Best of Online Learning: SAT/ACT Prep

Online SAT/ACT Prep

With the in-person SAT date finally confirmed for August, current juniors (rising seniors), as well as sophomores that are ready, can now plan in earnest for test preparation.  Especially for students with newfound time on their hands at home with cancelled internships or truncated summer programs, they can now set aside a chunk of time this summer to study for standardized exams. We have compiled a list of the most popular and effective online courses available to help students decide what works best with their schedule, study style and budget.

These online prep courses offer a wide variety of support, including live sessions, step by step video instructions, and personalized scheduling. These courses each have their own benefits and costs, so it’s important to find the right match for your student. For a more comprehensive guidance on preparing for the SAT/ACT, check out our blogs: How to Prep for the SAT/ACT and What is the Best Time to Take the SAT/ACTs and What is the Best Way to Prepare for Them? 

 

The list below compares SAT/ACT prep companies that offer self-paced online courses:

 

Khan Academy, Magoosh, Testive, College Prep GeniusKhan Academy, Magoosh, Testive, College Prep Genius

Here are the links to the websites:

https://www.khanacademy.org 

https://sat.magoosh.com (SAT) https://act.magoosh.com (ACT)

https://www.testive.com 

https://store.collegeprepgenius.com/college-prep-genius-ecourses/ 

 

 

This list compares companies that also offer live instructor sessions: 

 

Kaplan, Princeton Review, PrepScholar, Prep ExpertKaplan, Princeton Review, PrepScholar, Prep Expert

Here are the links to the websites:

https://www.princetonreview.com 

https://www.kaptest.com/sat 

https://www.prepscholar.com 

https://prepexpert.com  

 

***most of these programs have strict guidelines when it comes to getting your money back

 

 

Khan Academy

Khan Academy partners with CollegeBoard, which enables them to get material straight from the official source and is completely free. However, this requires that students be focused and on top of their own schedule as only self paced lessons are offered. Khan Academy does not offer ACT prep options.

 

Pro:

  • Practice questions & tests: directly from CollegeBoard, ensuring that the materials are an accurate representation of what students will see during the SAT
  • Learning materials: great series of step-by-step videos
  • Price: completely free

 

Con:

  • Options: only offers self-paced options
  • Features: does not offer personalized instructions or live instructor help
  • ACT: no ACT options

 

See more at: Khan Academy | Free Online Courses, Lessons & Practice  

 

 

Magoosh

Magoosh is a notable online option when it comes to self-paced online test prep. For a low price, students are able to study at their own pace and ask test prep experts for help with specific questions when needed through email. These experts are not meant to be formal online tutors, but will help with whatever questions the student may have. Magoosh provides plenty of practice questions, prerecorded video explanations and lessons for students to look at when they have the time. Additionally, Magoosh is easily accessible through computers and mobile phones.

 

Pro:

  • Personal: customizable practice sessions that focus on areas each student struggles with
  • Price: low prices
  • Support: help from real live test prep tutors

 

Con:

  • Options: only offers self-paced online options.
  • Practice questions & tests: not from CollegeBoard.

 

See more at: SAT Prep and ACT Prep 

 

 

Testive

Testive  provides a personal coach who monitors student performance and video calls on a weekly basis. These coaches are not private tutors, but they put together study plans and provide weekly feedback. Testive offers test prep that fit the student’s needs with questions that will challenge the student. A personal learning experience is emphasized and is a great option for students to stay on track with their test preparations. 

 

Pro:

  • Personal: personal coaches who monitor student’s performance
  • Practice: daily practice assignments

 

Con:

  • Time: suggested time commitment is at least four months
  • Prices: one of the more expensive options

 

See more at: Testive | Online SAT & ACT Coaching 

 

 

College Prep Genius

College Prep Genius provides students ebooks, vocabulary guides and other extra materials to help with test preparations. College Prep Genius only offers two course options covering the fundamentals of the SAT and ACT, but at low prices.

 

Pro:

  • Price: low prices
  • Material: ebooks and vocabulary guides are available 

Con:

  • Options: only two course options.
  • Practice questions & tests: not from CollegeBoard.

 

See more at: College Prep Genius eCourses

 

 

The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review is one of the best known test prep companies that offers trusted material for students to use. There are many course options available to choose from, but they are one of the more expensive options. Students are provided with a huge library of practice questions and tests to study from.

 

Pro:

  • Options: offers the most course options: self-paced online, live online, in-person, and private tutoring
  • Practice questions: offers one of the largest collection of practice questions for students

 

Con: 

  • Practice material & tests: tests and practice questions are not from CollegeBoard
  • Prices: one of the most expensive options

 

See more at: The Princeton Review: Test Prep Tutoring | Online Test Preparation 

 

 

Kaplan

A well known and trusted test prep company, Kaplan’s rapid review live sessions are extremely helpful when it comes to reviewing the day before the SAT (they are priced at $30 for one subject and $50 for both). Kaplan has the most online course options available.

 

Pro:

  • Rapid review live: most notable feature meant for students who don’t have much time to study
  • Printed books: Printed books are available for the self-paced option
  • Options: the most course options: self-paced online, live online, in-person, and private tutoring

Con:

  • Practice questions & tests: tests and practice questions are not from CollegeBoard.
  • Prices: the most expensive option offered

 

See more at: SAT Prep - Courses & Test Prep

 

 

PrepScholar

PrepScholar is a well known test prep program with the most practice questions available. Their library of test questions, along with engaging and interactive lessons, makes them one of the most popular choices. However, PrepScholar comes with a higher price tag.

 

Pro:

  • Practice questions: the most practice questions available
  • Lessons: interactive lessons include: written instructions, practice drills, videos and practice tests

 

Con:

  • Prices: one of the most expensive options

 

See more at: New SAT and ACT Preparation Online · PrepScholar 

 

 

Prep Expert

Prep Expert’s online options include a self paced course and a weekend review session, but the main focus is on the 3-6 week online live course where students are placed into scheduled online classes with master instructors. Prep Expert focuses on test taking strategies and tactics - students are taught to approach questions with SAT/ACT lens in mind, how to best approach each section, what is important and not. Especially for students with limited time and that need structure and guidance, Prep Expert is a solid option.

 

Pro:

  • Classes: live online classes
  • Instructors: top qualified instructors.
  • Practice questions & tests: practice questions and tests come from CollegeBoard

Con:

  • Prices: one of the more expensive options, but will offer discounts from time to time

 

See more at:  Prep Expert | SAT & ACT Prep Courses | As Seen On Shark Tank

 

 

If you need help deciding which program or method makes sense for your student, please schedule a time to speak with us HERE.

 

For additional insights on testing, check out our blogs:

How to Prep for the SAT/ACT

What is the Best Time to Take the SAT/ACTs and What is the Best Way to Prepare for Them?

ACT/SAT Scores Still Matter In College Admissions

How to Help Your Teens Manage Their Time

 

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