With many colleges reversing pandemic-era policies making the SAT optional and the College Board launching a new digital version of the SAT, college-bound students have several important decisions to make regarding standardized tests. One thing remains the same: preparation is key to achieving the best results for top-tier college degree programs. To help, we’ve ranked the six best SAT prep courses.
- Khan Academy — Most Affordable
- Kaplan — Best Virtual Classroom Program
- PrepScholar — Best On-Demand Program
- Magoosh — Best for Extended Prep Time
- Prep Expert — Best for Limited Prep Time
- Testive — Best for 1:1 Coaching
| The Princeton Review | Khan Academy | Kaplan | PrepScholar | Magoosh | Target Test Prep | |
| Price | $949 (Essentials) | Free | $699 (Live Online) | $397 (Complete SAT Online Prep) | $129 (Self-Paced Premium) | $198 (Maximum Learning) |
| Video Instruction | 135+ video lessons | N/A | 15+ hours | 98+ lessons | 30+ hours | 500+ videos |
| Live Class Hours | 18 | None | 18 | None | None | None |
| Practice Questions | 2000+ | 1000+ | 1000+ | 7100+ | 1750+ | 2100+ |
| Practice Tests | 3 scheduled; 31 additional | 8 | 8 | 4 | 3 | N/A |
| Content Access Period | 365 days | Unlimited | 6 months | 365 days | 12 months | 365 days |
| Mobile App | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Guarantees | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Best SAT Prep Courses
Princeton Review – Best Overall
The Princeton Review offers something for nearly every type of test-taker, which is why we chose it as our Best Overall pick. The Princeton Review provides multiple live programs, both online and in-person, a self-paced on-demand course, intensives, and 1:1 tutoring services, all developed over 40 years in the college prep space. Regardless of the package you choose, they include comprehensive lessons, practice exams, bonus material like ACT prep, and discounts for add-ons, like on-demand tutoring.
What We Like
The Princeton Review offers a variety of different SAT prep programs, which is what we like most about this company. Students who want a virtual classroom experience can choose between the Essentials course, which has 18 hours of live online instruction, and the 1400+ course, with 38 hours of instruction time. Both include practice tests, a year of access to online materials, hard copy materials, and student and parent portals.
For those who want intensive SAT prep, The Princeton Review offers a Summer Camp, which condenses the material covered in the Essentials course into a 2-week program. Conversely, for students who want to take their time, there’s the SAT Self-Paced course, which gives students a year of access to over 280 lessons, 3200 practice questions, and 15 practice exams. If self-paced students need extra assistance, they can access 10 hours of on-demand tutoring at the discounted price of $200.
Another facet of The Princeton Review’s SAT prep courses that we liked is that they also include access to ACT review materials. This is a bonus for students who are considering taking both standardized tests. Additionally, Princeton Review is the only SAT prep program we reviewed that offers in-person instruction (in select locations) as of publication.
What We Didn’t Like
One of our team’s main concerns about The Princeton Review is affordability. Their signature live instruction course, 1400+ can cost as much as $2,199. Although we feel this is fair based on the extensive instruction and resources students receive, the price tag may make it cost-prohibitive for many students. While we like that The Princeton Review offers in-person instruction, we recognize that it is limited to major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles, which makes it inaccessible to students in many parts of the country.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Users on Trustpilot give The Princeton Review 4.6 / 5 stars. Seventy percent of its 1,828 reviews are “excellent.” Positive feedback on this site includes praise for The Princeton Review’s faculty, strategies, and student engagement. User reviews on Reddit did trend slightly more negative, as evidence that not every program is a good match for every student.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| SAT 1400+ | $2199 |
|
| Essentials | $949 |
|
| Summer Camp | $1499 | Expedited course with:
|
| SAT Self-Paced | $299 | 1 year of access to:
|
| SAT 1500+ Tutoring | $383/hour |
|
Khan Academy – Most Affordable
Khan Academy stands out to our team among SAT prep services for two reasons. It’s the official SAT prep program of the College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, and it’s completely free. Accessing SAT prep materials from Khan Academy is as simple as creating an account on their website. Students then have immediate and ongoing access to multiple resources, including official practice tests, video lessons, drill questions, and feedback.
