Scoring high on the SAT exam can help you get into a better college or university. With the right SAT prep course, you can get a high score on your first try. Or you can boost your score the next time you take the SATs.
There are many SAT prep courses to choose from. Finding the right one for you may not be easy. However, it will likely become easier with the right tips and an introduction to the best SAT prep courses.
Top 5 SAT Prep Courses
1. PrepScholar
One of the most popular SAT prep courses comes from PrepScholar. They provide live SAT classes to guarantee that you will improve your SAT score by at least 160 points or get your money back.
All the SAT courses from PrepScholar are offered online. You will get a diagnostic test to figure out where you’re at and what areas to focus on. It will take two to five weeks to complete one of their courses. You will also gain access to the Complete Prep program for an entire year.
PrepScholar offers teachers that scored in the 99th percentile on the SATs. They keep the classes small at just nine students per class. You can even take advanced classes if you want to score even higher.
The course cost is $895, and you can choose from various times. You will get 9 hours of classroom time, along with personalized homework, real practice tests, and much more.
2. PrepExpert
The six-week flagship course from PrepExpert is one of the best you will find for SAT preparation. You’ll get two, three-hour online classes each week, giving you 36 total hours of live classroom instruction. Students will also take four practice exams throughout the course.
The teachers from PrepExpert all scored in the 99th percentile on the SATs. They guarantee you will score at least 200 points higher or your money back. Homework and practice test are also used to help you prepare for the SAT exam.
They also offer an eight-week Capstone course, Self-paced videos, and a Weekend Review option for the SATs. Prices range from $299 to $1,299.
3. Magoosh
Offering a self-paced, online SAT prep course, Magoosh gives you more than 1,750 practice questions. In addition, they provide a 100-point improvement guarantee and one of the most budget-friendly SAT prep courses online today.
The premium option offers video and text explanations for all questions on the prep courses. In addition, you will get more than 200 video lessons and study schedules to work with. This is a self-paced, online option only.
The live SAT classes offered by Magoosh are taught by instructors that scored in the 99th percentile for the SATs. You get 16 hours of live instruction, along with 12 months of access to premium features and content.
SAT prep courses from Magoosh range from $129 to $399. The live courses will last about three weeks, or you can choose the on-demand option and watch when you prefer.
4. The Princeton Review
Another good SAT prep course comes from The Princeton Review. This course offers both in-person and online options. You can gain the instruction you need in as little as ten days or take as long as nine weeks.
The Princeton Review offers several options, including:
- Self-Paced – This course gives you access to more than 280 video lessons, 377 online drills, and more than 3,200 practice questions. You can even get a discount on tutoring when you choose this option.
- 1400+ Course – With 36+ hours of in-person or live online classroom instruction, you’re guaranteed to score 1400 on the SAT or higher with this option.
- 1500+ Tutoring – Get tutoring from teachers that scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.
- Essentials Course is a very popular option offering 19 hours of classroom time, unlimited online sessions, and more than 135 video lessons; it gives you everything you need.
The Princeton Review offers many options for just about any budget. Courses range from $299 to $1,549, with tutoring ranging from $150 to $233 per hour.
5. Kaplan
If you’re looking for an in-person SAT prep course, Kaplan offers two great options. First, you will access 18 hours of live instruction with 16 hours of elective online courses through the SAT Channel.
Each prep course includes a diagnostic test. You will also get the best tricks and tips for each section of the SAT exam. The course will take anywhere from 10 days to eight weeks to complete.
All the teachers working with Kaplan scored in the 90th percentile or higher on the SATs. Both SAT prep courses offer many additional resources, including practice tests and quizzes. Kaplan even gives you a higher SAT score guarantee.
The SAT prep courses from Kaplan are $699 and $1,299. However, they do offer an on-demand option for just $199. This option allows you to score better on the SAT with 30-minute daily video lessons.
How to Choose an SAT Prep Course
SAT prep courses are not all the same. Many have similar features but may cater to one learning style over another. Therefore, before choosing the right SAT prep course for you, it’s important to consider a few things.
Does the prep course fit your schedule?
The right SAT prep course needs to fit your schedule. Some offer an in-person option, while others offer live online video lessons. You can even find prep courses allowing you to work at your own pace.
Make sure you consider the amount of time you have before the SAT exam to prepare. Also, consider your current schedule and how the prep course might or might not fit.
Do you need one-on-one tutoring?
Some of the best SAT prep courses will offer one-on-one tutoring. This might be an additional option or built into the program. Either way, if you need tutoring, make sure you get what you need.
SAT tutoring can be one of the best ways to help you improve your score. Once you know the areas where you are weakest, a tutor can help you address these issues with the right study program.
Will you get plenty of test prep questions?
Another tool that can be very helpful when preparing for the SATs is the test prep questions. Some SAT prep courses don’t offer very many, while others will give you more than you need. So make sure you get plenty of test prep questions with your SAT prep course.
Does the course fit with your learning style?
Students are not robots, and they all tend to learn differently. SAT prep courses are not all one-size-fits-all for this reason.
If you learn best on your own, a self-paced prep course might work great for you. However, if you need one-on-one instruction, you may not do very well with this type of test prep course. Make sure you choose an SAT prep course that fits your learning style.
Will you be able to afford the course?
SAT prep courses range in price, and your budget should also be considered. You want to make sure you choose an SAT prep course that you can afford. Some offer monthly subscription payments, while others don’t.
There are many things to consider when choosing an SAT prep course. But, first, make sure you choose the one that fits best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About SAT Prep Courses
How much does an SAT prep course cost?
The price range for SAT prep courses is rather wide. It can go all the way from around $100 to more than $2,000. It depends on the type of instruction you prefer, how the course is taught, and what it includes.
Typically, an in-person or live video course will cost more than a self-paced or on-demand course. So whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a course with premium options, there are plenty to choose from.
The cost may also be higher when a course has a very high score guarantee. This usually means they have an excellent track record, too. More expensive courses may also have instructors who scored very high on the SAT.
When is the SAT available for me to take?
Commonly, the SAT exam is offered every year in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. Therefore, you will likely need to register about a month in advance, and your scores will be available a few weeks to a month after you take the test. The College Board website offers more information about test dates and deadlines.
Will any accommodations for disabilities be made for the SAT exam?
Yes, but you will need to get prior approval to get any accommodation type. Usually, this approval will take seven weeks to come through. So make sure you submit your request as early as possible.
When should I start preparing for the SATs?
Students should start preparing for the SATs as soon as possible. You want to start a prep course at least two months before. However, if you’re running low on time, there are weekend courses, self-paced courses, and shorter options to help you get prepared faster.
How many SAT practice tests should I take before the real exam?
Most instructors recommend taking a practice test every week during your preparation. This can help you see your improvement and assess how the prep course is helping you. At least four SAT practice tests should be taken before the real exam.
How long will my SAT prep course take me to complete?
SAT prep courses range in length. Some take less than a day to complete, while others may take eight weeks or longer. If you have plenty of time to prepare, you can even use a self-paced course to complete one lesson a day for just 30 minutes.
Consider your schedule, how much time you have, and how fast you like to learn before choosing a prep course. Many have self-paced options. Any in-person or live online options will have a set schedule, however.
Is using an SAT prep course worth it?
For most students, the answer will be yes. In addition, many of these prep courses will offer a guarantee that you will raise your score, some as high as 200 points.
A higher SAT score might differ between getting into a good college or going to a great college. In some cases, it can make a huge difference, and a prep course can help you get there.
When preparing for the SATs, you need the right study materials. However, one of the top SAT prep courses can help you score higher and confidently go into the SAT exam.
Jordan Fabel
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