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Explore and compare top-rated SAT prep providers and find the right option for you

Every year, millions of students take the SAT, a crucial step in fulfilling college admissions requirements and enhancing their academic profiles. As the most widely recognized college entrance exam, the SAT consists of two core sections, Reading and Writing, and Math, which evaluate essential academic skills and overall college readiness. Scored from 400 to 1600, this computer-based test drives many students to invest months in focused preparation, especially those targeting top scores above 1450 for admission to the most competitive institutions. The SAT measures more than just subject knowledge: it assesses critical thinking and problem-solving abilities under tight time constraints, making thorough SAT prep beyond typical classroom work vital for success. Although the test content closely reflects high school coursework, a targeted study plan, combined with SAT prep books and reliable practice tools, remains necessary to excel.

To conquer this challenging assessment, students frequently explore a wide range of SAT preparation materials and services, from bestselling SAT prep books to immersive online programs and personalized tutoring. Finding the right SAT prep resources can feel overwhelming, which is why we've curated a comprehensive round-up of the top SAT prep solutions available today. Our selections highlight highly reputable providers, such as Princeton SAT Prep from The Princeton Review, Khan Academy, Kaplan, and UWorld for realistic question banks, as well as courses from well-known names like Kaplan and Magoosh. Each provider offers distinctive advantages tailored to various learning styles and study timelines. By summarizing each resource's key features and including real user feedback, we make it easier to compare premium choices, helping you determine the most effective option for your unique needs.

Please note that all SAT prep reviews have been edited for length and clarity. We exclude formal reviews of the College Board's official SAT study guide or its proprietary resources, as our focus is on third-party vendors who deliver additional review options like UWorld SAT and independently published SAT prep books. However, we strongly recommend students enhance their study plans by incorporating official materials from the College Board, such as its practice tests, since these resources are consistently accurate and reliable complements to third-party SAT prep tips and tools.

Some user reviews have been slightly edited for length and clarity.

How we evaluated these resources

Our top SAT prep book selections cover every study schedule and skill level, featuring a diverse array of resources from self-paced SAT prep books to comprehensive programs with individualized tutoring support. We carefully evaluated each SAT preparation option using the following criteria:

Cost
Are SAT prep books and supplementary materials priced fairly for the quality and depth they provide?
Variety
Do top-rated providers include additional resources that enhance value, such as interactive flashcards, live online instruction, or digital practice tests?
Coverage
Do the SAT study aids provide a thorough review of all exam sections? Which materials offer holistic, end-to-end preparation versus targeted refreshers for specific subjects?
Accessibility
Are SAT prep vendors committed to making test strategies and concepts easy to understand for learners at every level? Do materials address various learning preferences for maximum effectiveness?
Community feedback
Are leading SAT prep book publishers and providers consistently recommended by students? What do test-takers appreciate about the study guides, practice workbooks, and full-length exams they use?
Score boosters
When used consistently, can this set of SAT study materials genuinely help you reach your target score within an achievable timeframe?

For every SAT prep book provider in our roundup, we outline their key tools, advantages, and potential drawbacks so you can assess each program's strengths and limitations. Use our guide below to determine which SAT prep book or resource helps you, or your student, prepare most effectively for this crucial college admissions exam.

Most personalized: Princeton Review

  • From reliable study guides to hours of professional, one-on-one tutoring, Princeton Review offers test preparation options for every kind of learner.
  • Princeton Review's books, in particular, are a go-to resource for students preparing for the SAT, often recommended over more involved preparation options.
Princeton Review logo
Most personalized
A
Pros
  • Flexible options available for students looking for additional practice, structured self-studiers, and learners who require more direct support
  • Many students find Princeton's additional practice questions and explanations helpful to their preparation
  • Courses are anchored by Princeton's high-quality printed materials
  • Both standard and premium books come with digital, adaptive practice tests
Cons
  • Complicated and expensive package tiers with varying access periods
  • Practice tests may not be the most accurate reflection of the College Board's exam
  • Limited refund options, even for packages with score guarantees
Key features
  • Full-length practice exams (amount varies)
  • Test-taking tips and strategies
  • Ample multiple-choice and free-response practice questions
  • Live online instruction, depending on the package
  • Tutoring that promises students will score in the top 2% of test-takers (1500+ package)
Pricing
$22 - $2,199 / Varies by package
Tiers
  • Book only (Princeton Review Digital SAT Prep or Premium Prep)
  • SAT Self-Paced
  • SAT Private Tutoring
  • SAT 1500+ Tutoring
  • SAT Essentials
  • SAT 1400+ Course

