Score High, Stress Less: The Top Online SAT Prep Programs You Need to Know

AwesomeMom
6 min readMar 23, 2024

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Preparing for the SAT exam is a crucial step for high school students aiming to pursue higher education. With the rise of online education, numerous SAT prep programs have emerged, each offering unique features and benefits. In this article, we’ll explore four prominent online SAT prep programs: Khan Academy, The Princeton Review, Kaplan Test Prep, and the Beestar High School Program. By examining the strengths and weaknesses of each program, parents can make informed decisions about the best resources for their child’s SAT preparation journey.

Khan Academy (Free SAT Prep)

A bright-eyed educator named Salman Khan, armed with a passion for teaching and a vision for free, accessible education, created Khan Academy in 2008. Fast forward to today, Khan Academy stands as a beacon of hope for students worldwide. Offering numerous resources, including a comprehensive SAT prep program.

Cost: Khan Academy shines brightly with its free SAT prep resources, accessible to all students regardless of financial constraints.

Curriculum Quality: With its roots firmly grounded in collaboration with the College Board, Khan Academy’s curriculum is akin to a well-crafted masterpiece, meticulously designed to align with the SAT exam format and content.

Flexibility: With its self-paced learning environment, Khan Academy offers students the freedom to study at their own pace, anytime, anywhere, making SAT prep accessible to even the busiest of schedules.

Accreditation: While not accredited as an educational institution, Khan
Academy’s reputation as a trusted resource are recognized by educators and institutions worldwide, providing peace of mind to parents and students alike.

Student Support Services: With its online forums and community discussions, Khan Academy offers students a platform to connect with peers and educators, fostering a sense of community and support.

The Princeton Review

In the hustle and bustle of New York City streets during the 1980s, three friends — John Katzman, Adam Robinson, and Ramit Sethi — united with a common dream: to revolutionize test preparation. Resulting in The Princeton Review being born, becoming a household name widely known for its top-notch SAT preparation.

Cost: While not as budget-friendly as Khan Academy, The Princeton Review program offers various pricing packages tailored to fit different budgets, ensuring quality education without breaking the bank.

Curriculum Quality: The Princeton Review’s curriculum is rich in depth and detail, covering all sections of the SAT exam with a focus on strategies and test-taking techniques.

Flexibility: Whether your child is a night owl or an early bird, The Princeton Review has flexible study plans and schedules to accommodate their needs, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed.

Accreditation: Accredited by various education bodies, The Princeton Review’s commitment to excellence is evident in its quality test preparation services, ensuring students receive the highest standard of education.

Student Support Services: The Princeton Review’s extensive student support services ensure students have the guidance, and support they need every step of the way. From expert instructors, to personalized study plans, and progress tracking tools.

Kaplan Test Prep

During the 1930s, a young man named Stanley Kaplan began tutoring students for the New York State Regents Exam. Little did he know, this humble beginning would blossom into Kaplan Test Prep, a global powerhouse in the world of education. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Kaplan has guided students toward SAT success for generations.

Cost: With a range of pricing options, from self-paced courses to private tutoring, Kaplan provides flexibility to accommodate various financial situations.

Curriculum Quality: Utilizing cutting-edge technology and decades of expertise, Kaplan’s curriculum is a testament to innovation. Offering adaptive learning technology, practice questions, and full-length practice tests to ensure students are fully prepared for exam day.

Flexibility: From self-paced courses to live online instruction, and private tutoring sessions. Kaplan offers flexibility tailored to fit your child’s unique learning style and schedule.

Accreditation: Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), Kaplan’s accreditation serves as a testament to its dedication to providing students with the highest quality education.

Student Support Services: With live online instruction, tutoring services, and access to academic advisors, Kaplan’s comprehensive student support services are designed to empower students to reach their full potential.

Beestar High School Program

During the early 2000s, a group of educators fueled by a passion for personalized learning created Beestar. With a focus on empowering students through tailored online education, Beestar’s High School Program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to conquer the SAT exam.

Cost: Pricing options are available on the website, allowing parents to choose the package that best suits their budget and their child’s educational needs.

Curriculum Quality: Grounded in a foundation of personalized learning, Beestar’s curriculum is designed to nurture students’ strengths and address their weaknesses, providing a holistic approach to SAT preparation.

Flexibility: With its online platform, Beestar provides students with the flexibility to access resources and study materials whenever and wherever they choose, empowering them to take control of their SAT preparation journey.

Accreditation: While not accredited as an educational institution, Beestar’s supplementary learning resources provide valuable support to students as they prepare for the SAT exam, helping them build confidence and achieve success.

Student Support Services: With online support through email assistance and online chat, Beestar provides students with the guidance and support they need to succeed. Ensuring that no question goes unanswered.

In conclusion, each online SAT prep program offers unique features and benefits tailored to meet the diverse needs of high school students. Whether you choose the free resources of Khan Academy, the comprehensive curriculum of The Princeton Review, the innovative technology of Kaplan Test Prep, or the personalized learning approach of Beestar, rest assured that your child’s SAT preparation journey is in good hands. Parents should consider factors such as, cost, curriculum, quality, flexibility, accreditation, and student support when choosing the best
program for their child’s SAT preparation journey.

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AwesomeMom

An avid early childhood educator, a Gifted Talented Education commentator and writer, and a mom of 3 children.