Key Information:
- The SAT remains a crucial tool for college admissions, especially for selective schools and scholarship eligibility.
- Enrolling in high-quality SAT prep courses enhances student outcomes through expert instruction, practice tests, and strategy development.
- Effective preparation includes analyzing past test results, focusing on weak areas, and maintaining consistent study habits.
- Students can choose from various online and in-person SAT prep options based on learning preferences, budget, and study goals.
The Scholastic Assessment Test is the most widely used college admissions test in the US. Even with many universities being test-optional, you should consider getting strong SAT scores.
Doing so means boosting the strength of your application, especially at selective colleges. Your SAT scores convey your academic readiness for college. Many competitive scholarship programs also demand strong SAT scores from applicants.
The bottom line: Plan on and prepare for getting strong SAT scores. Indeed, when you plan, you set your eyes on success. When you fail to plan, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
Enrolling in one or two of the best SAT prep courses online is among the most effective ways to succeed. SAT prep courses provide students with structured classes that:
- Provide them with expert instruction and guidance about achieving strong scores
- Reinforce their content knowledge in the reading, writing, and math sections
- Allow them to develop their test-taking skills (e.g., time management and process of elimination)
- Enable them to cultivate confidence in their knowledge and skills (i.e., a winner’s mindset)
Of course, self-study is a must. But when you combine the best SAT prep courses online with self-study, you’re more likely to succeed.
With that said, we’ll take a more detailed look at the best SAT prep courses online and their features. We’ll also discuss the factors for choosing the best courses for you.
Related:
- Improving SAT Scores: Tips for Repeat Test Takers
- Fast and Affordable Education: Accessible Degree Programs for Every Learner
- 2025 Emerging Online Degree Programs
- Open Enrollment Online Universities
What to Look For in an SAT Prep Course
Here are the crucial factors when looking for the best online SAT prep courses:
Accreditation and Reputation
There’s no accreditation agency for SAT prep courses. But you can look for courses that follow the standards set by the SAT creator, College Board. Look for the approval of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), too.
Yet another effective way is to choose courses with a favorable reputation and reviews. Check the instructors’ credentials, too, if these are available.
Success Rate
Ask about the documented success rates and related statistics. While these aren’t guarantees for your SAT performance, these are key indicators. The Princeton Review SAT Prep course, for example, has produced hundreds of the top 1% SAT scorers every year for three decades.
Learning Style Fit
Success rates are all good, but if the course and its learning format don’t suit your needs, not as much. You must choose based on your unique needs, such as your:
- Learning style. You may prefer self-paced learning over synchronous classes or vice versa.
- Study habits and schedule. Your schedule may only allow weekends or evenings.
Take your time when choosing online SAT prep courses. You have to pay for them, so it makes sense to get the best bang for your buck.
Top 10 SAT Prep Courses and Classes
In our opinion, these are the best SAT prep courses online because of their excellent value for the money. Most are paid courses and deliver on the promise of effective SAT preparation.
Princeton Review SAT Prep
The Princeton Review is among the top SAT prep classes for high scores, as mentioned above. Students get extensive SAT practice thanks to full-length practice tests. Knowledgeable instructors provide students with expert guidance on every section, too.
There’s also a “Better Scores Guarantee” that sets it apart. Here, students can get a full refund or a free prep course in case their scores don’t improve by a specific number of points.
Kaplan SAT Prep
Kaplan is among the SAT prep courses with the highest success rates, too. It’s estimated that 5% of SAT top scores completed the Kaplan SAT prep course.
Students maximize their learning through interactive lessons that develop their test-taking skills. Then, there are full-length practice exams that boost their content knowledge and confidence.
Kaplan also offers in-person and online courses. Students can then choose based on their learning styles, among other factors.
PrepScholar SAT Prep
PrepScholar offers excellent SAT prep courses with tutoring options, including one-on-one sessions via Google Hangouts or Skype. Students can choose between the pay-as-you-go option and the tutoring packages.
At the PrepScholar SAT Prep program, students aren’t only numbers and faces. Every student receives a personalized study plan. There are also progress-tracking features and interactive exercises for engagement.