The Princeton Review SAT prep course stands out among the best SAT prep courses, offering a structured and results-driven preparation program built on decades of expertise. Students begin with a diagnostic SAT exam, set personalized score goals, and follow a tailored study plan that features a comprehensive library of video lessons, targeted drills, and full-length practice tests meant to reflect the actual SAT. Depending on the selected tier, students can access live instructor-led classes, flexible on-demand tutoring, and a wealth of online resources. For instance, the Princeton SAT Prep "1400+" package includes 36 hours of live instruction and guarantees a minimum 150-point score increase for eligible students.

In addition to rigorous practice, Princeton SAT Prep emphasizes proven test-taking strategies, such as understanding common SAT question types, mastering time management, and adapting to the exam's unique format. The program's flexibility allows students to choose between self-paced options or live, interactive classes, available both in-person and online, making it easy to fit SAT preparation into any schedule or learning preference. Some common concerns that learners have about Princeton Review are that their courses are on the upper end in terms of price and that their materials may not fully reflect what's on the test. Additionally, this provider is somewhat inconsistent, excelling in some areas and providing adequate support in others. Still, students who dedicate themselves to their learning plans can expect their scores to increase.

The Princeton tests have excellent vocab, grammar, math, and some good literary and science passages. As a whole, I can't say how representative it is...BUT, I would say Princeton has good relevant practice.

I'm in the course right now, and it's great. It is expensive, but it has helped me out a lot, and it's nice to have the assurance. I started at 1300, and after a few months, I am at 1570.

u/UnluckyFan6998 on r/SAT

Bottom line: The Princeton Review offers top-rated SAT prep courses for students aiming for a significant score boost, with options ranging from self-paced programs ideal for independent learners to intensive one-on-one tutoring. For those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative or requiring less practice, the Princeton Review SAT prep book can be purchased separately.

Best free review: Khan Academy

  • Khan Academy offers well-loved resources for quick reviews written by expert teachers at no cost.
  • Many students and teachers alike hail Khan Academy as an indispensable part of SAT preparation, with some going so far as to say that it may be all some students need to practice.
Khan Academy logo
Best free review
A
Pros
  • Official collaboration with the College Board
  • Free videos and practice questions that match the sections of the actual exam
  • Additional units on test-taking tips and strategies are also featured
Cons
  • More of an overview of concepts rather than a detailed study resource
  • Practice questions are reportedly very difficult
Key features
  • Interactive practice problems
  • Review quizzes after every video and unit to develop mastery
  • Easy-to-follow online tracking analytics
Pricing
Free / Unlimited access

The Khan Academy SAT program is a comprehensive, completely free, self-paced online SAT prep resource developed in collaboration with the College Board. Covering the complete range of SAT Math and Reading & Writing concepts, the Khan Academy SAT course offers structured video lessons, detailed articles, and interactive practice exercises, each organized by skill type and level of difficulty (Foundations, Medium, and Advanced). This format enables learners to effectively target and progress through key SAT skills at their own pace.

Unlike some other test prep providers, such as Kaplan SAT, the Khan Academy SAT course emphasizes personalized learning pathways. Students can track their progress and focus on specific SAT topics using the built-in tracking tools. After taking a diagnostic or practice test via the College Board's Bluebook app, test-takers receive tailored recommendations linking directly from missed question explanations to precise Khan Academy SAT lessons. The platform also provides access to full-length, official SAT practice tests, strategic approaches, and embedded hints within exercises, all of which are entirely free and available online at any time, making it a flexible and accessible choice. Khan Academy serves as an excellent resource for reinforcing challenging SAT concepts and practicing with authentic questions; however, it is not enough to replace an in-depth study plan for most students.

Yeah, it's that good. It doesn't work for everyone, but it contains all the content you need. I only used practice tests and Khan Academy. It's excellent for drilling grammar—I went from knowing very little grammar to consistently getting a perfect score on that section. And it covers all the topics you need in math. Khan Academy is probably most accurate for the new digital SAT, too.

As an educator, I thoroughly went over Khan Academy's Digital SAT material to get a full grasp on the new exam, and I think Khan Academy is extremely reliable and effective as long as you put in enough time and effort to fully digest its material. I advise relying on other resources only after you finish studying Khan Academy material first.