What We Like
Khan Academy is free, which removes one common access barrier to SAT prep. But our team found that just because Khan Academy is free doesn’t mean it’s not quality. Like many paid programs, Khan Academy starts with a diagnostic assessment to develop a personalized study plan for users. A perk of Khan Academy’s association with the College Board is that if you’ve already taken the SAT, you can import your score into your Khan Academy profile.
Khan Academy guides students in creating a realistic study plan based on their scheduled test date and availability. We found that the practice questions cover basic to advanced topics in all three sections of the SAT. Video explanations break down concepts and strategies for getting the correct answer. Official College Board practice tests are built into the schedule to ensure students are making progress.
We also like how Khan Academy organizes student progress, lessons, and important dates in a simple, user-friendly dashboard. We also tried Khan Academy’s iOS and Android mobile apps, which allow students to access their accounts on the go.
What We Didn’t Like
The key drawback we found with Khan Academy is that it’s a completely self-guided program, meaning it’s best suited for motivated students who prefer to learn independently. While there’s a Help Center and Support Community on the website, no instructor interaction or 1:1 tutoring is available. Although students get a personalized study schedule, the lessons themselves are one-size-fits-all. While we found that Khan Academy has many strengths, we must acknowledge that self-guided learning may not work for all students.
What Test Takers Are Saying
On Trustpilot, Khan Academy has 4.1 / 5 stars, with 76% of users rating the service “excellent.” However, because Khan Academy offers a variety of different courses, reviews are not necessarily for the SAT course specifically. On Reddit, one recommends Khan Academy as “the best free preparation” available, while another praises the service for being “amazing” and helping them raise their score by nearly 500 points.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Khan Academy SAT Prep | Free |
|
Interested in a degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Kaplan – Best Virtual Classroom Program
Kaplan has prepared standardized test takers for nearly 90 years, making it one of the most established SAT prep companies. While Kaplan offers SAT prep in various formats, including a self-paced on-demand program, 1:1 tutoring, and in-person classes (currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic), its Live Online program is a stand-out for flexibility, content, and instructor interaction.
What We Like
In Kaplan’s Live Online SAT prep course, students get 18 hours of live instruction plus 15 hours of optional additional lessons. At $699, this translates to roughly $21 per hour of instruction time, which we found to be a relatively reasonable rate for live instruction compared to other SAT prep programs. We also like Live Online’s flexibility, with classes offered throughout the academic year, allowing students to start prepping whenever they’re ready. Some classes meet twice a week for a short period, while others meet once a week over a 6-8-week timeframe.
Whatever the pace, the Live Online class is comprehensive, including lessons in math, verbal, and writing topics. Throughout the course, students take four official College Board practice tests. We appreciated Kaplan’s wealth of resources, including additional practice exams, a bank of over 1,000 practice questions, and four SAT prep books.
Our team found that a key benefit of the Live Online program is the instructor interaction. Each class is taught by one of Kaplan’s expert faculty, while another instructor is available via a private chat feature to answer questions during class. For students who need extra support, an upgrade to Live Online+, which includes three hours of 1:1 tutoring, is available.
What We Didn’t Like
As noted by some of our West Coast team, students who live in Mountain or Pacific time zones should be mindful of Live Online class start times, which are all listed on the website in Eastern time.
Another downside we found is that, unlike other virtual classroom prep programs, Kaplan doesn’t give Live Online students extended access to any prep materials. Students only have access to the program until the next official SAT date. Students who want continued access must sign up for the Unlimited Prep program.
What Test-Takers Are Saying
Kaplan has a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot, and 74% of its 4,677 reviews are “excellent.” In reviews, users indicate their satisfaction with the course’s comprehensiveness, thoroughness, and instructor support. Among those who weren’t satisfied with the course, chief complaints include a lack of personalization and long class sessions.
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Live Online | $699 |
|
| Live Online+ | $1099 |
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| On-Demand | $199 |
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| Unlimited Prep | $1999 |
|
PrepScholar – Best On-Demand Program
Harvard graduates Allen Chang and Fred Zhang, both of whom earned perfect SAT scores, started PrepScholar in 2013 to share their successful strategies. Since then, PrepScholar has evolved into a key player in SAT prep, with a robust, customizable on-demand program, virtual classes, and tutoring. Their Complete SAT Online Prep stands out among self-paced programs for tackling basic and high-level skills over more than 200 hours of video and text lessons, detailed answer explanations, and ten practice tests.