Khan Academy SAT Prep
Khan Academy offers among the best SAT prep classes for 2024 because it’s free, yet it delivers effective results. The College Board-endorsed program has been shown to increase SAT scores by around 115 points, on average. This is after 20 hours of study time spent on the course.
Students develop their content knowledge and test-taking skills through full-length practice exams and instructional videos.
Magoosh SAT Prep
If you’re looking for affordable SAT prep courses and classes, consider Magoosh SAT prep courses. Students pay $129 for the 12-month, self-paced program. The guided study plan costs $399 inclusive of on-demand classes and 16 hours of supplemental instruction.
Students also learn via practice questions and video lessons. Mobile access makes for on-the-go SAT preparation.
Varsity Tutors SAT Prep
When it comes to SAT prep classes with practice tests, Varsity Tutors offers among the best programs. Students develop effective test-taking skills via extensive practice materials. Varsity Tutors also offers live online classes, one-on-one tutoring, and on-demand video lessons.
Students work with advisors to create personalized study plans. There’s guaranteed access to the instructors, flexible scheduling options, and progress tracking.
Testive SAT Prep
Testive offers among the best SAT online classes for students because of its personalized coaching services. Students also receive weekly check-ins to track their progress and make adjustments. The structured study schedules mean students stay on track through better study habits.
Students also take several full-length practice tests and access on-demand video lessons. Testive offers score improvement guarantees, too.
ePrep SAT Course
ePrep offers high-ranking SAT test prep courses that feature timed, full-length practice tests. Students also learn via video explanations and adaptive learning tools.
Keeping tabs on your progress is easy with score-tracking tools. Other notable features include mobile-friendly access and effective test-taking strategies.
College Board SAT Prep Options
What better source is there for the best SAT classes with college-level material than the creators? The College Board offers study guides, sample questions, and test-day tips.
Students can also increase their content knowledge and confidence by taking full-length practice tests. Interactive practice questions and access to official resources are available, too.
Wyzant SAT Tutoring
If you’re looking for in-person tutoring services, consider Wyzant SAT Tutoring. Students connect with tutors in their local area. There’s also online help if you’re struggling with specific content areas. It is an excellent option for students seeking a combination of in-person and online services.
Comparison of Online and In-Person SAT Prep Classes
Online classes feature the following:
- Flexibility offers an opportunity to learn at your own pace. Even if live classes are involved, you can attend anywhere with your Internet-connected device.
- Accessibility means 24/7 access to the learning materials is available. There’s no need to travel to a physical location, too.
- Cost savings are achieved with affordable fees.
In-person classes offer:
- Face-to-face interactions are a benefit for students who thrive in in-person environments
- Structured study sessions, which empower students to stay on track
- Real-time feedback, which can provide more motivation
Hybrid courses offer in-person and online learning, a best-of-both-worlds scenario.
Factors to Consider for Each Course
- Consider the cost and payment options. You’ll find free courses, too. But if you want paid courses, look at your capacity to pay first. Magoosh offers the most affordable plans. The Princeton Review has the most expensive plan ($1,899 for its SAT 1400+ Course). Explore installment plans and financial aid.
- Look at the duration and structure of the courses you’re interested in. Self-paced courses offer the most flexible schedules. Intensive programs have a hectic 4‑week duration. Consider six-week courses for a more balanced pace.
- Consider the availability of full-length practice tests. The more realistic the test simulations are, the better for your preparation, too.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of an SAT Prep Course
- Set SMART goals before starting an SAT prep course.
- Create a study plan. Most SAT prep courses offer the service, so take advantage of it.
- Be consistent in your preparations, including following your study plan.
- Take advantage of the inclusive services available in the SAT prep course.
- Learn from the instructor’s feedback on your performance.
Conclusion
The best SAT prep courses online can boost your chances of getting strong SAT scores. Expert instruction, full-length practice tests, and test-taking strategies are yours to enjoy.
But it’s crucial to choose the best courses for your unique needs. Be sure to consider your budget, learning style, and goals. Consistent practice and persistence, along with the right prep course, are vital to your SAT success, too.