Bottom line: Khan Academy SAT remains a standout option for students seeking a cost-effective supplement to traditional prep services. However, for the best results, use Khan Academy SAT alongside other structured study plans and official materials to maximize your SAT score potential.

Best in-person instruction: Kaplan

  • Kaplan employs top instructors to teach college preparation courses nationwide, offering personalized, module-by-module instruction for students who excel in both traditional and online learning environments.
  • Like Princeton Review, they offer a range of study options, from a self-study course to a 2-3 week "bootcamp" to one-on-one tutoring for the most support.
Kaplan logo
Best in-person instruction
A
Pros
  • Live instruction supplemented by other tools
  • No shortage of resources and self-assessments for thorough SAT review
  • Kaplan College Advantage package (self-directed) can be customized to add one-on-one tutoring, college advising, AP course prep, and more
  • College Advantage also comes with ACT prep
Cons
  • Expensive, especially the self-study option
  • Students report diminishing ROI, the more premium the packages are
Key features
  • KapAdvisor 24/7 AI support (College Advantage)
  • Four-Year Formula blueprint to success
  • Realistic practice exams (numbers vary based on book and package)
  • Comprehensive Qbank of 500+ questions for upper-tier levels
  • SAT teachers are 99th percentile scorers
  • Digital performance dashboard
Pricing
$22 - $1,999 / Varies by package
Tiers
  • Textbooks: $22 - $39
  • Courses: $650 - $1,999

Kaplan SAT prep stands out for its flexible and comprehensive approach, offering a variety of course formats designed to fit every student's needs and study preferences. Whether you prefer self-directed learning with the On Demand modules, live online instruction, or traditional in-person classes, Kaplan SAT adapts to different schedules and study styles. The popular On Demand option provides students with six months of access to over 30 engaging video lessons, a robust question bank featuring more than 500 SAT practice questions, and four full-length SAT practice exams modeled after the actual test.

At the core of every Kaplan SAT prep course is the proven "Learn It — Drill It — Prove It" framework. Students first master key concepts, then reinforce them through targeted practice, and finally demonstrate mastery in timed, test-day simulations. Those choosing live online Kaplan SAT classes benefit from approximately 18 hours of interactive instruction, additional on-demand content, and up to eight full-length SAT practice tests, including official College Board exams, in higher-tier packages. All Kaplan SAT study programs thoroughly cover content areas like math, reading, and writing, while also focusing on critical test-taking strategies such as time management, answer elimination, and adapting to varying question types, skills essential for boosting SAT scores.

For added confidence, Kaplan SAT provides a money-back guarantee or extended course access if eligible students don't achieve a score improvement. This commitment underlines Kaplan's dedication to student success. Students should be aware that Kaplan's practice tests may be inconsistent with the actual SAT in terms of difficulty. Given that their practice exams and questions are fairly rigorous, though, many students are likely to boost their scores by using Kaplan's materials.

For a 1040 PSAT, you'll find the Kaplan course to be very helpful. It's really great for raising a midrange score up quite a bit. It's awesome for content review, and some strategies.

I received a 1380 on [my] first Kaplan SAT, and when I did real practice tests, I scored high 1400s to 1500s. I prepped hard over the summer, and when I took the real thing last month, I got a 1530...take Kaplan SAT scores with a grain of salt.

Bottom line: From intensive "Bootcamp" sessions to flexible live courses and personalized tutoring packages, the Kaplan SAT program has empowered thousands of students to achieve higher SAT scores at every starting level. The On Demand and "College Advantage" options offer nearly identical pricing to the Live Online course, while the College Advantage plan allows even more customization to meet individual learning needs.

Best on-the-go: UWorld

  • UWorld offers a well-designed, mid-level option between direct instruction and self-studying with its dynamic online learning platform.
  • UWorld's tech-forward approach to test preparation enables test-takers to access their resources virtually anywhere, at any time.
UWorld logo
Best on-the-go
A
Pros
  • Over 1,650 unique practice questions
  • Adaptive study planner and performance dashboard make following along with the course simple
  • Plenty of visual study tools and videos
  • Score-predicting mock test
Cons
  • Limited access periods (Introductory Plan only available for one month)
  • Questions are not always the most accurate, though many cite that the number of assessments is extremely helpful
Key features
  • Print and digital study guide
  • Score-predicting SAT mock test
  • Customizable Quiz Generator
  • Adjustable study planner
  • Realistic timed test simulation
  • Progress dashboard, smart flashcards, digital notebook, and other techy tools
Pricing
$249 - $399 / 30 - 360 days
Tiers
  • Introductory Plan
  • Score Booster Plan
  • Deep Learning Plan
  • Dream Score Plan

