The SAT is an important test used by colleges and universities across the United States in determining college admissions. Many schools require students to take either the SAT or the ACT.
The SAT is a standardized test that consists of three sections – math, evidence-based reading, and writing. The SAT also includes an optional essay section.
Use our reviews of the top 6 SAT prep courses to make your choice based on budget, learning style, guarantees and more.
Summary: Find and compare the best SAT prep courses below.
Table of Contents
- Our Picks for Best SAT Prep Courses
- Comparison Table
- Who Needs an SAT Prep Course
- Prep Expert Review
- Princeton Review
- Magoosh Review
- PrepScholar Review
- ePrep Review
- Kaplan Review
Our Picks for Best SAT Prep Courses
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- Most Comprehensive
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- Rating:
- Visit Prep Expert
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- Best Bundle
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- Rating:
- Visit Princeton Review
Best SAT Prep Course Reviews (2021)
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| SAT Prep | Prep Expert | Princeton Review | Magoosh | PrepScholar | ePrep | Kaplan |
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| Rating | T-G Choice (Most Comprehensive) |
T-G Choice (Best Bundle) |
T-G Choice (Best Value) |
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| Pricing | $699 $399 Get Exclusive Discount |
$399 $299 Get Discount |
$1200 $129 Get Discount |
$397 | $299 | $199 |
| Subscription Length | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 6 months | 6 months |
| Free Trial | ||||||
| Guarantee | Higher score guaranteed | Higher score guaranteed | +100 points | +160 points | +250 points | Higher score guaranteed |
| Practice Questions | 1650+ | 3200+ | 1750+ | 7100+ | 1100+ | 1000 |
| Practice Exams | 11 | 15 | 3 | 10 | 6 | No |
| Delivery Options | Self-Paced or Live Online Classes | Self-Paced or Live Online Classes | Self-Paced or Live Online Classes | Self-Paced or Live Online Classes | Self-Paced or Live Online Classes | Self-Paced or Live Online Classes |
| Videos | ||||||
| Study Plan | ||||||
| Essay Feedback | - additional $59 | - via email | ||||
| Score Predictor | ||||||
| Support Options | Email, Chat, Phone | Email, Phone | Email, Chat | |||
| Summary | Review | Review | Review | Review | Review | Review |
| Learn More | GO! | GO! | GO! | GO! | GO! | GO! |
Who Needs an SAT Prep Course?
Many colleges require the SAT for admissions. The SAT is challenging and high scores are vital. Your SAT score is a factor not just for admissions but can also influence the amount of funding you’ll receive. Many undergraduate programs also use SAT scores to determine scholarships and academic financial aid.
SAT prep courses are a great way for students to refresh their knowledge on multiple topics while also learning new material. SAT prep courses will help students become more comfortable taking the SAT by offering strategies and test taking tips. The more comfortable a student is with the material and concepts, the better the student will do when taking the SAT.
Determining your best approach to preparing for the SAT can be tough. SAT prep courses can be time-consuming and expensive. Do you need an SAT prep course? The answer depends on many factors.
Factors to Consider
- Improvement needed – take a free SAT practice test to see where you stand. If your score needs improvement, an SAT prep course may be a good option.
- Study discipline – if you routinely have trouble maintaining a study schedule, you’ll find that a prep course is worth it.
- Budget – SAT prep courses can get expensive. If money is tight, consider our best value recommendation, or self-study with SAT prep books.
- Learning style – if you have a history of successfully studying with books, a self-study approach with a good SAT prep book may be your best plan.
- Need for encouragement – if you need encouragement, feedback and motivation, a prep course with an instructor (either in-person or online) is a good option.
Benefits of an SAT Prep Course
- Score improvement – the top SAT prep courses will guarantee a score improvement of 100 points or more.
- Simulates actual test – the online exams included in an SAT prep course do a great job of simulating the real SAT. Magoosh’s dashboard predicts your SAT scores and compares you to other students.
- Quality instructors – courses that include live instructors will help you with efficient strategies, motivation, and one-on-one feedback.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses – the best SAT prep courses offer advanced diagnostics to identify the topics you need to focus on.
- Comprehensive study plans – SAT prep courses will help you craft, and stick to, a customized study schedule that works for you.
Why an SAT Prep Course May Not Be Your Best Option
- Expensive – the best SAT prep courses may be over $400.
- Time-consuming – prep courses often require significant study/prep time.
- DIY alternative - self-study using prep books may be a cost-effective alternative.
- Instructor-dependent – if you opt for an instructor-led course, the quality of your instructor will be a significant factor towards your success.
Bottom Line - If you need a high SAT score and have the budget, a top SAT prep course is a great option.
SAT Prep Course Online Reviews
Prep Expert SAT Review
- Test-Guide Rating: T-G Choice (Most Comprehensive)
- Price: Starting at $399
- Discounts: View Exclusive Discounts
Prep Expert Feature Summary
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Price
- Great price point for the amount of content and learning students will receive.
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Guarantee
- Score improvement guarantee on all self-paced courses and 200+ guarantee on live online classes.