What We Like
We encourage students who want a comprehensive, personalized, but flexible SAT prep program to take a closer look at PrepScholar’s Complete SAT Online Prep course.
PrepScholar’s flagship program starts with a diagnostic assessment that helps PrepScholar tailor preparation to meet students where they are. PrepScholar analyzes questions and test responses as students progress through the program to adapt future lessons to the student’s increasing proficiency. We also like how PrepScholar helps guide remote students with detailed lesson plans, including video and text lessons, practice questions and quizzes, and answer reviews.
One of our team’s favorite things about PrepScholar’s Complete SAT Online Prep course is that students can access the program for an entire year for $397, or approximately $33 per month. For that relatively low price, we found a significant amount of content students can use, including more than 7100 practice questions, 700 problem-solving videos, and 98 strategy videos.
PrepScholar backs all of this with a 160+-point score improvement guarantee. For students needing more individualized help, PrepScholar offers a Complete SAT Online Prep + Tutoring option, starting at $995 for 12 months.
What We Didn’t Like
The sheer volume of material PrepScholar includes in the Complete SAT Online Prep program is a double-edged sword, bordering on an overwhelming number of lessons and questions to complete. The drills may be useful for students studying over several months. However, we recommend a self-paced program such as Magoosh for those with less time to prepare.
What Test-Takers Are Saying
PrepScholar has 4.6 / 5 stars on Facebook Reviews, with 571 users reviewing the company. Positive reviews focus on the program’s flexibility, level of preparation, and personalization. Unsatisfied customers noted the strictness of the company’s money-back guarantee and customer service issues. PrepScholar also currently has only one review on Trustpilot.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Complete SAT Online Prep | $397 | 1 year of access to:
|
| PrepScholar Classes | $895 | Everything in the Complete SAT Online Prep course, plus
9 hours of live virtual classroom instruction |
| Complete + Tutoring | $995 and up | Everything in the Complete SAT Online Prep course, plus 4-54 hours of 1:1 tutoring |
Magoosh – Best for Extended Prep Time
Magoosh believes SAT prep should be easy, accessible, and flexible. That’s why their self-paced, on-demand Premium program is ideal for students who have an extended period of time to prepare. Premium students get 12 months of access to “bite-sized” lessons and Magoosh’s deep library of practice questions, videos, tests, and more. For those needing additional help, Magoosh also offers a Live Class option with 16 hours of live virtual instruction.
What We Like
As far as value goes, we found that Magoosh stands out among SAT prep programs. Students can get 12 months of access to the Premium self-paced program for $129 or a little over $10 per month. This makes it one of the more affordable options for self-paced prep compared to programs like the Princeton Review ($499) and PrepScholar ($397).
For their money, students get a self-guided program that empowers them to learn independently through personalized schedules, text reminders, and lessons that can be completed in as little as 20 minutes per day. We found that Magoosh’s user-friendly website and mobile app make it easy to fit in lessons and drills whenever is most convenient for users.. Magoosh teaches math, verbal, and writing topics via video lessons, practice questions with explanations, and practice tests.
We also like that Magoosh gives students access to tutors for personalized assistance if needed. Magoosh also offers a 100-point score improvement guarantee and a free 7-day trial.
What We Didn’t Like
As with all self-paced programs, Magoosh requires that students be motivated to show up and complete their lessons. For students who need the extra accountability of a structured class and instructor guidance, we recommend exploring Magoosh’s Premium + Live Classes program or seeking live online classes like those offered by Kaplan or PrepExpert. Another drawback to Magoosh is that their practice tests aren’t official College Board practice tests, leaving room for a degree of difference in difficulty and content.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Magoosh has 4.7 / 5 stars on Trustpilot, and 4.9 / 5 stars on Facebook, making it one of the best-reviewed prep services on our list. According to one user, Magoosh is a “fantastic education platform. The incremental learning process was very helpful in setting a baseline, and the brilliant app allowed for mobile study.” Another user details how Magoosh helped them build confidence and overcome anxiety about test-taking.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Self-Paced Premium | $129/12 months |
|
| Self-Paced Premium + Live Classes | $399/12 months |
|
Prep Expert – Best for SAT Math Prep
Target Test Prep, which made its name as a leading GMAT prep service, recently expanded to include an SAT Math prep program. This program combines TTP’s trademark customization and comprehensiveness, allowing students to tailor their studies with personalized study plans and the ability to create their own practice tests. With flexible payment options and a relatively affordable price point, we found Target Test Prep ideal for students who need to focus on honing their math skills ahead of the SAT.