UWorld's SAT Prep Course delivers a powerful, fully online self-study solution designed specifically for the digital SAT. Versatility is this program's largest draw: it's great for answering a couple of quiz questions while waiting for a coffee or hours-long review sessions at home. The UWorld SAT program features comprehensive resources, including engaging video lessons, interactive print and digital study guides, and an extensive bank of 1,650+ real SAT-style practice questions, meticulously modeled after the structure and adaptive format of the official digital SAT exam. Students begin their UWorld SAT journey with an initial diagnostic to gauge their current readiness, followed by a customizable study planner that organizes their preparation on a week-by-week basis. Through UWorld's signature "Watch, Read, Practice" method, learners watch concise video modules, explore in-depth readings, and then reinforce knowledge through focused practice and full-length UWorld SAT mock exams.

What truly sets the UWorld SAT course apart is its unmatched focus on authentic question practice and comprehensive answer explanations. Each UWorld SAT practice question is designed to reflect the actual difficulty, style, and adaptive technology found on the digital SAT. Every explanation features visuals, step-by-step logic, and strategic guidance tailored to help students grasp complex concepts. The UWorld SAT platform also includes advanced performance analytics and a fully mobile-friendly interface, making it easy for users to study anytime, anywhere, track skills and weaknesses, and optimize their preparation schedule on the go, ideal for motivated students who appreciate flexible online SAT prep. In terms of the difficulty level of practice questions, UWorld is sure to be a welcome challenge for ambitious students, but it may not give you the most accurate reflection of how hard the test really is. Because UWorld is primarily focused on self-study, its platform is best suited for students who have no issues keeping up with a self-paced program.

I've been using UWorld for a while, and honestly, it's one of the few prep tools that actually helped me understand my mistakes instead of just showing the right answer. The questions feel a bit harder than the real SAT, but that's kinda the point, it makes the actual test feel easier.

u/Timely_Taste7585 on r/SAT

UWorld is HUGE. I improved my math from 620 to 750 in 2.5 months.

Bottom line: UWorld SAT Prep combines leading instructor expertise with a robust, data-driven platform that adapts to individual needs, monitors progress in real-time, and breaks down challenging topics clearly. UWorld SAT materials offer a thorough and results-driven pathway to success, particularly for self-driven students who value effective online-first SAT study tools.

Why it matters

There are many options when it comes to finding the best SAT prep courses, each offering a robust selection of study materials, practice tests, and student support to help you maximize your SAT score. As you build your SAT study plan and evaluate providers like Princeton SAT Prep, keep these essential SAT prep tips in mind:

  • Decide if you prefer a traditional classroom experience or if self-paced, visually engaging online materials are a better fit for your learning style.
  • Consider your scheduled test dates and determine how much time you can dedicate each week to your SAT study plan before the exam.
  • Set clear goals, such as achieving a top percentile score or improving your results by a specific number of points.
  • Check if the SAT prep resources include digital practice exams that accurately reflect the format and difficulty of the actual SAT.

To launch your SAT preparation effectively, start with a diagnostic test to establish your baseline score. This will inform how comprehensive your SAT study plan should be. Review recent SAT statistics for admitted students at your target colleges to identify the score range needed for competitive applications. Choosing a top SAT prep course with high-quality practice tests, expertly designed study materials, and dependable student support can significantly enhance your readiness and help you achieve your academic goals.

Wrapping up

As you compare the best SAT prep courses out there on the market today, focus on evaluating their standout features, the overall quality of study materials, and whether they provide extensive access to official SAT practice tests. It's important to weigh both the total cost and proven effectiveness to help you decide if choosing a top-rated premium SAT prep course or relying on self-study, online tools alone, fits your needs. By taking time to set your target score and researching available SAT review programs, you can find an option that supports your personal learning style and maximizes your chances of success. Once you select the right resources, ensure that you are working with the latest SAT prep book editions or digital materials, including innovative platforms like UWorld SAT for up-to-date content. No matter which study plan you select, integrating digital prep tools and applying essential SAT prep tips will contribute significantly to your progress. Best of luck with your SAT preparation!