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Content
- The best of the best in terms of instructors. Students can learn via a self-paced course or in a live online classroom setting.
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Questions
- 1650+ practice questions and 11 practice tests put Prep Expert in the upper echelon in terms of questions and practice exams.
Prep Expert Pros and Cons
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Pros
- Top instructors
- Number of different prep options
- Score improvement guarantees
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Cons
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Prep Expert Summary
Prep Expert is our choice for most comprehensive SAT prep course. Every instructor teaching an SAT prep course with Prep Expert has scored in the top 1% of the SAT – you know you are getting the best of the best in terms of instructors.
Prep Expert has a couple of different learning options. They offer self-paced, live online classroom, and private tutoring options. We have listed some of the SAT prep options they offer below:
- SAT 8-Week Capstone (Live Online Classroom Setting)
- SAT 6-Week Capstone (Live Online Classroom Setting)
- SAT Weekend Review (Live Online Classroom Setting)
- SAT Self-Paced Course (Online Self-Paced Course)
The prices vary but all Test-Guide users will receive a $300 off coupon for any of the above courses by using TESTGUIDE300 when checking out.
Prep Expert students will learn the “Perfect Score Strategies” when taking one of the SAT prep courses. These are strategies that Prep Expert founder Shaan Patel used to take his SAT score from average to perfect.
Prep Expert is a great choice for anyone looking to increase their SAT score – Prep Expert even guarantees you will increase your score, or you get you money back. For students who are looking to get a top SAT score, Prep Expert should be your choice. The combination of resources and instructors cannot be beat.
If you do not believe us, take it from billionaire and Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban:
“If you want to get scholarships, if you want to get financial aid, if you want to reduce your cost of college, Prep Expert is the only way to go! Take classes online.”
Current Prep Expert SAT Discounts & Coupon Codes
Best Feature of Prep Expert - Most qualified instructors with the pedigree to back it up.
Rating:
T-G Choice (Most Comprehensive)
Bottom Line
The most comprehensive SAT course we reviewed. Self-paced course is great for students looking for a good SAT score. The live online classes are great for students who want a top SAT score.
Princeton Review SAT Review
- Test-Guide Rating: T-G Choice (Best Bundle)
- Price: Starting at $299
- Discounts: Available Here
Princeton Review Feature Summary
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Price
- $299 for 12 months of access to the course.
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Guarantee
- Higher score guaranteed when using this prep course.
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Content
- 280+ video lessons. SAT and ACT bundle option for those interested in both courses.
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Questions
- 3200+ practice questions. 7 SAT specific practice exams.
Princeton Review Pros and Cons
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Pros
- SAT and ACT bundle
- Number of practice questions
- Number of practice exams
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Cons
- Costs extra for essay feedback
- No free trial
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Princeton Review Summary
The Princeton Review offers one of the best bundles on the market. For $299, students not only get access to the SAT prep course, but also the ACT prep course. Once signed up for the course, students get access to over 280 online videos and lessons.
The course is 100% online and is available to students for 12 months. The course is self-paced but study plans are offered to help students stay on track. The course offers 15 SAT practice tests, 8 ACT practice tests, and 5 PSAT practice tests.
This course is the perfect course for students who are not sure whether or not they want to take the SAT or ACT. Students have access to the course for 12 months, so if they do not do well on the ACT and want to try the SAT, they have the resources to begin studying.
This course is also perfect for students who wish to take both the ACT and the SAT. However, Princeton Review offers just their SAT course for $199 if that is what you desire.
While there is no free trial, they do offer a higher score guarantee. If you do not receive a higher score than before, you can either take the course again for free or get your money back. Students can also purchase 10 hours of on-demand tutoring for an additional $290.
Best Princeton Review Feature - SAT & ACT bundled together for great price
Rating:
T-G Choice (Best Bundle)
Bottom Line
Students unsure about whether they want to take the ACT or SAT should look at this course.
Magoosh SAT Prep Review
- Test-Guide Rating: T-G Choice (Best Value)
- Price: Starting at $129
- Discounts: Available Here
Magoosh Feature Summary
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Price
- Best Value. One of the cheapest courses we reviewed and get access for 1 year.
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Guarantee
- +100-point improvement guarantee.
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Content
- Data-driven score predictor is a nice feature. Customizable study schedules.
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Questions
- 1750 practice questions. 3 practice tests.
Magoosh Pros and Cons
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Pros
- Price - best value on market
- Essay feedback
- Course layout and feel
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Cons
- Little light on the number of practice exams
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Magoosh Summary
Magoosh offers one of the most affordable SAT prep courses available on the market. Their courses range from $100-$129 with the biggest difference being the amount of time student get access to the course.
All of the courses offer more than 1750 SAT practice questions, 200 video lessons, video explanations for every question, and 3 SAT practice tests. Magoosh SAT is compatible with all computers, tablets, and smartphones.
The Magoosh SAT self-paced course is completely online. Magoosh offers study plans to their students so the course being self-paced should not worry students. The study plans are customized for each student and consider which areas students want/need to improve in.