What We Like
Target Test Prep stood out from other SAT prep services for its sole focus on the SAT Math section, which is generally considered the hardest section of the SAT. Rather than pay for a comprehensive SAT prep program, students seeking to improve their math scores will likely find this program more efficient and cost-effective.
Speaking of price, we also like TTP’s affordability. Multiple pricing plans are available, including monthly, six-month, and yearly subscriptions, all of which give students access to all program features, including written lessons covering all math topics tested in the SAT, over 2100 practice questions, customizable study plans, metrics and error analytics, and a 100-point score guarantee. At $198, the Maximum Learning plan gives students one year of unlimited access for just $16.50 per month, making it one of the more affordable options on our list.
We found it easy to customize a study plan and student dashboard, based on current SAT scores, intended score goal, and studying timeframe. We also like that students who have already scored at least 700 in their SAT Math section can select an accelerated study plan to help them move through the material and towards their target score faster.
What We Didn’t Like
Although Target Test Prep is ideal for students who want to focus on sharpening math skills and improving their SAT Math score, it’s obviously not a good fit for students who need comprehensive SAT prep. For these students, opting for an SAT prep service that includes both Math and Verbal lessons makes more sense. Additionally, while the website advertises video lessons, they did not appear to be included in the free trial we tested, so we can’t speak to their quality.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Although TTP has a 5.0-star rating on Trustpilot, all the current reviews on the review site are for the company’s GMAT prep service. Users praise TTP’s user-friendly website and call out that the program is also ideal for non-native English speakers. We will update this section with more user comments regarding TTP’s SAT Math prep program as they become available.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| SAT Flexible Preparation | $49/month | Monthly access to:
|
| SAT Dedicated Study | $129 for 6 months | 6 months of access to all features listed above |
| SAT Maximum Learning | $198 for 1 year | 1 year of access to all features listed above |
Testive – Best for 1:1 Coaching
Testive’s learning software adapts to each student. After taking their diagnostic test, a student’s ability scores are established to show what needs to be worked on. Whenever students get a question wrong, they are provided with instant feedback along with a video that shows how to solve the problem.
Students have access to a scoreboard for tracking their progress, and all feedback is shared on the Parent Portal as well. And whenever they need help, they can consult one of Testive’s expert tutors.
What We Like
What really sets Testive apart is their live tutoring services. Testive’s tutors are exceptionally well-qualified, and they are available for any questions or problem areas that the student needs to address. Testive even has experts on hand who can help with issues outside the SAT, such as strategies for submitting applications and writing college essays.
What We Didn’t Like
A notable drawback of Testive is that it’s on the expensive end of the spectrum — depending on how much support a student needs, $250 per hour can really add up. There’s also no score improvement guarantee, making it a somewhat risky investment.
What Test Takers Are Saying
On Trustpilot, Testive has 4.7 / 5 stars. 94% of the 90 reviews are “excellent.” Parents and students alike praise Testive’s tutors for their encouragement, friendliness, and personalized attention. Said one student, “The time I spent working with my tutor not only impacted my SAT scores but also gave me great insight on how to move forward into college. This is the best tutor I’ve ever had.”
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Custom Tutoring | $250 per hour |
|
| Tutoring/Advising Flex Package | Custom quote | Everything in the Custom Tutoring program, plus:
|
Other SAT Prep Services to Consider
If none of the SAT prep services above meet your needs, we would also recommend considering the following:
- Prep Expert: Best for Limited-Time Prep
- Testive: Best for 1:1 Coaching
How We Chose the Best SAT Test Prep
SAT or Scholastic Aptitude Test scores significantly determine your eligibility for college admission, scholarship awards, and first-year class placement. You can achieve a higher score by enrolling in SAT preparation courses. However, with so many SAT prep options available, it can be challenging to determine which courses are worth your time and investment.
Our team evaluated dozens of companies and courses to provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice.
