what is the most effective sat prep course

The Best SAT Prep Courses

• Kaplan — Top Pick. ...
• The Princeton Review — Best for Ivy League Admissions. ...
• Khan Academy — Most Affordable. ...
• Testive — Best Free Trial. ...
• College Prep Genius — Best Product Offerings. ...
• Magoosh — Best In-Person Experience. ...
• PrepScholar — Best Online Course. ...
• Prep Expert — Best Money-Back Guarantee. ...
• ePrep — Best Practice Exam Library. ...

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Full Answer

What are the best and useful online SAT prep programs?

The Best SAT Prep Courses

• Kaplan — Top Pick. ...
• The Princeton Review — Best for Ivy League Admissions. ...
• Khan Academy — Most Affordable. ...
• Testive — Best Free Trial. ...
• College Prep Genius — Best Product Offerings. ...
• Magoosh — Best In-Person Experience. ...
• PrepScholar — Best Online Course. ...
• Prep Expert — Best Money-Back Guarantee. ...
• ePrep — Best Practice Exam Library. ...

More items...

Are SAT prep classes worth it?

SAT prep courses are almost always worth it, as long as you’re willing to put in the work. Many providers offer a score guarantee, offering you money back if you don’t improve your score by a certain value after completing the course.

Why should you take a SAT prep course?

Why Students Should Take Test Prep Courses

• Improved Scores. According to a 2012 Oxford University study, students who are enrolled in preparatory SAT classes score, on average, 56 points higher on their exams than their peers who ...
• Strategy. ...
• Calculator, Calculator. ...
• Root Of The Problem. ...

Which is best prep SAT course Kaplan or Princeton?

What is the best PSAT course?

1. Prep Scholar: Best for score increases
2. Kaplan: Most intuitive, easy-to-use platform
3. Varsity Tutors: Most affordable PSAT prep

Are SAT prep courses worth it?

Two studies suggest that SAT prep courses and SAT coaching raise the verbal score by about 10 points and the math score by about 20 points: A College Board study conducted in the mid-1990s showed that SAT coaching resulted in an average verbal increase of 8 points and an average math score increase of 18 points.

Which SAT prep book is most accurate?

According to our expert team's review and analysis, the best SAT prep books on the market today are:Kaplan's SAT Prep Plus.SAT Prep Black Book Second Edition.Barron's SAT Study Guide.College Board's Official SAT Study Guide.Princeton Review SAT Premium Prep.

What is the number 1 SAT prep book?

Best Overall SAT Prep Book: Kallis' SAT Pattern Strategy This book provides six full-length practice tests, adding up to around 24 hours of practice testing.

Is Kaplan or Princeton Review better for SAT?

In terms of volume, Princeton Review beats Kaplan almost across the board. They provide 2,000 SAT and 1,200 ACT practice questions, to Kaplan's 1,000 SAT and 2,000 ACT problems.

Is Khan Academy enough for SAT?

Unfortunately, the Khan SAT program doesn't go far enough in its skill division. As of publication date, the Reading section and the rhetorical skills part of Writing are NOT divided into skills. These are important sections, and I'll explain more below.

Is Khan Academy helpful for SAT?

Since its launch in 2015, Khan Academy's free Official SAT Practice has been used by more than 3.7 million students. We're glad so many people are finding it helpful! * Nearly 40% of all test takers report using our free Official SAT Practice, making it the number one tool for SAT prep.

Which SAT book is the most useful?

Top General SAT Prep BooksBarron's "SAT Study Guide Premium, 2021-2022" ... KALLIS' "SAT Pattern Strategy, 3rd Edition" ... Kaplan's "SAT Prep Plus 2022" ... McGraw Hill Education's "SAT Elite 2022" ... "SAT Prep Black Book, 2nd Edition" ... The Princeton Review's "SAT Premium Prep, 2022"More items...•

Is Princeton Review Good for SAT prep?

Parents of college-bound high schoolers have relied on the SAT prep services of Princeton Review for decades, and for good reason. Princeton Review has one of the longest track records of success in preparing students for the SAT and produces hundreds of top 1% scorers each year.

