what sat prep course is best

by Gussie Bauch 8 min read

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.
May 5, 2022

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

See more

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.

Which is better for SAT prep Kaplan or Princeton Review?

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.

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 PrepScholar better than Khan Academy?

Khan Academy – The Verdict. Both Khan Academy and PrepScholar offer amazing materials with personalized study plans and practice test assessments for each student that signs up to these platforms. Both offer thousands of hours of video explanations, though only PrepScholar has the 1-on-1 tutoring option for students.

Is Kaplan SAT worth it?

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 Princeton or Kaplan better?

Kaplan wins outright on the quantity front with 5,000+ practice problems (all with accompanying text explanations), while Princeton Review wins on course structure and quality, which at the end of the day, is most important. We prefer the structure of Princeton's curriculum and think it offers a more robust study plan.

How can I improve my SAT score by 200 points?

SAT prep courses are a great way to improve your SAT score. There is no right or wrong way to increase your SAT score as long as you put in the wo...

Are SAT prep courses worth it?

SAT prep courses are a great way to learn new material and refresh yourself on old material. Some factors to consider might be your budget, learn...

Is Princeton Review a good SAT prep course?

Princeton Review is one of our top picks for best SAT prep courses. Princeton Review was ranked as our choice for best bundle. Students can purc...

What is the best test prep for SAT?

After reviewing numerous courses, we found that Prep Expert, Princeton Review, and Magoosh were the best SAT prep courses. Magoosh was our choice...

What SAT prep course should I take?

Picking a SAT prep course can be stressful. There are so many different options. The most important thing when picking a SAT prep course is choos...

How much do SAT prep courses cost?

In short, there’s a wide range of price points for SAT prep courses. The test prep industry is made up of a lot of competing companies with differe...

Is Kaplan’s SAT prep course worth it?

Kaplan’s SAT prep courses have always been on the more expensive side of the test-prep spectrum, but they’ve recently reduced their prices in order...

What is the best SAT prep course?

Generally, we’d say that the best SAT prep course is the one that meets your needs. Prep courses come at a wide range of price points and with diff...

What is the best SAT prep book?

Many test prep services offer online or physical books to accompany their other materials, video lessons, and class sessions. Prep Expert has a ser...

What SAT prep courses are near me?

With an increasingly internet-connected world, more test-prep services are expanding their dedicated online courses, but there are plenty of course...

How long does it take to get SAT prep?

SAT prep courses can be completed in under a day if you select a quick-prep course, but others may take up to a year to complete. It’s important to consider your own schedule and needs when searching for a course — many offer the opportunity to work at your own pace if you have a busy schedule.

What is SAT practice test?

Its courses are meant to detect the strengths and weaknesses of every student while providing them with customized learning plans that help them gain confidence and skill in weaker areas. Practice tests are designed to simulate the real SAT, which helps you know what to expect when you take the actual test.

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.

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.

Why is the SAT important?

If you need to take the SAT, It’s important to prepare yourself to ensure you achieve the best results for the top-tier college degree programs. To help, we’ve ranked the 10 best SAT prep courses: Kaplan — Top Pick.

What is the minimum score for Princeton Review?

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. In-person, on-demand online, and live online courses.

How much does Prep Expert cost for SAT?

Prep Expert offers a cheap but quality alternative in their 6 SAT book series for $10 per book, though these are all included in most of their courses. Although these books are full of good information, the best way to get the most out of these books is to read them in the context of the courses that include them.

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;

What is the Princeton Review Vocab Challenge app?

The Princeton Review Vocab Challenge App is a great way to practice vocabulary skills and master those difficult SAT words in preparation for your test. Although it doesn’t feature the same amount of content as you will find in the mobile Magoosh platform, the ability to access flashcards on your mobile device is a huge benefit for certain students. In addition, there is also a Princeton Review Mobile app that lets students and parents track progress, set milestones, and explore other resources available through the Princeton Review.

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.

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 Princeton Review cards are there?

With a set of 500 cards that are available in physical form and online, the Princeton Review helps students tackle reading, writing, math and—of course—vocabulary. The combination of in-hand and online is what makes the Princeton Review stand out from the others on this list, and their cards can be had for only $13.

Is Magoosh a premium test prep service?

Generally speaking, Kaplan has developed a reputation as a premium test-prep service, while Magoosh aims to be accessible to anyone and everyone in terms of its materials and price. Even though they aim to improve test scores in different ways, we can still compare them in terms of the variety of their course packages, their online materials, and price.

1 - Magoosh

Magoosh is based in Berkeley, California, founded by people who took standardized tests themselves and wanted to help others score well.

2 - PrepScholar

My choice #2 is PrepScholar’s SAT prep. They wowed me right from the start — once you sign up, you do a diagnostic test that discovers your strengths and what you should work on.

3 - Kaplan

Kaplan is a well-known name in the test-prep field, and they’re known for having high-quality materials.

How long is the SAT prep course?

The standard SAT Prep Course covers all aspects of the test in 18 hours. You’ll take two proctored practice tests during the course and six more are available through your online account.

How many hours of SAT prep is Kaplan?

Kaplan ’s SAT prep courses demonstrate why the company has become the most popular name in test prep. Its live courses include 18 hours of classroom instruction, as well as eight full-length practice tests, online study materials and access to its growing library of SAT webinars.

