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Everyone has different study preferences, even for standardized college entrance exams like the SAT. To help you structure your study time and earn your best possible score, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of top-rated SAT prep resources, including free SAT prep classes, exam guides and one-on-one tutoring services.
This page covers the details and cost of each resource so you can determine which suits your study preferences and learn how to best prepare for the SAT.
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Free Online SAT Prep Resources
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review touts impressive credentials and prioritizes student success through numerous SAT prep and tutoring services—many of which are free. With the new digital version of the SAT, The Princeton Review helps keep you updated with the latest insights so you know what to expect on exam day.
The Princeton Review offers free SAT practice tests, a 14-day free trial of the Self-Paced Plus program with top test tips and video tutorials, and free online events to help you prepare for the SAT.
PrepScholar
PrepScholar, which guarantees an improvement of 160 points from your first SAT (or PSAT) attempt, offers its top SAT strategies in a free study guide. PrepScholar covers the exam’s format, offers tips to adopt the right test-taking mindset and provides helpful guides on SAT strategies.
Additionally, PrepScholar offers study tactics for each SAT section and insights into how to sign up for and take the SAT.
VarsityTutors
VarsityTutors’ free SAT subject-related diagnostic tests can help you identify your strengths and improvement areas as you prepare for the exam. For example, the Critical Reading Diagnostic Test helps distinguish between what you understand and the concepts you need to study more.
If you have limited time to prepare or want to make the most of your study time, VarsityTutors’ diagnostic tests (at least 16 per subject) are an essential test prep tool.
Kaplan
Kaplan, a popular tutoring platform, offers a free SAT practice test and an SAT question of the day sent straight to your inbox. For quick study sessions, you can take Kaplan’s 20-minute workout of 12 SAT questions, which includes explanations of each question and tips on how to score higher.
Magoosh
Magoosh helps students study with free English and math flashcards on its app or online (available for download on Android or Apple). Magoosh also breaks down fundamental SAT tactics on its blog for high school students.
UnionTestPrep
Union TestPrep offers comprehensive SAT prep including free lessons, practice tests, flashcards and study guides on its website. As all students learn in their own way, Union TestPrep provides many study options to meet the needs of diverse learners.
PowerScore
PowerScore balances studying with a light-hearted approach to SAT prep, as evidenced by its “Fun Stuff” category on its Free SAT Help Articles page. PowerScore provides students with expert, in-depth articles about setting target scores, lists colleges that don’t require the SAT and offers advice for special circumstances, like requesting a test center closer to home.
TestPrepPractice
As one of the few free SAT prep resources offering video tutorials, TestPrepPractice is a good site to bookmark. You can find comprehensive, free SAT tutorials on math, reading and sentence completion, along with free SAT practice tests and information about understanding your SAT score.
Free SAT Prep Courses Online
Khan Academy
Khan Academy provides a free online SAT prep course in conjunction with CollegeBoard, the official provider of the SAT. You can receive a personalized study plan, eight practice tests and interactive test questions, lessons and SAT study tips and tactics. For students with a limited budget who need structured study sessions, it’s one of the best options available.
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. Additionally, its expert tutors are available all day, every day at no extra cost.
SAT Prep Courses and Tutoring Services
Sometimes you need extra structure and accountability to reach your SAT score goals. Check out these paid SAT prep courses and tutoring services.
Kaplan
Cost: $199 to $1,999
Time: From 30-minutes a day up to full access until the December of your senior year of high school
Kaplan offers three tiers of SAT prep courses: on-demand, 30-minute video lessons; live, online classrooms with experienced tutors; and unlimited access to SAT courses. Students who enroll in any tier benefit from test review and strategy lessons that help them efficiently (and accurately) answer questions and improve their scores.
VarsityTutors
Cost: Approximately $1,100 to $3,500
Time: From 12 tutoring hours to year-long memberships
Scroll through a list of certified SAT tutors who can meet your study needs on VarsityTutors’ website. After answering a series of questions and selecting a membership, VarsityTutors matches you with a tutor who can best accommodate your timeline and study preferences.
Prices vary by hourly tutoring rates and membership plans. VarsityTutors requires learners to purchase at least six individual tutoring sessions but offers up to 12 months of unlimited group enrichment classes alongside limited one-on-one tutoring sessions, depending on the membership plan.
PrepFactory
Cost: $10/month
Time: Monthly subscription
PrepFactory offers a monthly subscription for students, teachers and administrators. You can find SAT and ACT prep resources and master essential test-taking strategies. After signing up, PrepFactory guides you through diagnostic tests to personalize your study time. It also offers interactive lessons on all SAT sections.
