entirely free to use, Khan Academy is the best learning site for academic subjects and an Editors' Choice pick. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions.
Is Khan Academy like the real SAT? ›The College Board works closely with Khan Academy staff at all stages of content creation to ensure that the test questions you see on the Khan Academy website are the same types of questions you will see on the actual SAT.
How accurate are Khan Academy SAT tests? ›Because the Khan Academy tests are actually released by The College Board, they are generally regarded as official and accurate material.
What is a respectable SAT score? ›The average SAT composite score is 1051, with the average score for math being 523 and EBRW being 528. A score above 1040 is above-average, and a score above 1200 puts you in the 75th percentile (the top 25% of test-takers).
What SAT score is impressive? ›A score of 1350 would put you in the top 10% of test takers and help make your application competitive at more selective schools. In choosing colleges to apply to, consider factors such as the cost of tuition and availability of financial aid, location, and campus atmosphere.
What is the average SAT score increase second time? ›
The College Board reports that 55 percent of high school juniors improved their scores when taking the test again as seniors. The average score improvement for all students retaking the SAT was 40 points. About four percent of retakes resulted in critical reading or mathematics score increases of 100 points or more.
Is a 1600 SAT worth it? ›A 1600 is only achieved by around 300 test takers per year and makes you eligible and highly competitive for admission at every college. Looking at this from another angle, a 1600 SAT score is in the 99nth percentile, which means you scored higher than 99% of all other 2 million+ test takers.
Is 30 hours of SAT prep enough? ›Studying for the SAT in a month is possible, though it's recommended that you spend 10 to 20 hours per week over the course of two or three months prepping for the SAT. But if you only have 30 days, here's how you can get it done.
How to prepare for 1500 on the SAT? ›- Know what concepts the SAT will test. The benefit of the SAT is that it tests a very specific – and fixed – list of concepts. ...
- Build stamina with timed practice. ...
- Choose quality practice materials. ...
- Track your mistakes. ...
- Pace yourself with your prep.
A 1500 puts you in nearly the 95th percentile of all 1.7 million test takers. Just 100 points shy of a perfect score, a 1500 on the SAT makes you eligible to apply to every college and university in the country and be competitive for admission at almost every single one, including elite institutions.
What did Mark Zuckerberg get on the SAT? ›Mark Zuckerberg.
The founder of Facebook scored the perfect 1600 on the SAT and attended Harvard University. There's no surprise there on the score or prestigious university!
Elon Musk reacts to GPT-4 scoring 93% on SAT exams.
What did Bill Gates get on the SAT? ›Bill Gates has an impressive SAT score
Gates scored a 1590 out of 1600 on his SATs.
Harvard University's SAT scores for admitted students range from 1480 - 1580, with an average score of 1530. Although SAT scores are optional, we recommend that students aim for a good SAT score of at least 1530 to be competitive in the admissions process at Harvard University.
What is the best age to start preparing for the SAT? ›Junior school: The 11th grade, also known as a junior school, is the best time when a student can start the preparation for the SAT exam. This is an age perfect to comprehend things precisely and learn things at a good pace.
Is it worth taking the SAT 3 times? ›
Most students score higher on SAT retakes, which makes it worthwhile to take the test more than once. According to the College Board, 2 out of 3 students who retake the test raise their scores the second time.
Can I get into Harvard with 1500 SAT? ›There's no absolute SAT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 1460 to have a chance at being considered.
How many questions can you miss on the SAT to get a 1500? ›So, start answering the questions which you find easy. To get 1500 SAT, you need to get at least 48 right out of 52 in the Reading section. 41 right out of 44 in the Language section and 55 right out of 58 in the Maths section.
Is a 1500 SAT good enough for Harvard? ›Achieving a 1500 SAT score would put you in the middle 50% range of admitted students' scores. A 1500 SAT score is good for Harvard, but a score closer to 1580 (the 75th percentile) will make you a more competitive applicant.
What SAT score should I not retake? ›Never Retake a 1530+
The SAT User Percentiles are what matter since they're based on the actual scores of students. The Nationally Representative Sample is pretty meaningless. A student's percentile represents the percentage of students whose score is equal to or lower than his or her score.
MIT SAT Requirements
You must at least have an SAT score of 1500 to have a chance of being considered for admission to MIT. If we investigate the data of previously admitted students to MIT, the lowest SAT math score was in the 700-740 range.
Stanford University is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 4%. Students that get into Stanford University have an SAT score between 1500–1570 or an ACT score of 33–35. Regular applications are due January 5.