Is Kaplan SAT prep good?

Generally regarded as the king of test prep, Kaplan has been prepping students for the SAT for decades. And generally speaking, they have done so with great success. Each year, hundreds of college-bound high schoolers score in the top 5% of all SAT takers after having used Kaplan SAT prep.

Is the Princeton Review harder than the SAT?

Today, I personally examined the Princeton Review practice SAT that Parker students took last year, and having studied thousands of SAT questions over the years, I can say with certainty that it was more difficult than a real SAT would have been, especially in the Critical Reading section (which, not coincidentally, is ...

How much does Kaplan increase SAT?

Students in a control group that did not participate in Kaplan's class had average gains of only 13 points, near the national average, on a SAT-M retest. The score gains attained by Professor Kaplan's study far exceed the increases of 20-30 points the College Board cites as the average attributable to coaching.

Is UWorld good for SAT prep?

​ One of the very best assets to use while studying for the SAT is UWorld. Our online SAT prep offers a wide variety of practice questions at varying difficulty levels. This is specifically designed to help test takers be prepared for anything that might be thrown at them on test day.

Why is it important to take SAT prep online?

Every test-taker is unique, so it’s important for online SAT prep courses to have the ability to tailor their instruction in some way. We looked for online SAT prep courses that offer one-on-one tutoring for extra help where you need it most as well as those that provide personalized course roadmaps built around your strengths and weaknesses.

What to look for when researching SAT prep courses?

When researching SAT prep courses, we looked for those that had a proven track record of success, offered flexible scheduling and multiple formats, and provided options for personalized instruction.

How many weeks is SAT prep expert?

Prep Expert’s courses are available in four-, six-, and eight-week periods. It also offers self-paced video course options. Courses come with a 200-point increase guarantee that includes a full refund for those who don’t succeed when they take their tests. The company’s Alexa app includes an SAT question bank to help students study while engaged in other activities. In addition to SAT prep, Prep Expert also offers college admissions counseling, ACT online courses, and tutoring for students of varying ages.

What is college prep genius?

College Prep Genius offers a wide range of learning offers for its students. That includes online courses, which students have one year to complete, as well as live virtual and in-person boot camps for those looking to improve their scores as quickly as possible. Both the online courses and boot camps include a complete webinar library, journal for success, eReader templates, notebook video, and checklist for success. These courses focus on helping students prepare themselves mentally for testing and identifying the areas in which they need the most improvement. Practice tests are administered regularly. Tutoring is available if you require additional support, and the company offers a money-back guarantee. They also offer a sample class of reading, writing, and math on their site that you can check out before making a purchase. College Prep Genius was voted the top SAT prep class by BestSchools.org.

How does higher score test prep work?

Higher Scores Test Prep helps students by providing a clear study plan as soon as they register for their course. These plans are designed to suit your unique learning needs and style, even if you have a learning disability. They include customizable subject-level strategies, as well as access to a test prep expert who provides one-on-one support for students in any areas they need. Video courses are available on-demand and are accompanied by access to personalized support. Higher Scores Test Prep’s SAT Quick Prep course can help you prepare for your SAT in as little as four hours while the SAT Complete Package offers a more comprehensive course plan that you can take as long as a year to complete.

What is testive test?

Testive strives to provide students with customized support. Upon sign-up, students and their families consult with one of the company’s test experts to set personalized goals that are based on their college plans and take a practice test to determine the areas they need the most support in. Courses include weekly coaching sessions, as well as daily assignments to keep students motivated and engaged in learning. In addition to online and in-person standard courses, you can also register for Testive’s SAT boot camp, which features several weeks of full-time SAT prep and practice tests. The initial consultation is free of charge. Testive also offers online tutoring for those preparing for the ACT.

How does Princeton Review help students?

The Princeton Review has been helping students improve their SAT scores for more than 35 years. Its online courses are specifically designed for students who seek to work independently. Its courses focus on the reasons that students typically score poorly on SATs, including inefficient problem-solving and poor studying techniques. In these courses, students learn the best methods for studying and the most efficient ways to answer test questions. Delivery options include live instruction, and there’s a money-back guarantee if your score doesn’t improve. The Princeton Review’s SAT 1400+ course guarantees a minimum score of 1,400 for those who successfully complete the program. For students who enroll in the SAT 1500+ tutoring program, The Princeton Review guarantees a 99th percentile SAT score.