What is a plus course?

The PLUS Course is a step up for students who feel they need a little extra help. It includes all the same materials as the SAT Prep Course, along with three hours of private tutoring, a Math Fundamentals Course and Kaplan ’s ACT online study materials.

How often do SAT classes meet?

Courses meet twice a week over five weeks, and you can choose the time and instructor that works best for you. All instructors have scored in the 99th percentile on a real SAT, but that alone doesn’t prove they’ll make a good teacher.

What does 50th percentile mean on SAT?

A 50th percentile rank, for example, means you did better than half of the other students who have taken the test in recent years. You receive an overall rank as well as rankings for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math. We list some of these below.

How much does self study cost for the ACT?

The self-study program is a good fit if you’re thinking about taking the ACT as well. Both sets of video lessons are included in the same program for $499. In addition, you get eight full-length SAT practice tests and 30-, 60- and 90-day study plans to keep you on track.

What is a raw score on the SAT?

Raw Score. Your raw score is the number of questions you got right. As of 2016, the SAT no longer penalizes you for incorrect answers, so it’s best to take an educated guess if you’re not sure. Your raw scores from the Reading and Writing and Language sections are combined, as are the two Math sections.

Who is the founder of prep expert?

If you didn’t know Prep Expert was on Shark Tank, then you’ve probably been living under a rock this past year. In 2016, the founder of Prep Expert, Shaan Patel, won funding from Mark Cuban on the show Shark Tank, and since then, has been growing at an exponential rate.

Is Uworld good for the SAT?

UWorld can either be a great free resource (if you only intend on practicing for 30 days) or a great test prep option, especially for those who are working with a tighter budget. You may have heard about UWorld for their dominance in the medical and nursing testing industry, but they have expanded their proven methods into the SAT and offer a Qbank of up to 1,500 questions, full in-depth answers, as well as performance and improvement tracking that you expect and desire from an SAT prep course.

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.

What is SAT online class?

SAT Online classes are a great way to brush up on your testing skills which are offered by certain online test prep courses. You’ll often find plenty of practice tests and also standardized tests to help ensure that you are familiar with the SAT test. This is one of the most valuable assets at your disposal.

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.

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 .

Is Kaplan SAT prep self paced?

Self-paced for best results. 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.

Is Princeton Review SAT prep?

The Princeton Review is no newcomer in teaching students how to succeed. They’ve been around nearly 40 years, offering a veritable slew of resources to help you conquer the dreaded SAT. That is why Princeton Review SAT prep course is considered one of the top sat prep courses ever.

Is it worth taking the SAT?

Answer: Taking an SAT prep course is not essential for you. If you find money as a burden for yourself, you just need to gather the materials that you need to learn and get a proper guideline. However, you might face many situations where SAT test prep wouldn't be worth the money. That's because it takes your effort to learn too. They are totally free with it with a bit of your learning effort.

Ready to start your journey?

Online SAT courses offer flexibility, allowing students to study on their own time.

1. The Princeton Review

One of the most recognizable names in test prep, The Princeton Review offers a variety of options to help you prepare for college entrance exams. Whether it's online or in person, The Princeton Review essentially guarantees participants will earn top scores.

2. Kaplan

For students gearing up for the SAT, Kaplan — which has provided educational services for over 80 years — offers three price points. The least expensive option is an on-demand program that uses daily online video lessons along with teacher-led review sessions.

3. Testive

Testive provides online SAT tutoring that personalizes each student's program to create the most effective learning experience. Before test-takers enroll, the company offers a free consultation to determine whether the program is a good fit. Once you set up an account, a practice test determines your baseline strengths and weaknesses.

4. Magoosh

Offering test prep services since 2009, Magoosh provides test-takers with a flexible, accessible, and relatively inexpensive program to increase their SAT scores.

5. PrepScholar

PrepScholar offers students an extensive catalog of content, including over 7,000 practice questions, 700 problem-solving videos, and 98 skills lessons. The Complete SAT Online Prep program covers all relevant test sections while also supplying test-takers with customized diagnostic quizzes and 10 practice tests.

6. Varsity Tutors

For test-takers wanting personalized help, Varsity Tutors offers both a free SAT prep class and pay-by-the-hour classes. The free course includes six one-hour sessions in a large virtual classroom.

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A Full List of Every Sat Prep Course Worth Considering

Choosing The Right Sat Course Delivery Type For You

  • The right SAT prep course for you depends on how you learn best and how much money and time you’re able to devote to studying. We’ve listed the four main types of SAT prep courses below in order from least expensive to most expensive. 1. Self-Paced: You pay for the course materials and learn at your own pace. 2. Live Online: You log in to a virtual...
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Sat

  • Our goal is to create a comprehensive guide to excelling on the SAT. We spoke to former students to learn what questions they had about the exam, and we’ve answered some of the most common ones below. If there’s anything else that you’d like us to answer, feel free to reach out and let us know.
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Key Statistics of The Sat

  • SAT total scores range from 400 to 1600 in 10-point increments. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math sections are scored from 200 to 800 and are added together to determine your total score. College Board keeps recordsof which scores translate to which percentile ranks, and we’ve listed some of this information below, so you can see how you measure up to other te…
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