5 Best SAT Preparation Courses That Won’t Bore You to Tears

Are you getting ready to take the SAT? If so, you’re probably wondering how to prepare.

A prep course can help you get a higher score.

But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which one to pick.

A classroom with five desks, each with a different SAT prep course book and study materials

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best SAT prep courses for you. These courses offer different ways to study, from online videos to in-person classes, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. We’ll look at what each course offers and help you figure out which one might work best for you.

1) PrepScholar SAT

PrepScholar offers a top-notch SAT prep course that might be just what you need.

Their Complete SAT Online Prep program is designed to boost your score by 160+ points.

What makes PrepScholar stand out? They use a personalized approach to target your weak areas.

You’ll get customized study plans based on your initial diagnostic test.

The course includes over 40 hours of content.

You’ll find video lessons, practice questions, and full-length practice tests.

All of these help you get ready for the real deal.

PrepScholar’s instructors are SAT experts.

They’ve scored in the 99th percentile themselves, so you know you’re learning from the best.

One cool feature is their 160-point score improvement guarantee.

If you don’t see that big of a jump, you can get your money back.

Pretty sweet deal, right?

Want more personal attention? Check out their 1-on-1 tutoring options.

You can choose packages with different numbers of tutoring hours to fit your needs.

PrepScholar’s SAT prep is all online.

This means you can study whenever and wherever works best for you.

No need to stick to a rigid class schedule.

2) Magoosh SAT

Magoosh SAT is a great choice if you’re looking for affordable test prep.

You get a lot of bang for your buck with this online course.

The program offers tons of practice questions and video lessons.

You can study at your own pace and access the materials for a whole year.

Magoosh’s instructors really know their stuff.

They’ve got years of experience helping students ace the SAT.

One cool feature is the mobile app.

You can squeeze in some study time wherever you are.

The course also gives you score predictions.

This helps you track your progress and see where you need to focus.

Magoosh offers a money-back guarantee if your score doesn’t improve.

That’s pretty sweet and shows they’re confident in their program.

If you like a flexible, self-paced approach, Magoosh SAT might be perfect for you.

It’s a solid option that won’t break the bank.

3) The Princeton Review SAT

Looking for a solid SAT prep option? The Princeton Review might be just what you need.

They offer a variety of courses to fit your study style and schedule.

Their self-paced course lets you study at your own speed.

You can access practice tests and video lessons whenever it’s convenient for you.

Want more structure? Check out their live online bootcamp.

You’ll get real-time instruction from expert teachers and can ask questions during class.

The Princeton Review is known for their quality materials and experienced instructors.

They focus on teaching you strategies to tackle each section of the SAT.

One cool feature is their unlimited advantage sessions.

These give you extra help on tricky topics after your main course is done.

Remember, prepping for the SAT takes time.

The Princeton Review suggests spending 30 minutes a day on SAT prep for 4-12 weeks before your test date.

While it might be pricier than some options, many students find the investment worthwhile.

The Princeton Review’s comprehensive approach can help boost your confidence on test day.

4) Kaplan SAT

A classroom scene with students studying and taking notes while a teacher instructs at the front of the room.</p><p>Textbooks and study materials are scattered on desks

Kaplan is a big name in test prep, and their SAT courses are pretty solid.

They offer a few different options to fit your needs and schedule.

If you’re looking for flexibility, check out the Kaplan On Demand SAT course.

It’s packed with video lessons and practice questions you can access anytime.

Want more structure? The Live Online SAT course might be your thing.

You’ll get 18 hours of live instruction from expert teachers.

For those who need extra help, the Live Online Plus SAT course includes everything from the Live Online option, plus some one-on-one tutoring.

Kaplan’s courses come with full-length practice tests and study materials.

You’ll also get access to their online resources and video lessons.

The best part? You can start prepping whenever you’re ready.

Kaplan offers classes throughout the year, so you can find a schedule that works for you.

5) Khan Academy SAT

A student sitting at a desk, surrounded by books and study materials, with a laptop open to the Khan Academy SAT 5 Best SAT preparation courses website

Want to ace the SAT without spending a dime? Khan Academy’s SAT prep is your go-to choice.

This free online platform teams up with the College Board to give you top-notch study materials.

You’ll find tons of practice questions, videos, and lessons for every part of the test.

The best part? It’s all tailored to your needs.

Khan Academy offers two main courses: Math and Reading and Writing.