Magoosh
Cost: $129 to $399 (accepts monthly payments)
Time: 12 months
Magoosh provides students with two SAT prep course options: self-paced and live. Both offer practice tests, questions, video explanations and study schedules. If you enroll in Magoosh’s live courses, you also receive two hours of live, interactive teaching every week for a month (and a 100-point score increase guarantee).
C2Education
Cost: Free consultation; overall cost varies by personalized education plan
Time: Varies by student need
C2Education pairs students with expertly trained SAT tutors. C2Education tutors adjust its lessons and strategies as you progress, and sessions can take place either in-person or online. Study sessions can include up to two other students but remain customizable to your specific SAT prep needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Preparing for the SAT
How long does it take to prepare for an SAT?
This depends on your overall exam readiness and practice test results. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare so you can arrive on test day comfortable with each subject and equipped with test-taking strategies. Experts recommend studying 10 to 20 hours each week, dedicating at least two to three months to preparation.
How can I prepare for the SAT at home?
SAT prep books, online courses and practice tests can help you prepare for the SAT at home. It’s helpful to take a practice or diagnostic test to determine which subject areas need the most practice. Consider your learning style, and stick to a schedule. Be sure to review what to expect on exam day, and start your test prep as early as possible.
Is one month enough to study for the SAT?
Yes, for some students, one month is enough time to study for the SAT. You can explore one-month SAT prep schedules from PrepScholar and Kaplan to make the most of the month before your exam. However, SAT experts recommend first taking a practice test to determine your potential score and creating a study schedule based on your results.
FAQs
How can I prepare for the SAT for free? ›
- Khan Academy. Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy is free, comprehensive, and available to all students. Go to Khan Academy.
- Practice Tests. Get free, downloadable SAT practice tests online or on paper. ...
- Digital SAT Practice. Find everything you need to prepare for the digital SAT.
The best way to practice for the SAT is now free and personalized for. everyone. Our mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. Khan Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Is Khan Academy SAT prep good? ›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.
What SAT score is required for Harvard? ›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.
Can I prepare for SAT by myself? ›Self-guided SAT prep is a great way to begin studying for the test; it's the most flexible and least expensive type of test preparation. Even if you do end up taking a class or hiring a tutor, you will have knowledge and skills from your self-study that will make guided SAT prep easier and more productive.
Who qualifies for free SAT? ›Students are eligible to receive a fee waiver if they meet one or more of the following qualifications: Are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Have annual family income that falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
Are SAT prep courses worth it? ›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 is the best free SAT tutoring? ›Livius Prep has created 100% free online SAT test prep programs that will help every student take ownership of their learning and their future. Call us at 800-428-8378 or contact us online to learn more about our services.
What is the most effective way to study for the SAT? ›- Create an SAT Study Schedule. ...
- Use Quality Prep Materials. ...
- Increase Your Reading Speed. ...
- Target the Mistakes You Can Control. ...
- Come to Test Day Prepared. ...
- Answer the Questions You Know First. ...
- Eliminate Incorrect Answers.
A strong SAT score can raise your chances of getting into a particular college. While there's no standard for a "good" SAT score, it's best to aim for at least 1200. More importantly, aim for an SAT score that's within or higher than your school's middle 50%.
What SAT score are most colleges looking for? ›
How SATs Are Scored- the Background. The SAT has two sections, Math and Evidence-based Reading and Writing, with each scored on a scale from 200 to 800. To get into one of the top 100 most selective schools, you will generally need to have a composite SAT score of at least 1200, preferably 1400 or more.
How much does Khan Academy SAT prep cost? ›For parents. SAT practice on Khan Academy is world-class SAT prep that's effective and 100% free.
How many months should you study for the SAT? ›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.
How much does SAT prep raise your score? ›Test publishers show that the average SAT improvement is around 60 to 70 points, on average, with a little bit of additional studying before the next test date. Some students improve by 150 to 300 points, which is excellent.
What is the lowest GPA for Harvard? ›After being admitted with a 3.0 or higher grade-point average (GPA), you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to be considered in good academic standing. If your GPA falls below 2.0, you are in poor academic standing.
What is the lowest GPA to get into Harvard? ›You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.
Is 4.7 GPA enough for Harvard? ›Average GPA: 4.18
(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 4.18, Harvard requires you to be at the top of your class. You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants.
As you can see with the above SAT scoring chart, it's possible to get some questions wrong and still earn the max SAT score. Generally speaking, you can miss 1-2 questions on each section and still get a perfect 1600.
How many attempts should you take at SAT? ›Students can take the SAT as many times as they want. We recommend that they take it at least twice—in the spring of their junior year and the fall of their senior year. Most students get a higher score the second time, and most colleges consider a student's highest SAT score when making admission decisions.