We started with an expansive list of well-established SAT prep programs, like the Princeton Review and Kaplan, and newer services, like Target Test Prep and Khan Academy. We then did a deep dive into each company, including:
- Thorough evaluations of each company’s programs and materials via website review, sample lessons, and third-party resources
- Free trials (when available)
- Communications with company representatives via chat, email, and social media
- Analysis of customer comments on platforms like Trustpilot, Facebook, and Reddit
In collaboration with Dana Marvin, an expert in college counseling and test preparation, we identified five key criteria that programs must meet to be considered. In fact, ePrep and Higher Scores Test Prep were removed from our previous list because they did not meet the following standards.
Flexible scheduling and adaptable formats
You’re likely juggling other school and extracurricular activities, so you need an SAT prep course that fits your schedule. Our top picks are offered in multiple formats, including on-demand and live online sessions, and in-person instruction. We also evaluated offerings based on the length of the programs, from those that can be completed intensively in a few weeks, like Kaplan, to self-paced instruction you can tackle on your own time, like Magoosh.
Personalized instruction
SAT prep is not a one-size-fits-all deal. We sought out programs that give students personalized attention and preparation, including Prep Scholar, and Khan Academy. This includes study plans designed for your specific SAT needs, 1:1 tutoring, and instructor accessibility. We also reviewed programs’ content delivery methods and the test-taking strategies they teach to ensure that you find a prep course that matches your learning and testing styles.
Pricing and plans
SAT prep is an investment, and we want to help you get the most for your money. Several SAT prep programs have been analyzed to determine their cost per hour of instruction, their materials, such as practice tests and books, instructor expertise, and access to money-back guarantees. To ensure all students can access quality SAT prep services, we also examined free and low-cost programs, including Khan Academy and Magoosh.
Course materials
There’s more to SAT prep than just virtual or in-person classes. Valuable SAT prep programs give students access to various materials and learning tools, including practice exams, prep books, question banks, flashcards, and more. We highlighted companies like Princeton Review that include these valuable tools to help students learn necessary concepts and familiarize themselves with what to expect on the SAT.
Expert instructors and tutors
Having the right instructor guiding your SAT prep process can make a world of difference in your testing experience. We dug into the hiring practices for our top picks, including how many instructors and tutors companies employ and what qualifications the chosen instructors have. We also reviewed who designs lessons and course materials to ensure experts are behind the instructions students receive on-demand.
What to Consider Before Signing Up for SAT Test Prep
Calculate prep time
Our resident test prep expert, college counselor Dana Marvin, recommends 1-2 hours per week of studying for the three months leading up to the SAT. “This is a good amount of time for students to get a feel for the questions and understand the strategies for successfully taking this test,” Marvin says. Marvin warns against over-preparation and burnout, especially in the days leading up to the exam. Marvin recommends programs that focus on strategies, like Prep Expert’s Weekend Review, for students with limited preparation time rather than a dive deep into the content.
Consider your learning style
How do you learn best? This will influence which type of prep program is a good fit for you. For example, auditory and kinesthetic learners may do better in a virtual classroom like Kaplan’s. Visual and reading/writing learners may prefer a self-guided program like Magoosh. Marvin says that online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can help students learn more about teaching methods. She also reminds students that course content is important. “The SAT is designed for people who know how to take this type of exam,” she says. The best prep programs equip students with a toolbox of test-taking strategies.”
Compare costs
SAT prep courses run the gamut from free to several thousand dollars. But a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily translate to higher quality, Marvin says. The most important thing is finding a program that meets your needs and budget. Marvin recommends students use Khan Academy, which is free, either exclusively or as a supplement. “Khan Academy really helps students understand why they got an answer wrong and learn from their mistakes,” she says. While many programs offer a money-back or score-improvement guarantee, Marvin encourages families to read the fine print before committing thousands of dollars to one of these programs.
SAT Test Prep Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important dates for taking the SAT Test?
For the 2024-25 academic year, the SAT testing dates and registration deadlines are listed below. To register for the SAT, visit the College Board website. SAT scores are typically released about 13 days after the test date.
| Test Date* | Registration Deadline | Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration |
| March 8, 2025 | Feb. 21, 2025 | Feb. 25, 2025 |
| May 3, 2025 | April 18, 2025 | April 22, 2025 |
| June 7, 2025 | May 22, 2025 | May 27, 2025 |
| Aug. 23, 2025 | TBD | TBD |
| Oct. 4, 2025 | TBD | TBD |
| Nov. 8, 2025 | TBD | TBD |
*Test dates are accurate as of November 20, 2024
When should I take the SATs?