These cover all the bases for the new Digital SAT.

You can sharpen your skills with thousands of practice questions.

Plus, you’ll get helpful hints and test-taking tips along the way.

The platform is easy to use and works on both computers and phones.

This means you can study anytime, anywhere.

While it’s free, Khan Academy doesn’t skimp on quality.

You’re getting expert-made content that’s on par with pricey prep courses.

So if you’re looking to boost your SAT score without breaking the bank, give Khan Academy a try.

It might just be the study buddy you’ve been looking for.

Understanding the SAT Exam

A stack of SAT study books surrounded by pencils and notebooks, with a laptop open to a list of the "5 Best SAT preparation courses."

The SAT is a big deal for college admissions.

It tests your skills in math and reading.

Let’s look at why it matters and what’s on the test.

Importance of the SAT

The SAT can open doors to top colleges.

Many schools use your score to decide if you get in.

A good score might even help you get scholarships.

Your SAT score shows how ready you are for college work.

It helps schools compare students from different high schools.

Some jobs even look at SAT scores when hiring.

Preparing for the SAT helps you build skills you’ll use in college.

You’ll get better at time management and test-taking.

These skills come in handy later too.

Sections of the SAT

The SAT has two main parts: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.

Each part is scored from 200 to 800 points.

Your total score can be up to 1600.

The Math section tests algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis.

You’ll need to know how to use a calculator for some questions.

In Reading and Writing, you’ll answer questions about passages you read.

This part checks how well you understand and analyze text.

It also tests your grammar and vocabulary.

The test takes about 3 hours.

You get breaks between sections.

Time management is key to doing well on each part.

Tips for Choosing the Right Course

A desk with five different SAT preparation books and study materials laid out for comparison

Picking the best SAT prep course can be tricky.

It’s important to think about how you learn and what you can spend.

Let’s look at some key things to keep in mind.

Assessing Your Learning Style

Are you a self-starter or do you need more structure? If you like working alone, Khan Academy’s free SAT prep might be perfect for you.

It’s great for students who can stick to a study plan on their own.

Do you prefer face-to-face learning? Kaplan’s in-person classes could be a good fit.

They offer 18 hours of classroom time with a teacher there to help you.

Maybe you like a mix of both? Princeton Review’s online courses give you live online classes and self-study materials.

This can be great if you want flexibility but also some guidance.

Budget and Time Considerations

How much can you spend? SAT prep courses range from free to over $1,000. Magoosh offers budget-friendly options if you’re watching your wallet.

Think about your schedule too.

Do you have time for weekly classes? If not, a self-paced course like Kaplan’s On-Demand program might work better for you.

Don’t forget to factor in study time outside of class.

Most courses recommend extra practice.

Make sure you can fit this into your schedule.

Consider how long you have until your test date.

Some courses are short and intense, while others spread out over months.

Pick one that fits your timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

A stack of five books on SAT preparation, with a spotlight shining on them

Getting ready for the SAT can be tough.

Here are some answers to common questions about prep courses, free resources, and study tips to help you succeed.

What are some top-rated SAT prep courses I can take online?

PrepScholar SAT offers personalized online learning. Magoosh SAT has lots of practice questions. The Princeton Review SAT gives you live online classes.

Are there any effective SAT prep resources available for free?

Yes! Khan Academy SAT is totally free.

It has practice tests and video lessons.

The College Board website also has some free materials you can use.

How can I find the best SAT prep classes near my location?

Check local tutoring centers or your school’s guidance office.

You can also look for Kaplan SAT classes, which are offered in many areas.

Online reviews can help you find good local options too.

Which platforms offer the most comprehensive SAT study materials?

The Princeton Review SAT has a huge library of resources.

Meanwhile, PrepScholar SAT is known for thorough content.

Lastly, Kaplan SAT also offers a wide range of study tools.

What strategies make studying for the SAT most effective?

Take practice tests to find your weak spots.

Use flashcards for quick review.

Additionally, set a regular study schedule.

Also, mix up the subjects you study to keep things fresh.

Lastly, take breaks to avoid burnout.

Can you recommend some classes that specifically focus on SAT preparation?

You can find focused SAT classes at The Princeton Review SAT.

If you prefer, you can also check out Kaplan SAT, which offers both in-person and online SAT-specific courses.

Another option is Magoosh SAT, which has a self-paced course just for the SAT.