Is 2 months enough to study for SAT? ›Two to three months of studying will put you right in the sweet spot for being well-prepared. You have just enough time to become an expert on the test and not let your grades suffer (especially if you're on summer break). But with this amount of time, it can be tough to stay focused.
How many Freesat can I take? ›
If eligible, you can use SAT fee waivers to cover: 1. Up to 2 registration fees for SAT Weekend. You need to be in 11th or 12th grade to use a fee waiver for the SAT.
How many times can you take the SAT for free? ›Eligible students can take advantage of SAT fee waivers to take the test twice for free. Retake the SAT if you need a higher score for specific colleges or scholarships.
What if I can't afford to take the SAT? ›The first thing you need to do is contact your school counselor or an official counselor from a community organization, who can submit for a fee waiver on your behalf. It's important to know that you cannot apply for the fee waiver independently.
What grade should you start SAT prep? ›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. Two focused years is enough to get a hold on the study.
Do colleges like SAT better? ›Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT nor the ACT is harder than the other. Different students tend to do better on one test over the other.
When should I start SAT prep? ›In general, we recommend starting your SAT prep early. About three months before your test should give you enough of a buffer to try a few study approaches and get comfortable with the test content.
How much do SAT tutors cost? ›What Are the Average Costs for Online SAT Lessons? The average cost for SAT lessons, and tutors, is $30 per hour. Hiring a SAT tutor to teach you how to become better at SAT, you can expect to spend between $15 to $150 per hour.
How many hours of tutoring are recommended for SAT? ›30-70 point improvement: 20 hours. 70-130 point improvement: 40 hours. 130-200 point improvement: 80 hours. 200-330 point improvement: 150 hours+
What percent of students get SAT tutoring? ›About 18 percent took a high school class on SAT prep, 11 percent took a private class, and 7 percent had a private tutor. Private classes were the most effective form of test preparation, and students who took them had an average increase in SAT score of 60 points.
Is 1 month enough to study for SAT? ›Can you prep for the SAT in one month? Absolutely. A lot of students do; most will take between one and six months to prepare. If you're aiming for a top score, however, you have a lot to cover in just one month!
Is 3 months enough to study for SAT? ›
Three months is a great amount of time to prep for the SAT. You can spread out your studying and you'll have ample time to master the concepts tested on the SAT. It can be difficult to know where to start your SAT prep. The key is finding the right resources, staying organized, and sticking to your plan.
What is the fastest way to improve your SAT score? ›- Prepare early and effectively. First, set up your SAT Online Account. ...
- Practice often. Consistent test-taking practice has shown to be one of the best ways to increase your SAT scores. ...
- Use the practice tests. ...
- Take the SAT three to four times. ...
- Reduce your test anxiety.
So you're probably wondering, What's a good SAT score for scholarships, and how can I find them? The short answer is that you should aim for an SAT score between 1200 and 1600 if you want to secure some scholarships based on merit–and the higher within that range you score the more money you're looking at.
What SAT score is good enough for Ivy? ›School | SAT Middle 50% Scores | Acceptance Rate |
---|---|---|
Princeton University | 1450-1570 | 4.4% |
University of Pennsylvania | 1490-1560 | 5.9% |
Yale University | 1460-1580* | 4.6% |
Average of All Ivies | 1468-1564 | 5.5% |
Average SAT Score
As you can see, a score of 1550 or above will put you in a good position for admittance into an Ivy League school, and you want to avoid scoring below 1480 so that you can have a score that is above average.
Why is Your SAT Score More Important? There are several reasons that the SAT is a more valuable admissions tool than your GPA. Most obviously, it's because the SAT is a standardized test. While your GPA compares you to the rest of your school, the SAT compares you to the rest of the country.
What colleges do not look at SAT? ›School Name | Location |
---|---|
Harvard College | Cambridge, MA |
Harvey Mudd College | Claremont, CA |
Haverford College | Haverford, PA |
Hawaii Pacific University | Kaneohe, HI |
Colleges only see your highest composite score from any test date and your highest English, Math, Reading, and Science scores from any test dates.
What classes should I take before the SAT? ›Geometry and algebra II are important prep for this section, and we strongly recommend brushing up on the basic principles of algebra as well—a strong handle on foundational concepts will make it easier to break down complex problems.
Is Khan Academy 100% free? ›With our iOS and Android apps, you can learn anything on just-about any device! They're all 100% free, with no in-app purchases or subscriptions.
What type of math is on the SAT? ›
The SAT Math questions draw from four areas of math: number and operations; algebra and functions; geometry and measurement; and data analysis, statistics, and probability. Below you can find more detailed information about the specific skills these questions test.