Magoosh uses a data-driven score predictor to give students an indicator for what they will score on their SAT based on their current knowledge.
Magoosh SAT offers a free 7-day trial (with a no questions asked refund policy) and a course that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. There are a couple of different options for students looking for SAT test prep courses – the best offer is the 12-month course for $129.
Magoosh also offers a 3-month course for $119 and a 1-month course for $100. All of the courses come with the same features with the time frame being the only difference.
Best Feature of Magoosh - Budget Friendly with Score Predictor
Rating:
T-G Choice (Best Value)
Bottom Line
For only $129, this course has it all. Good amount of practice questions, practice exams, and other cool features.
PrepScholar SAT Prep Review
- Test-Guide Rating:
- Price: Starting at $397
- Discounts: Available Here
PrepScholar Feature Summary
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Price
- On the higher end in terms of price.
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Guarantee
- +160-point score improvement.
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Content
- 210+ hours of content. Covers all sections of the SAT.
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Questions
- Most practice questions offered with 7100+. 10 practice exams.
PrepScholar Pros and Cons
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Pros
- Number of practice questions
- Number of practice exams
- +160-point improvement
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Cons
- No essay feedback option
- No score predictor
- Price
PrepScholar Summary
PrepScholar offers their SAT prep course for $397. Students have access to the course for 12 months. The course includes 210+ hours of content, over 7100 practice questions, over 700 problem-solving videos, and 10 real SAT practice tests. PrepScholar’s SAT prep course covers all sections – math, reading, writing and essay.
Every question offers a detailed answer explanation so students can learn from their mistakes. On top of that, PrepScholar has created custom diagnostic quizzes to help students test their knowledge of various SAT topics. Students have the option of trying out the course, risk-free, for 5 days before purchasing the course. PrepScholar has a 160+ score improvement guarantee on their course.
Best PrepScholar Features – Number of Practice Questions and Overall Content Provided
Rating:
ePrep SAT Review
- Test-Guide Rating:
- Price: Starting at $299
- Discounts: Available Here
ePrep Feature Summary
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Price
- $299 for 6 months of access.
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Guarantee
- Highest score improvement guarantee we have seen.
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Content
- Different prep options available to students. Some unique features like vocab builder.
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Questions
- 1100 practice questions and 6 practice exams.
ePrep Pros and Cons
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Pros
- Score improvement guarantee
- Unique features like vocab builder
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Cons
- No study plan
- No essay feedback
ePrep Summary
ePrep is an online test prep company. ePrep offers different options of SAT prep to their students – express, standard, and premium. We will focus on the premium option. Premium comes with 6 full-length practice tests, 28 practice quizzes, 112 video lessons, WordSmith vocab builder, and a 250-point improvement guarantee. Student get access to the premium course for 6 months.
ePrep offers a free trial so students can run through the course and get a feel for how the course is set up. The suggested time to complete the premium course is 6-24 weeks. ePrep also offers annual passes so students can have access to the course for 12 months and can study at their own pace. There are a ton of options available so students should be able to find the right option for their unique situation.
Best ePrep Features – Pricing Options and Score Improvement Guarantee
Rating:
Bottom Line
The high score improvement guarantee is impressive. Ton of different prep options available to students.
Kaplan SAT Review
- Test-Guide Rating:
- Price: Starting at $199
- Discounts: Available Here
Kaplan Feature Summary
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Price
- $199 for the course and students get access for 6 months.
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Guarantee
- Higher score guaranteed when using this prep course.
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Content
- 50 instructional videos on various topics. Lessons are shorter to keep the student’s attention.
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Questions
- On the lower end of number of practice questions offered. No practice exams offered.
Kaplan Pros and Cons
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Pros
- Price
- Higher score guaranteed
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Cons
- No practice exams
- No study plan
- No essay feedback
Kaplan Summary
The Kaplan SAT prep course is 100% online and self-paced. The course includes over 1000 SAT practice questions, 50 instructional videos on test content and strategies, and quizzes to make sure students are on track and learning the material. All videos are on-demand so students can watch anytime they want. The lessons are shorter so students can come and go in 30-minute increments if they want to.
The course includes a 7-day free trial so students can test out the course before purchasing it. If students do decide to purchase the course, they will pay $199 and have access to the course for 6 months. All video lessons were prepared and taught by SAT experts who provide different strategies that students can implement to increase their SAT scores.
While this course does not include any practice tests or essay feedback, it is a solid course. The course is designed very well and is easy to use. Students will learn from the video lessons and be able to apply certain strategies to the SAT when they take the test. Course is very comparable to Magoosh, except Magoosh is a little cheaper and offers practice exams.
Best Kaplan SAT Features – Budget Friendly and User Interface
Rating:
Bottom Line
While not having practice exams is a downfall, the content provided in the course will help students learn helpful strategies and content.
SAT Prep Courses FAQ
How can I improve my SAT score by 200 points?
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Is Princeton Review a good SAT prep course?
What is the best test prep for SAT?
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Last update: 4/6/2021