What is Kaplan SAT prep?

When you choose Kaplan SAT prep courses, you’re investing in a well-established service that offers leagues of resources and a number of study plan. Kaplan has a plethora of training centers that serve to improve your chances of getting a great SAT score.

How long does it take to prepare for the SAT?

Most of the SAT prep courses are 3-6 months long. Those months of preparation can bring you two results. Create a pathway for a better future or destroy the path.

What is college prep genius?

College Prep Genius is designed to give you the upper hand when you’re ready to take the SAT exam. This price and cost-effective solution is a great option for those on a budget. Let’s face it, not everyone can shell out the funds that some of the premium sat course require.

How long is a test prep course?

Their test prep course or courses runs in a brisk 6 weeks. During this time, you will take part in virtual teaching which means live online classes for twice a week. These live online classes are just 3 hours long, so if you have trouble sitting through a litany of top courses or course, Prep person or persons might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

How many points do you need to improve on SAT?

You’re also investing in an online prep program that gives you higher improvement guarantee on your SAT of at least 100 point.

Why is it important to take SAT tests?

This will help you prepare for the SAT so that you have a better chance of succeeding. And remember, the SAT holds the key to a lot of your future. It is vital that you put in the work to get the best outcome .

Why is PrepScholar so popular?

The reason why PrepScholar ranks so highly are because it is run by some of the finest SAT victors in history. Those who ranked in the ever-elusive 99th percentile and up are the ones responsible for teaching you.

How much does SAT Rapid Review cost?

Students can ask questions in the live chat. Sessions are $30 for math or verbal and $50 for a combination of the two.

What is the importance of SAT scores?

SAT scores are one of the most critical elements in your college application. They can make the difference between an application that gets accepted—or rejected— from your dream school. There are an overwhelming number of SAT prep course classes out there. Whether you like to walk yourself through a course or want the help of a personal coach;

How many questions are there in Magoosh SAT practice app?

This SAT Practice app gives students all the tools they need to maximize their SAT prep on-the-go. Over 400 practice questions, 140 video lessons, progress tracking, and video/text explanations are available to Magoosh subscription holders via this SAT practice app. Students can also download the Magoosh SAT Flashcard App, which gives them the ability to blow through core concepts, vocabulary, and equations at lightning speed. Magoosh has made a name for themselves in perfecting mobile test prep, and so it’s no surprise that their mobile app finds it way to the top of my list.

Which is better, Kaplan or Magoosh?

Kaplan has far more options than Magoosh when it comes to their course packages. They’ve got courses students can take at their own pace, courses held through online class sessions, in-person courses and private tutoring options. Magoosh only offers a self-paced online course, meaning that Kaplan wins out for students who don’t work as well with that learning style. If you set aside course variety though, Magoosh has some of the most effective teaching materials and strategies available online, all at ridiculously low prices. With Magoosh, students can gain access to quality video lessons for an entire year, over 1,750 practice questions, and a 100-point score improvement guarantee, for only $100. Kaplan’s cheapest offering, their On Demand SAT prep course, comes at a list price of $149, but includes only 1,000 practice questions and access to their video lessons for 6 months. It also comes with a higher score guarantee, but this guarantee isn’t quite as robust as Magoosh’s 100-point guarantee, even though Kaplan’s comes at a higher price.

What is the 200 point guarantee?

200-Point Improvement Guarantee: Prep Expert’s 200-point score improvement guarantee is the highest on this list, and could take students from the top 60% of test-takers to the top 16% through their 6-week SAT prep course—a huge difference.

How many questions are there in PrepScholar?

Practice Questions: PrepScholar provides an unbelievable 7,100 practice questions! We’ll be honest, we aren’t sure you’ll actually use that many questions. But it’s nice to know you can.

Does Magoosh have a 100 point guarantee?

