Let's face it, college tuition is expensive, and it's only getting pricier.
And if you're looking to secure the best financial assistance for your student, a high test score on the new Digital SAT or ACT is still a surefire way to stand out in today's ultra-competitive merit-based scholarship environment.
But with so many test prep courses, deciding which one to choose can take time. That's where we come in.
We've done the expensive and complex work of purchasing and testing dozens of SAT test prep and ACT test prep resources, so you don't have to.
This article will give you the inside scoop on identifying the best SAT or ACT prep program to help your student crush their test and secure that scholarship they've been dreaming of.
And considering the high cost of college test prep, we'll also give you extra tips on scoring the best deals based on your budget.
Below are jump links to different portions of this article.
Types of Digital SAT/ACT Prep Programs
Preferred learning environment
Quality of Digital SAT/ACT course curriculum
Money-saving tips for Digital SAT/ACT test prep
How Much Do SAT & ACT Prep Courses Cost?
Before we dive into the factors to consider when choosing the perfect test prep course, it's essential to understand the different types of prep programs available and their typical costs.
And to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recently researched and analyzed the prices of over 1,500 test prep service providers in the United States.
So, you can trust that these prices are authentic and reliable.
Group Live Classes
These could be held in-person or online and are the most popular option among families.
They're great for students who thrive in a collaborative environment and could benefit from more instructor support.
However, they may not suit those needing individualized attention or with busy schedules.
Most common SAT and ACT prep packages offer 16 - 20 hours of structured learning.
SAT Live Online Class Cost Per Hour
Our study found the median cost of small-group SAT and ACT online prep classes to be around $38 per hour of live instruction.
So, with a 20-hour prep package, you can expect to pay just under $800.
Individual or Private Tutoring
This is a more personalized option with one-on-one instruction tailored to your student's needs.
Providers usually offer personalized SAT/ACT coaching virtually or in-person or a combination of both.
Given the degree of customization and personalization you get from private test prep tutoring, it should be no surprise that this is the most expensive option.
SAT vs ACT Tutoring Rate for In-Person Coaching
The national median starting tutoring rate is pegged at $100 per hour, with prices going as high as $150 in high-cost-of-living states like California.
So, the longer your student preps for the SAT or ACT, the higher the cost.
SAT Tutoring Rate for Private Online Coaching
Self-paced Online Prep Courses
These courses are usually offered online and can be completed at your student's pace.
They are typically sold with access periods of 6 months or 12 months.
And are ideal for students with busy schedules or those who prefer to work independently with minimal instructor support.
SAT Self-Paced Course Price Distribution
From our study, the median cost of a self-paced SAT course was $300 for a 12-month access period.
Similarly the median cost for a self-paced ACT course was also $300 for a 12-month access period.
ACT Self-paced Course Price Distribution
So now that you have an idea of the different types of test prep courses and their costs let's dive into the factors to consider when choosing the perfect prep course for your student.
How to Choose an SAT/ACT Prep Course or Program
Learning Style
When choosing an SAT prep course for your student, it's crucial to consider their unique learning style.
For visual learners, for example, seek out prep courses that feature captivating video lessons rich with graphics and illustrations to help your student absorb the material more effectively.
These immersive visuals make the learning experience more enjoyable for your student and enable them to retain information better and improve their chances of acing the SAT or ACT.
Learning Environment
It's also essential to consider your student's optimal learning environment.
Some students are highly self-motivated and can excel in a self-paced program. In contrast, others thrive in a more structured, group-oriented setting.
An excellent self-paced course might be the perfect choice for independent learners.
These courses usually come with video lessons, SAT and ACT practice tests, interactive quizzes, and on-demand instructor support via email or during weekly office hours.
Allowing your student to progress at their own speed and focus on areas where they need improvement.
On the other hand, if your student benefits from group learning and the guidance of an instructor, a classroom-based or live online course could be the way to go.
These courses create a supportive learning community where your student can engage in discussions, ask questions, receive immediate feedback from one or more instructors, and can learn from their fellow students.
