How much does SAT test prep cost on average?

The goal of SAT prep is to learn tips and tricks that will help increase your time and performance on the college entrance exam.

Students are taught best practices for creating a study schedule, pacing themselves during the test, and using the process of elimination to narrow down answers. Although test preparation is not required, it can certainly help you feel better on test day — and is usually associated with higher test scores.

SAT preparation can range from free with online tests and books from the library to thousands of dollars for one-on-one tutoring.

Average SAT test prep costs

When it comes to preparing for the SAT, Costs can range from $20 for a single book purchased online to over $2,500 for one-on-one tutoring. Why is test prep so expensive? First, test preparation is in high demand because it enhances performance. Second, you are asking for the time of someone who is an expert in designing the test and refining the results. This will come with a price.
Fortunately, there are many options available to meet your price range while still providing the benefits of test preparation. Just consider the variance in the table below.

Test preparation options

Below is a breakdown of the types of test prep currently offered. When reading, try not to think only about the cost. While money is often the most important factor in these decisions, it is certainly not the only factor that plays a role in your success. Also consider how much time you can devote, the environment in which you learn best, what you expect to get out of test prep, and what options are strong enough to meet those expectations.

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The best SAT prep courses

Independent study

Self-directed preparation is a great option for anyone on a limited budget, as well as those who are self-motivated and prefer to set their own pace.
College Board, the group that administers the SAT, is a great place to start because it shares ample free resources online. They are outlines Study guide For students (complete with a schedule from now until test day), post Practice testsand share the materials needed to host your own study group.
College Board is also partnering with Khan Academy to provide a free service Digital SAT practice coursewhich was found to boost scores by at least 39 points for those who studied at least six hours. You are likely to see a better result with more study!
Apart from this, there are many SAT guide books available between $20 and $50. While some cover the full SAT, others focus on specific SAT topics. A quick internet search returned this SAT paper practice testand it’s one of four available for 2024, so don’t neglect to search online!
Just keep in mind that success through independent study comes from building good habits and sticking to your schedule. It’s an effective way to increase test scores, but it’s not the right choice for everyone.
Fast for professionals to use this method: If you’re looking for resources on a budget — or if you just want something to complement your existing study plan — there are countless free resources online, as well as blogs and forums where you can read about the path that has led others to SAT success.

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What is a good SAT score: Strategies for success

Online courses

One price range higher than independent study is online preparation. This is a good option for those who prefer a classroom-like experience at a lower cost.
Prices for online courses can start as low as $100 and go up to over $1,000, but keep in mind the added benefit you’ll get from having a more structured environment.
Fortunately, online test prep courses are designed to help students learn as effectively as possible, and many offer unique ways to meet your personal needs. For example, you may prefer to navigate through specific course materials at your own pace, while another person may want to listen to a live teaching session. These are two popular options available in the online prep curriculum.
Fast for professionals to use this method: If you don’t have enough time to study, look no further than online test preparation. The materials included in these courses are intended to help narrow your focus and get you to the finish line quickly.

Personal group learning

Another option is in-person learning, which is great for students who want or need the extra push and level of responsibility that comes with coming to class.
Like online prep courses, in-person learning takes you through a pre-determined curriculum developed by SAT test experts, which means they’ll know what you need to succeed. The only difference is that you have to show up! You’ll sit in on lectures, practice practice blocks, and have the opportunity to work on questions with your classmates.
An in-person course is slightly more expensive because you receive personalized knowledge and attention from an expert in real time. You should expect to pay between $500 to $1,500 per course, depending on the length of the program, its location, and the institution offering the program.
Fast for professionals to use this method: Personalized learning provides the opportunity to ask questions, receive live feedback, and spend one-on-one time with your teacher. It is well thought out to have a personalized learning experience Increases your engagement With the materials and can lead to a more successful result.

Private lessons

The higher option in the price range is one-on-one private tutoring. If you learn best through direct, personal engagement with your teacher, this is definitely an option worth exploring.
Billed by the hour – rather than by the course – you can expect to pay hourly rates between $50 and $250 for a total of $1,000 or more. The total cost will of course depend on how many hours of exam preparation you need. But if you are struggling with exam material and would benefit from coaching based on your individual strengths and weaknesses, tutoring may make a difference in your test score.
Fast for professionals to use this method: Private lessons feature an environment of motivation and responsibility, so you’ll likely get a higher quality of learning per hour with a tutor than you would studying for several hours on your own.

How to offset your costs

If your test prep sessions have left you strapped for cash, there are several ways you can cut costs elsewhere. Although these won’t apply to everyone, this list is a good place to start:

1. Early registration: The SAT registration fee is $60 Additional costs It can add up quickly. By registering early, committing to your initial testing center, and refraining from canceling your testing appointment, you can save at least $80.
2. Apply for exemption from fees: If you need some financial assistance to cover the cost of registration, check out Standards Then talk to a school counselor about whether you can waive the SAT fee.
3. Use the option to send free reports: Each time you take the SAT, you can submit your scores to up to four schools at no additional cost. You also have nine days after your test date to take advantage of this feature, but after that, there is a fee.
4. Self-reporting your test results: At the time of application, some universities allow you to self-report your SAT score. You’ll still need to submit your official test score from College Board, but you can download it from your account for free.
5. Consider other discounts and packages: To get the most bang for your buck in test preparation, ask your teacher or learning center if they will offer a discount for booking multiple sessions at once.

Related to: College entrance exams 101: What to know

Is test prep worth it?

The cost of attending college becomes more expensive every year, but colleges continue to offer merit-based scholarships. One of the best ways to obtain scholarships is to demonstrate your ability to undertake a rigorous college curriculum through strong test scores. And – you guessed it – test prep can definitely help boost your score if you need it!
However, your test score is not the only factor taken into consideration when applying to college. Test preparation does not guarantee increased test scores. However, if you are having difficulty with exam material, it is certainly worth talking to someone about your options for improvement. Just remember that at the end of the day, it all depends on how much work you’re willing to do.
If you’re realistic about your budget, the amount of time you can commit, and what you expect to get out of test prep, you should be in good shape to get started. Don’t be afraid to shop around to find something that really suits you!