Students can start taking the SATs as early as the 8th grade. However, we recommend that students wait until their junior year of high school to take the SATs for the first time. This timetable has two advantages. By the midpoint of junior year, most students will have gained the math, verbal, and writing skills and concepts covered by the SAT. It also gives students time to retake the test (and do a prep course) if necessary, either during the summer or fall of senior year of high school.
How many times should I take the SAT?
Students can take the SAT as many times as they want. Most students need two to three tests to achieve their desired score. Spreading out SATs over the course of junior and early senior year of high school will allow you to get a baseline score, spend time focusing on areas where improvement is needed, and retake the test before you need to start your college applications. High school seniors applying to college for the following fall should take their SAT for the final time no later than December of senior year.
Are there accommodations for disabilities?
Yes, the College Board can make accommodations for disabilities. However, students requesting accommodations must get prior approval. This approval process can take up to seven weeks, so submitting your accommodation request as early as possible is important. Approved accommodations will be listed on your admission ticket. If accommodations are made without approval, the SAT score will be canceled.
Where can I find practice tests?
SAT practice tests are similar in format and content to the actual SAT test. Practice exams help students familiarize themselves with the types of questions the SAT asks, and how long it will take them to complete the test. Most SAT prep courses include practice tests, but the College Board also offers several downloadable SAT practice tests on its website. The College Board also offers answer keys, answer explanations, and scoring sheets for practice exams.
How early should I prepare?
The amount of prep time needed depends on a few factors, including how much time you must dedicate to SAT prep, specific areas you cover, and your learning style. For most students, starting prep about two months before the testing date is sufficient. However, starting early may be beneficial if you struggle with focusing or processing material. If you have less than two months, look for programs like College Prep Genius, which offers a three-week bootcamp, or Khan Academy, which is self-paced.
How many practice tests should I take before the actual exam?
There’s no magic number of practice tests to take prior to the actual SAT. A practice test can help you set a baseline for score expectations and help you determine how much and what kind of prep you may need. Regular practice exams in the weeks before the actual test can help you stay focused, track progress, identify areas of improvement, and build up your stamina for the real deal.
How long are most SAT prep courses?
The length of SAT prep courses can vary from single-day quick-prep courses to self-paced programs that students have a year to complete. Most live in-person or online courses run for 4-8 weeks, depending on how many times per week the class meets. Many programs, like the Princeton Review, allow students to access some or all course materials after the official class ends.
Is SAT prep worth it?
Generally, yes — as long as students are willing to do the work. Simply signing up for a prep course won’t significantly impact you unless you complete lessons, take practice exams, ask questions, and apply feedback. Many SAT prep services offer a score guarantee in which students can request a refund or retake the course for free if they don’t achieve a specific score. This lowers the risk and helps improve a student’s return on investment in the course.
How much does SAT prep cost?
The cost of SAT prep courses varies from free to over $2,000. The cost of an SAT prep course depends on factors like course provider, delivery method, materials provided, length of access, and availability of 1:1 instruction. When considering how much to spend on an SAT prep course, think about what specifically you need. A free or low-cost self-paced program may be sufficient for students who want a simple refresher on basic math and verbal concepts. Investing in a more robust course might be worth it if you want a significant score increase or individualized attention. Many services also offer discounts or sales, which can help offset the cost. For specific program pricing, please refer to the individual program descriptions above.
Do I need to take the SAT for college admissions?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges eliminated requirements for standardized tests as part of the admissions process. Some switched to test-optional policies, which allowed students to submit scores if they wanted. As of 2024, many colleges are returning to standardized test requirements for future admissions. Whether or not you take the SAT (or ACT) depends largely on whether the schools you are considering require these tests for admission. Review the testing policies at your potential colleges and speak to an admissions counselor for clarification if necessary. If you’re considering test-optional schools, there may be benefits to taking the SAT and submitting your scores, particularly if they are very strong.
What is the digital SAT?
As of spring 2024, the College Board has begun administering the SAT in a digital format instead of a pencil-and-paper test. While many aspects of the SAT have remained the same, including the type of content on the exam, the new digital SAT is shorter and can be completed on a laptop or tablet. Students must still register and go to a physical site to complete the exam. More information about the digital SAT is available through the College Board.