100 Point Guarantee: Magoosh has a generous 100 point score improvement guarantee, second on our list only to PrepScholar, which offers a 160 point score improvement guarantee.

What are the different types of SAT prep classes?

SAT prep offerings tend to come in three formats: Group classes, individual tutoring and virtual courses. Regardless of the choice a family makes, all should offer a content review of what's on the exam as well as test-taking strategies.

When is the SAT test?

With SAT testing running from October through June, test prep is likely underway for thousands of students who are studying to achieve their best possible result. How students prepare for the SAT varies, thanks to an abundance of available options.

What to ask for before spending money on a virtual test prep course?

Before spending money on a virtual test prep course, Chu recommends asking companies for a free demo.

Why do we need homework for test prep?

Like the test itself, homework is required to find the best test prep solution for an individual student.

Does Kaplan offer money back guarantee?

As such, some test prep providers, including Kaplan, offer money-back guarantees, or extended access to practice materials, if a student doesn't improve his or her score after certain paid programs.

Is homework required for SAT prep?

Different Types of SAT Prep Courses. Like the test itself, homework is required to find the best test prep solution for an individual student. "I think, generally, it's very helpful to talk to a couple of different companies before launching in and to really get a sense of the difference between how they work, what their style is ...

Is the SAT a competitor to the ACT?

The role of the SAT in the college admissions landscape is only rivaled by the ACT, a popular competitor. Even in an era when more colleges are beginning to go test-optional, these exams still weigh heavily on the minds of students who hope a high score will open the doors to their dream schools.

How to prepare for the SAT?

Taking a full-length SAT practice test is one of the best ways to prepare for your SAT, and College Board makes several full-length practice tests available for free on Official SAT Practice. Taking a practice test that follows the same timing parameters you’ll experience on test day gives you a strong indication of how you’ll score on the real SAT. Our research shows that your score on an official, full-length practice test taken after studying and within a couple weeks of your test date is highly predictive of the score you’ll receive on the actual SAT. Practice test results will also provide you with insight on what you need to work on as you approach the real test.

When is the SAT 2019?

August 26, 2019. Although you can prepare for the SAT many ways, College Board, the creator of the SAT, believes these are five of the best ways: starting early, studying for free with Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy ®, taking at least one full-length practice test, paying attention in your high school classes, ...

Is the SAT modified?

In 2016, the SAT was modified to be more directly tied to what you’re learning in class. What this means is that it’s even more important to be paying attention in class and to your teachers. By the spring of your junior year, you’ll have three and a half years of rigorous coursework under your belt to help you succeed on the SAT. If there are any areas you think you need a refresher on, we recommend looking through our “ Inside the Test ” webpage to make sure you’re preparing for the right things.

How to teach yourself SAT?

Your self-motivated and can teach yourself with a couple of test preparation books. There's nothing magical about test-prep courses. They will provide strategies for test-taking such as how to eliminate answers and make intelligent guesses when you're unsure of an answer. But books provide that same advice, and a good test prep book will also have thousands of practice questions to help you become familiar with the SAT. Test prep courses are useful for students who aren't disciplined enough to study for hours on their own, but a diligent student can get the same benefit for hundred dollars less through independent study or group study with friends.

How much will my SAT score improve?

How Much Your Scores Will Improve. A lot of companies or private counselors will tell you that their SAT prep courses will result in score improvements of 100 points or more. The reality, however, is much less impressive. Two studies suggest that SAT prep courses and SAT coaching raise the verbal score by about 10 points and ...

How many points does SAT coaching increase?

Two studies suggest that SAT prep courses and SAT coaching raise the verbal score by about 10 points and the math score by about 20 points: A College Board study conducted in the mid-1990s showed that SAT coaching resulted in an average verbal increase of 8 points and an average math score increase of 18 points.

Why are SAT scores important?

The reason for their importance is somewhat obvious: they are standardized, so it gives a college a consistent way to compare students from across the country and around the globe. High school rigor and grading standards vary considerably from school to school. SAT scores represent the same thing for everyone.

Do colleges require SAT scores?

As a result, they don't require SAT or ACT scores.