Quality of Course Curriculum
The quality of the online course curriculum is critical for those looking for self-paced prep programs.
In a nutshell, seek courses that balance proven section-specific strategies and comprehensive review content.
As mastering both aspects is critical to achieving success on these exams.
In addition, when it comes to practice material, the rule of thumb is to lean towards prep courses that reference official practice material, aka practice material with questions that were designed by the exam makers and have appeared on previous exams.
Utilizing official SAT practice material from The College Board or ACT practice material from ACT inc ensures that your student is exposed to the most accurate representation of the types of questions they will encounter on test day.
Instructor Experience
The depth of experience of the tutor is particularly important when looking for instructor-led programs like small group classes and private tutoring.
This factor must be considered, as seasoned instructors can significantly impact your student's test prep journey.
Two key factors to consider when evaluating instructors are their years of experience coaching students for the SAT/ACT and their own test scores in recent years.
Highly experienced instructors have a deep understanding of test-taking strategies.
They can provide personalized guidance, ensuring your student is well-prepared for the challenges of the exam.
Furthermore, instructors who consistently take the SAT/ACT demonstrate a commitment to staying up-to-date with any changes or trends in these tests.
This ongoing engagement with the exams ensures they can provide your student the most relevant and effective coaching.
Instructor Success Rate
Another vital tip here is to determine the success rate of students coached by the program's private tutors or instructors.
So ask questions about the average test score improvement, college acceptance rate, and testimonials from past students who have participated in the private tutoring program.
These success stories and performance indicators can gauge the tutor's ability to help your student reach their target score goals.
Customer Policies
Considering the price of many premium test prep programs, It's also essential to evaluate the customer policies of the test prep providers.
Especially given the high price tag associated with many of these programs.
Opting for a test prep brand with transparent policies ensures you're making a well-informed decision and safeguarding your investment.
Please pay close attention to the details regarding their refund and cancellation conditions.
Understanding these policies will give you the flexibility to change or cancel the course if necessary, without incurring unexpected costs.
Additionally, examine their score guarantees, if any.
Some test prep providers promise a certain level of score improvement or even a full refund if your student doesn't meet specific benchmarks.
These guarantees can offer peace of mind and a sense of assurance that the prep course is designed to deliver tangible results.
Tips on Scoring Deals and Saving Money on Test Prep
As you know, preparing for the SAT or ACT can be expensive for families.
This disparity in test-prep affordability has led a growing number of schools to adopt test-optional admission policies in a bid to level the playing field.
However, there's no need to worry!
Drawing from our knowledge of the college test prep market, we've compiled a collection of unique tips designed to help families save big on SAT or ACT prep, without compromising tremendously on quality.
Lookout for payment plans
An easy win for most families is to shop with test prep providers that offer payment plans over several months - which can lower the upfront financial burden and allow you to invest in a higher-quality prep course for your student.
Shop during off-peak seasons
The next secret hack is to keep an eye out for sales and discounts during off-peak periods - which in the college test prep market occurs at the end of the year.
During these periods, it's common to find test prep providers offering as much as 50% OFF.
Savvy buyers often take advantage of these savings by purchasing summer SAT or ACT prep programs well ahead of time for the upcoming year.
By simply planning ahead and shopping strategically, you can secure a top-notch prep course for your student at a significantly reduced cost.
By joining our mailing list you'll gain access to exclusive discounts and be among the first to know when the best deals from top test prep providers we recommend become available.
Consider budget-friendly alternatives
For those families working with a tight budget, consider investing in self-paced courses, especially if your student is the self-motivated type, as these are the most affordable of the three options,
And suppose you're looking for budget classes. In that case, I recommend you explore Digital SAT and ACT live prep classes run at your local college/university.
These university-based prep programs are often more affordable than group classes from test prep-only companies but still provide valuable resources and guidance.
Ask for financial assistance
Another critical and often forgotten tip is to ask about any financial assistance from the test prep provider you're considering, research the options and eligibility requirements, and encourage your student to apply if they meet the criteria.
This can help cover part or all of your student's test prep costs.
