SAT preparation options include group study, private tutoring, or online learning.
AMONG THE standardized tests, the SAT is considered a heavyweight contender, with the ACT being its main competitor in college applications. Despite the increasing number of universities adopting test-optional policies, many students still hope that a high SAT score will open the door to their dream college.
The SAT exams are typically held from October through June, making preparation crucial for students to achieve high scores. Fortunately, with today’s technological advancements, students and families can access free resources from various sources.
Free SAT preparation options
In reality, the cost of SAT prep courses at centers is a significant financial burden for some families. Understanding this, the College Board—the organization that administers the SAT—has partnered with Khan Academy, a popular online learning platform, to offer free SAT prep materials for students. According to the College Board, this is a completely free option for students to prepare themselves for the SAT.
Paid SAT preparation options
In addition to online learning from Khan Academy, paid SAT preparation options are quite diverse. Students can choose group study, one-on-one tutoring, or online classes with flexible pricing.
However, before families spend on SAT prep for their children (which can easily range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars or more for premium services), they should determine whether the course is necessary and how it will benefit their child.
Start by setting a goal by checking the admission test scores of the schools your child is targeting. Typically, schools will publish the middle 50% score range of students admitted the previous year. Using this information, parents and students can estimate the minimum score required and set a goal to achieve a score higher than this range to increase their chances of admission.
With this information, families can make more informed decisions about whether their child should join a group class, receive private tutoring, or study online independently. Additionally, to gather more information for the decision, parents can have their child take a SAT practice test to assess their academic level.
Group study: Best for students who are just starting and want to learn about the structure and strategies for the test. However, some students may need one-on-one tutoring due to difficulty focusing or requiring constant encouragement.
Online learning can be self-paced or involve remote tutoring. However, to avoid wasting money, families should request a trial class from the center to ensure their child is suited for this method.
Finally, although experts believe that paid preparation is convenient, families should not feel pressured to enroll their child in external prep courses. The resources on Khan Academy are sufficient for students to practice. The key issue is that students need to be more disciplined in managing their time and strict in completing the practice work on their own.