What is the easiest month for SAT? ›If you don't want to take the SAT immediately before your AP exams, then March may be the better testing month – but if you need more time to prepare, then May is likely a better testing month. But don't stop there. The June SAT test date is the last of seven national administrations each school year.
What time of year is best to take the SAT? ›It's generally best to take the SAT in the fall or spring of your junior year and then again in the fall of your senior year. The specific month you choose depends on your outside commitments and how much time you want to prepare for the exam.
Which months are easy SAT? ›As with all college prep, the earlier the better! Try to take the SAT in August, October, or November. These three test dates should have little trouble getting your scores to colleges in time, assuming your earliest deadline is somewhere around January 1.
Does the SAT boost your GPA? ›If your GPA is just out of range, your high SAT/ACT score will likely make up for your GPA, especially if the rest of your application is strong.
Does Khan Academy really help with SAT? ›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.
Can coaching truly boost SAT scores? ›The college counselors' report concludes that, on average, prep courses yield only a modest benefit, "contrary to the claims made by many test-preparation providers." It found that SAT coaching resulted in about 30 points in score improvement on the SAT, out of a possible 1600, and less than one point out of a possible ...
Can you take the SAT without studying? ›Students may choose not to prepare due to the mindset that these exams are just like any other standardized test. Very rarely, a student earns a good score on the SAT/ACT without preparation. However, it is an unlikely reality for the vast majority of high school students.
Can you get a 1400 on the SAT without studying? ›A 1400 is very good no matter how much practicing you have done . Truthfully, it isn't an excellent score if you are applying to schools like Harvard and Princeton (1460+ is usually required ), but otherwise no need to retake the test! You don't get any brownie points for taking the ACT or SAT without studying.
How can I study for the SAT easily? ›- Create an SAT Study Schedule. ...
- Use Quality Prep Materials. ...
- Increase Your Reading Speed. ...
- Target the Mistakes You Can Control. ...
- Come to Test Day Prepared. ...
- Answer the Questions You Know First. ...
- Eliminate Incorrect Answers.
How to get at least 1500 on SAT? ›
For instance, you need at least 55 out of 58 questions correct in the Maths section, 41 out of 44 in the Writing & Language section, and 48 out of 52 in the Reading section to score a 1500+ on your SAT. This combination is just an example of the number of questions you need to answer correctly to score above 1500.
Has anyone ever gotten a 0 on the SAT? ›While it's impossible for you to get a zero on the test (everyone who takes the SAT will receive at least a 400), you have almost similar odds of doing very well on the test without studying.
Can you go to Harvard without SAT? ›When you apply for admission, you can choose whether or not our review of your application will include your standardized test scores (SAT and ACT). If your scores already are on file before you apply and you choose at the time of your application to proceed without scores, we will not consider those scores.
How many times can you take the SAT? ›Students can take the SAT as many times as they want. We recommend that they take it at least twice—in the spring of their junior year and the fall of their senior year. Most students get a higher score the second time, and most colleges consider a student's highest SAT score when making admission decisions.
Can I get into Harvard with 1400 SAT? ›While a 1400 makes you eligible to apply to places such as Harvard, Yale, and the University of Pennsylvania, it won't make you a competitive candidate.
What to do if you didn't study for SAT? ›- Go Immediately to a Bookstore and Buy an SAT Test Prep Book.
- Pinpoint Your Weaknesses.
- Strengthen Your Weaknesses.
- Check out your Strengths.
- Write a Practice Essay.
- Take One More Practice Test.
- Get All Your Stuff Ready The Night Before.
- Relax the Night Before.
While there's no standard for a "good" SAT score, it's best to aim for at least 1200. More importantly, aim for an SAT score that's within or higher than your school's middle 50%. The SAT essay will no longer be offered unless your state participates in SAT School Day.
What part of SAT is easiest to improve? ›If you're trying to boost your SAT Reading/Writing and Language score, the Writing and Language section is the easiest to tackle. With a few SAT Writing and Language strategies, you'll be on your way to a much higher score.
Is 2 weeks enough to study for SAT? ›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.
How many questions can you miss on the SAT and 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.
How many Math questions can I get wrong on the SAT? ›
Typically, if you get 0-1 wrong answers on the Math section you score a perfect 800. If you miss 1-3 questions, you lose 10 points and score a 790. If you miss 10 questions, you can expect a Math section score in the 680-710 range. Missing 20 on this section would result in a score of around 600.
How hard is the SAT actually? ›How Hard Is the SAT? Unlike what some will say, the SAT is no easier or harder than the ACT. It just depends on your subject skills and your learning style. Most of the content covered on the exam is from 9th and 10th grade, with some added advanced concepts from junior year.