The best SAT prep courses [In Person And Online]

The move toward test-optional admissions has not eliminated the value of strong SAT scores. Colleges still use grades to award merit, class placement, and program eligibility. Higher grades can also boost demand if GPA or extracurriculars are less competitive.

Whether you’re aiming for a perfect 1,600 or looking to improve by a few hundred points, a quality prep course provides the structure, expert instruction, and accountability that self-study alone may lack.

We reviewed more than 10 SAT prep programs using the following criteria:

• Improve score: Documented gains or result guarantee policies.
• Teacher quality: Teaching experience and test score credentials.
• Course design: Number of complete practice tests, lesson structure, and adaptive learning tools.
• Flexibility: Online or in-person options, self-access, and mobile support.
• Cost and value: Transparent pricing and refund options.
• Student feedback: Verified user reviews and independent testing results.

Each provider below excels in at least one area, making them a solid choice depending on your goals and budget.

Best for ensuring top grades: Princeton Review

The Princeton Review is one of the most recognized names in college test prep. They have a variety of learning options, including one-on-one tutoring for the SAT and advising on the college application process.
Their Digital SAT 1400+ course comes with a money-back guarantee that is designed to help you score in the 95th percentile as test takers. The course comes with over 36 hours of teaching conducted online or in a live classroom. It also comes with on-demand tutoring at no additional charge, which helps students who need extra support.
The Princeton Review’s diverse offerings make it accessible to students of all backgrounds. Digital SAT 1400+ costs $1,899, but students who cannot afford the full payment can enroll for just $299. One-on-one SAT prep tutoring starts at $175 per hour.

Read The Princeton Review’s full course review here.

Best for interacting with coaches: Kaplan

Kaplan is another well-known company that offers SAT prep courses. With decades of experience, Kaplan has perfected the formula to help students raise their test scores.
The Live Online SAT Prep course is designed with the new Digital SAT format in mind. The 18+ hour course is taught by teachers who have achieved 99 per cent marks themselves. Each session comes with a chat feature that allows students to interact directly with their teacher. This is useful for students who need help understanding difficult concepts or want advice on how to develop a test-taking strategy that works for them.
The course starts at $640 and can be divided into installments for students who cannot cover the full cost upfront. For students who need more accountability, Kaplan also operates testing centers in 46 states where it offers in-person courses.

Read our full Kaplan test prep review.

Best for test prep and admissions counseling: PrepScholar

Many test prep courses offer additional support when it comes to general college admissions. PrepScholar takes the cake when it comes to combining advising and SAT test preparation. Founded by two Harvard graduates with perfect SAT scores, PrepScholar strives to help students achieve their best. Teachers on staff also scored 99 percent.
Our complete online SAT test preparation course takes this expertise to help students increase their odds of getting into a top school. The course comes with over 7,100 realistic test questions and comes with a 5-day trial. This complete admissions package from PrepScholar is designed to help students increase their scores while developing a strategy for navigating the entire college admissions process.
The course starts at $397, making it one of the most affordable SAT test prep options. For students who need more support, PrepScholar offers individualized learning packages starting at $995.

Read our full PrepScholar review here.

Best for month-to-month test preparation: University teachers

One of the biggest challenges to accessing SAT prep courses is cost. Even with payment plans, the cost can be prohibitive for students and their parents. This is where Varsity Tutors shines.
Varsity Tutors operates a membership-based tuition platform. Students who join the platform get access to an unlimited number of courses, from SAT preparation to French. This can be a good investment for high school students who need help preparing for other exams, such as AP exams.
Memberships start at $269 per month and give students access to live, instructor-led courses. Courses are offered in different periods, allowing students to fit them into their current exam-taking schedule.

Read the full review of University Tutors here.

Best for Free Study Materials: Khan Academy

For students who want to create their own SAT prep program, nothing beats it Khan Academy. The platform is free to use and comes with a variety of study materials.
One of the great features that Khan Academy offers is the ability to evaluate previous test performance. Students can link it to their College Board account, the company that administers the SAT. Its AI tool can evaluate a student’s results and create a study plan based on the areas they need to work on.
Khan Academy is completely free, making it a good resource for any study to add to your test prep schedule.

How to choose the right SAT prep course

Although enrolling in an SAT prep course can be a good way to boost your scores, there are some things to consider when choosing a course.

• Determine the amount of time you need.Some courses are designed to be like boot camps and condensed study materials into a short period of time. Other SAT prep programs are spread out over several weeks. Find out how much time you need to prepare for the test and how much time you can devote to studying for it.
• Find out which format is right for you. Self-paced courses are often the least expensive option but are not ideal for every student. You may need the structure and accountability that a live, instructor-taught course provides. Discover the learning style that suits you best.
• He shops. Many test prep courses offer the same features – realistic questions, practice tests, and the ability to ask teachers questions. However, not all courses are the same price. Once you know your study schedule and preferred learning style, go shopping. Find a course that gives you what you need and fits your budget.
  The final thing to consider is whether or not you actually need to take the SAT. You may be better suited to take the ACT instead.

Does SAT test prep work?

Research suggests that structured prep can improve outcomes by 60-120 pips on averagedepending on the time invested and past performance. Students who combine self-study with professional courses often see the greatest gains.

However, results vary widely. The best programs offer diagnostic tools that adapt lessons over time, rather than fixed study schedules.

Is SAT test prep worth it?

As competition in college increases, enrolling in an SAT prep course can help you improve your scores. Although college admissions tests like the SAT are not the only thing that determines whether you will be accepted or not, a good score can certainly help.
However, passing a test prep program will not guarantee that you will see an actual improvement in your score. There are a number of other factors that can affect your performance on test day as well. However, the best SAT courses can also help you plan a great test day.
SAT test prep can help but remember that it is not a shortcut to a good score. You’ll still need to work to get there.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I start preparing for the SAT?

Start at least three months before your test date – earlier if you’re aiming for top scores.

Should I take the SAT and ACT?

If you’re not sure which test best suits your strengths, take a formal practice test for each. Some colleges only take the SAT, others accept neither.

Do colleges prefer one prep provider over another?

no. Colleges don’t see the program you used, just your final score.

Can I retake the SAT after test preparation?

Yes. Many students take it twice, using the first attempt to establish a baseline and the second to maximize results.

Are the free prep resources enough?

Khan Academy and its free materials are a good start, but paid software can add structure and personalized instructions.