Is Kaplan a good college admissions counselor?

It's not possible for me to evaluate the thousands of private college admissions counselors out there. But Kaplan is always a safe bet with high customer satisfaction. Kaplan offers several options with a range of pricing:

Does Kaplan guarantee improvement?

Again, there are lots of other options out there. Kaplan does guarantee improvement or you get your money back, a promise that you're unlikely to get from a private counselor (with some exceptions).

What is the best SAT prep book?

Earning its place among the best SAT prep books by being chock full of insightful advice, strategies, tips and tricks, is the SAT Prep Black Book Second Edition. It provides an in-depth look at the test, from its design to the types of questions you might encounter and why those questions are included. It also provides details on the format and structure of the test, as well as tidbits of information such as how you can watch out for trick questions and why those questions are there.

What is SAT prep plus?

One of the most robust prep books on the market, Kaplan’s SAT Prep Plus features a broad overview of the exam, how it works, and what kinds of questions you can expect to see across the three sections of the test. It also offers a broad range of practice questions and five full-length practice exams, in addition to detailed sections covering content review.

Why is the Black Book important for SAT prep?

The SAT Prep Black Book is an outstanding guide for students of just about any level because it can help you not only learn the tricks but also change the way you look at the test overall.

Why choose the College Board's Official SAT Study Guide?

What this means is that the practice questions you’ll encounter are very close to those you’ll come across in the actual exam. In addition, inside you will find comprehensive breakdowns of why the right answers are correct. The book includes walk-throughs of each quiz, exam and question, as well as guidance on how to handle the essay question.

How many practice exams are there for the SAT?

If you’re looking for practice exams, Barron’s SAT Study Guide will fit the bill. There are four complete practice exams between the covers, and the book gives you access to two more online. That means you’ll have plenty of opportunities and time to run through the test and practice your test-taking skills. This guide also features a diagnostic test that can help you to get familiar with how the SAT works, enable you to focus on your weak points to improve upon and get you into the right mindset to approach the exam.

How many questions are in the Kaplan book?

In total, there are over 1,400 practice questions in the book. I found Kaplan’s practice material to be highly realistic and particularly helpful in predicting the kinds of patterns I would see on the actual exam. Additionally, online video tutorials are included as online resources.

What is an additional online component on the SAT?

This will help get you into the proper mindset on test day. An additional online component provides a useful scoring tool for the practice tests. It also includes a range of test-taking tips and tricks that are certain to improve your approach to taking the SAT, and your final score and results.

What is the Princeton Review's SAT 2020?

Similar to Barron's, The Princeton Review's Cracking the SAT, 2020 Edition prep book provides a comprehensive review of the SAT, covering concepts you need to know, such as grammar rules and algebraic functions, along with strategies for approaching the test questions and managing your time.

How many SAT tests are there in the book?

It contains eight full-length SAT practice tests, including one diagnostic test. Five of the tests are in the book, and three are online. These are all fairly realistic and include thorough answer explanations for each question. The book's practice questions are realistic and resemble official questions.

How many pages are in the SAT 800?

At more than 400 pages long, Dr. Jang's SAT 800 Math Workbook for the New SAT, 2019 Edition is a great (and hefty) math prep book to add to your SAT book collection.

How does Meltzer's book help you get a good SAT score?

It breaks down critical skills and grammar rules so you can study them individually. By learning the rules of grammar and usage, you'll be able to apply them to practice problems. Rather than just choosing an answer that sounds right, Meltzer's book will teach you all the rules you absolutely must know to get a good SAT Writing score.

How many hours of practice for SAT pattern?

This book provides six full-length practice tests, adding up to around 24 hours of practice testing.

Does Barron's have SAT questions?

Barron's has been criticized for recycling practice questions from its old books rather than creating new SAT content, and this problem remains in this edition as well. Simply reusing old questions won't give you a realistic sense of the question types and concepts on the SAT. This book appears especially guilty of this in its math sections, where it also lacks sufficient focus on algebra —a major component of the test.

Is PrepScholar online?

You're probably wondering why PrepScholar, known for its online SAT prep program, is going old school and recommending an SAT book list.