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If you’re getting ready to apply for colleges, no doubt you have thought about taking the ACT and SAT. For decades these standardized tests have been required for entry to the best 4-year colleges in America. So it goes without saying that finding the best online SAT prep and practice test is a good idea to get ready before test day.
The good news is that like all things online, you have a large selection of companies to choose from. These companies have services ranging from full-service tutoring and proctored practice tests, to simple practice tests questions for those looking for a lower level of help.
It’s good to have options because SAT prep online can come with a decent size price tag based on the level of help. If you find you are already a good standardized test taker, you can start with a free practice exam at Khan Academy to assess your needs. You may find their free services (which are substantial) provide everything you need. But if you struggle with tests like the SAT, then consider some of these other prep companies who may provide a higher level service. Sometimes the cost can pay off in the form of higher test scores. And as you will see, some of these companies even guarantee certain performance criteria or future courses are free.
| Magoosh | Princeton Review | Kaplan | Khan Academy | PrepScholar | Peterson's | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $99/12 months | $599/6 months | $249/6 months | Free | $397/12 months | $234/6 months |
| Delivery Method | Online | Online/In-Person | Online/In-Person | Online | Online/In-Person | Online |
| On-Demand Videos | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Teaching Options | Self-paced | Self-paced or classroom | Self-paced or classroom | Self-paced | Self-paced or classroom | Self-paced |
| Practice Testing | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Tutoring Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Access Length | 12 months | 6 months | 6 months | Forever | 12 months | 6 months |
| Visit Now | Visit Now | Visit Now | Visit Now | Visit Now | Visit Now |
Best Online
Magoosh
Pros
Cons
Magoosh is well known for its online sat test prep products. They have over 1,750 online practice questions each with its own video explanation. These detailed explanations are critical to truly understanding how you can work through exam questions and become more proficient.
On top of practice tests, they include online video lessons on a multitude of topics. Magoosh will recommend lessons based on the areas of the test you need the most help with.
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Best Premium
Princeton Review
Pros
Cons
Another leader in the test prep landscape for decades is The Princeton Review. Like Kaplan, they have a flexible set of plans that meets the needs of almost anyone prepping for the SAT.
While they are one of the more expensive options, they also provide guarantees on scores that don’t come with many of the options out there. That, plus the option for in-person or online preparation can make companies like The Princeton Review more than worth the price.
As with all of the companies mentioned here, they not only offer lessons but also SAT practice tests. This will help ensure you are focusing on areas that need the most improvement.
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Best Traditional
Kaplan
Pros
Cons
If you want an all-inclusive solution that gives you great flexibility, you can’t go wrong with Kaplan’s online SAT prep. They have various plans starting at $149 for on-demand learning and practice testing. From there you can upgrade to plans with more in-depth and live online classes.
Regardless of the plan you select, you can be confident you are dealing with one of the best SAT prep companies in the business.
Best Free
Khan Academy
Pros
Cons
Khan Academy is a non-profit committed to providing free education across many different levels. Fortunately, online SAT test prep is one of the tests work with. In fact, they have partnered with the College Board, which creates the SAT, to provide prep materials. That means you are getting test prep and practice tests that have been reviewed by the actual creators of the test.
If you are working on a budget, and can’t afford the more premium options, Khan Academy is a no-brainer. In fact, it is a great place to start regardless of your financial situation. Spend some time on Khan Academy and see how you fare with the free test questions. It’s a good way to assess how much additional help you may need in the way of course work.
If you are already an SAT whiz, then no need to pay additional money for classes, tutoring, or access to more practice tests.
PrepScholar
Pros
Cons
PrepScholar brings a lot to the table for a slightly lower price than some of the other premium services. With their lowest level plan, you still get a great amount of content. This includes 1 full year of access to over 210 hours of content. This content includes practice tests, problem-solving videos, lessons with strategy videos, custom quizzes, and more.
In addition, PrepScholar’s online SAT prep plans give you the ability to upgrade to classes led by expert test-takers, and even tutoring if needed.
Peterson’s
Pros
Cons
Peterson’s online SAT prep solution is more simplistic when it comes to the various plans. You pay a simple $39/month subscription fee and get access to all their test prep materials. That includes for other exams outside the SAT. This might be beneficial if you are considering another path rather than a traditional college.
Peterson’s online SAT prep plans come with dynamically delivered content that can be accessed via mobile device or desktop. This content includes mini-quizzes, practice tests, and guided instruction.
Study.com
Pros
Cons
Study.com is another good online SAT prep solution. They have 36 chapters of material covering all aspects of the SAT. As with most of Study.com’s material, they have short video lessons that are great for learning in small segments.
They also provide a 50 question practice test to help evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Once identified, they will provide you with recommended courses depending on the results and where you need additional help.
Preparing for your SAT is critical regardless of whether you use a service or not. These scores can have a significant impact on which schools you get into, which makes some investment worthwhile.
A good approach to finding out how much help you need would be starting with the free solutions Khan Academy offers. Once you have an idea of where you stand, you can more accurately assess your SAT test prep needs.
When it comes to the different prep services, you do get what you pay for. There are good online only solutions for very fair pricing, but if you need additional assistance it’s available for an added cost.