How To Choose A SAT Prep Course

For most college-bound students, taking and doing well on the SAT test is an important step in your educational journey, and being as prepared as possible beforehand can help set you up for success. SAT prep courses are designed to help students review and understand the material that will be covered on the SAT test, and can also help ease anxiety about taking the SAT. With so many SAT prep courses out there to choose from, however, deciding which one is best for you can be tricky. We've reviewed the top three SAT prep courses available, all of which are available entirely online, to help you decide on the right course for you. The top three are Kaplan Online SAT Prep, PrepScholar.com and Study.com. Keep reading to learn the top questions and answers about the top three, along with other info designed to help you become prepared as possible for taking your SAT test.

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  1. What is the Kaplan Online SAT Prep program and how is it different?
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    Kaplan Online SAT Prep offers access to an interactive, virtual classroom with expert teachers to help you become as knowledgeable as possible before taking your SATs. The Live Online program includes 18 hours of live online instruction, 30 hours of elective live instruction via The SAT Channel, eight practice tests, SAT prep books and up to 40 hours of on-demand lessons to help prepare you for the SAT. Or, you can opt for the Live Online PLUS, which gives you all of that plus three hours of 1-on-1 coaching, math foundations and ACT prep. Live Online starts at $899, while Live Online PLUS starts at $1299.


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  2. What is PrepScholar.com and how does it compare to other online SAT prep courses?
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    PrepScholar.com is an online-only SAT prep program that distinguishes itself by offering more instructional hours (80+), realistic problems on practice tests, a  240-point increase guarantee, a 7-day money back guarantee and more. This program was designed by a perfect SAT score standard, and instructors have SAT scores in the 99th percentile.  PrepScholar also offers in-person classes for people who prefer a classroom setting, as well as individual SAT tutoring available for an additional fee. Prices start at just $397 and students can receive a free 5-day trial.

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  3. What is Study.com and how is it different than other programs?
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    Study.com is different in that it offers a variety of videos on a variety of topics, so you can choose what you need to focus on and go at your own pace. Study.com has several monthly pricing options to suit your needs: Basic Edition, Premium Edition and College Accelerator. Pricing starts at just $39.99 per month and the Basic Edition gives you unlimited access to all videos on Study.com. This is a great option for students on a budget who want to prep for the SAT, but prefer to go at their own pace and focus only on the topics they have trouble in. 

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  4. Should I choose an SAT prep course or an SAT tutor?
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    This will largely depend on what you need as far as SAT prep, as well as your individual learning style. Prep courses are great for students who do well working on their own, with minimal interaction with the instructor, while students who need more individualized instruction or tend to struggle more on certain topics may do best with a tutor.

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  5. What do I need to know about practice tests when choosing an SAT prep course?
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    The most important thing you want to look for is whether you will have access to Official College Board Practice Tests. There are many sites online that offer free or low-cost practice tests that are not official, and may not adequately prepare you for the actual SAT.

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  6. Do any SAT prep courses guarantee a good score on the SAT?
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    While no reputable SAT prep program can guarantee a good score, there are some, such as PrepScholar that do guarantee an improvement in your scores. Be wary of any SAT prep program that guarantees a certain score or percentile placement on your SAT exam.

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  7. Should I take an SAT practice test before deciding to do an SAT prep course?
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    Taking an SAT practice test can be a great way to know where your strengths and weaknesses are, so you can better decide whether an SAT prep course is necessary, and if so, which course would be best for you. 

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  8. Are there any reputable free SAT prep courses available online?
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    There are several reputable sites online, such as Khan Academy and PrepFactory, that offer free SAT test prep materials. While these programs can be a good resource for students who want to review material, they will not be as in-depth as a paid program. If you need a fair amount of prep before taking your SAT test, a paid program or a private tutor may be the better option. 

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