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4.63 OVERALL SCORE
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PrepScholar is a relatively new company disrupting the test prep industry by leveraging cutting-edge learning technology. They offer customized SAT prep courses exclusively online, with programs that can adequately guide students through their SAT prep journey.
In our in-depth review of the best Digital SAT Prep Courses, we found their approach to SAT prep unique and rated PrepScholar as the Best for Self Study.
This review will help you understand the pros and cons of PrepScholar's new Digital SAT courses and better understand if their course offering can help you or your student land a top SAT score.
Bear in mind that this review was done based on our first-hand experience using the PrepScholar Digital SAT course over several weeks. This way, we can provide you with our best recommendation.
Outline
Use the helpful jump links below to skip to any section of this detailed review article on PrepScholar Digital SAT course.
Video Review of PrepScholar Digital SAT Prep Course
You can watch our in-depth video review for a behind-the-scenes peek into the PrepScholar Digital SAT prep course platform.
In this video, our reviewer Chuky dives deeper into the performance of the PrepScholar Digital SAT course from our first-hand experience using the course.
PrepScholar Digital SAT Prep Course Options
PrepScholar provides a variety of online SAT prep options, each designed to suit different learning preferences. These include self-study SAT prep packages, small group SAT live classes and personalized SAT tutoring.
Here is a breakdown of what you get with each of PrepScholar's Digital SAT prep options.
Complete Online SAT Prep
The Complete Online SAT Prep course is a self-paced course offered with a 1-year access period. This course forms the foundation for all other Digital SAT prep packages offered by PrepScholar.
The Complete Online SAT Prep differentiates itself from other Digital SAT prep providers by using data-driven methods to tailor the learning material specifically for each student.
This personalized approach ensures that every user of the PrepScholar Digital SAT self-study course progresses in a manner that is both personalized and manageable.
PrepScholar Digital SAT prep course dashboard
When students sign up, they are first required to complete a timed diagnostic test consisting of approximately 60 questions covering all sections of the SAT.
After completing this test, PrepScholar's sophisticated algorithm analyzes the student's performance, pinpointing areas of strength and weakness on the SAT.
Based on this analysis, the learning algorithm will then begin delivering customized lessons and quizzes directly to the student's dashboard, focusing on improving these weak areas.
This targeted approach means students spend more of their SAT prep time addressing their weaknesses while not over-emphasizing areas where they are already strong.
The result is a highly efficient and effective study plan that makes the most of each student's prep time.
Math video lesson on the PrepScholar Digital SAT prep course
The Digital SAT lesson modules in this course include a mixture of videos and text guides. They also include interactive exercises that help students understand the topics discussed in the lesson right away.
These two lesson delivery formats of video and text-based guides work well together and are appealing to students who are visual learners and those who prefer to learn by reading.
The content of the lessons do a great job of teaching what you need to know for the digital SAT and show you how some Digital SAT questions are designed to be tricky.
PrepScholar's library of study materials is pretty extensive. Their course includes over 210 hours of content and over 7100 Digital SAT practice quiz questions.
When I compared the practice quiz questions on the PrepScholar Digital SAT course to those on Official SAT practice material, I found PrepScholar's practice questions to be very realistic.
Even better, the quiz questions come with detailed text-based answer explanations and occasionally video answer explanations.
I really liked that the Digital SAT quiz environment is designed similarly to the official SAT test-taking environment.
For example, at the top right corner of the PrepScholar Digital SAT math quiz, you will find an on-screen graphing calculator, which has the same functionalities as the on-screen calculator you will use when taking the real Digital SAT exam.
PrepScholar Digital SAT prep course math sample quiz interface
PrepScholar's Digital SAT prep platform does not provide full-length SAT practice tests.
However, as students progress on the course, PrepScholar will recommend official Digital SAT practice tests to be completed using the College Board's Bluebook app.
I don't find the lack of Digital SAT practice tests on the PrepScholar platform to be a deal breaker, especially when you consider that they provide thousands of Digital SAT practice quiz questions.
PrepScholar DSAT prep course detailed math answer explanation
The best way to mimic the Digital SAT practice test experience is by practicing with full-length official SAT practice tests created by the makers of the SAT exam. And this is precisely PrepScholar's teaching philosophy.
The Complete Online SAT Prep package is priced at $397. But you can purchase the course for as low as $36 per month using a 12-month payment plan.
You can enjoy $50 off PrepScholar when you purchase any of their courses using our exclusive link.
Instructor Led Classes + Complete Online SAT Prep
PrepScholar's Instructor Led Classes package includes all the features in the Complete Online SAT Prep package, plus live online classes. The course is priced at a one-time payment of $895 and offers 9 hours of classroom instruction.
What is really impressive about this course is the exceptional qualifications of the live instructors. All the instructors have scored in at least the 99th percentile on the SAT, so you can be sure they know their stuff.
PrepScholar's Digital SAT classes are taught in small groups, with a maximum of 9 to 12 students per class, even during the peak season of SAT prep, which allows students to get more attention from the instructor.
PrepScholar Digital SAT prep course reading and writing video lesson
PrepScholar's live classes offer a few advantages over their self-paced program. First, students can learn with other students and collaborate in small groups.
In addition, they can ask the instructor questions during class time. Finally, a live class can add extra accountability for students who may struggle with a self-paced-only program.
Live SAT classes from PrepScholar cover both test content and strategies. The program will complement these classes with scheduled practice tests and customized homework, allowing students to better engage with the material they learn.
Lessons start by going over the topic of reading methods for the SAT.
They then move on to math strategies, essential concepts, and grammar and writing. The class then finishes off by reviewing SAT test-day strategies.
Students can continue using the Complete Online SAT Prep package to refine their skills after the live class sessions end.
1-on-1 Online Tutoring + Complete Online SAT Prep
The Complete + Tutoring package is precisely what it sounds like. For $995, students will get access to PrepScholar's entire online course, plus 4 hours of tutoring. Packages go up from there, offering more tutoring hours at a higher cost.
Each tutoring package provides something different. With the most basic package, a tutor will check in and help you with any questions. They will also help provide test-taking tips from their own experience.
The next package costs $1995 and offers 12 hours of tutoring. This greater time commitment allows the tutor to guide your prep thoroughly, helping you navigate every step.
PrepScholar Digital SAT prep course progress section
Their recommended package includes 20 hours of tutoring for $2995. This package offers a tutor who can work extensively with you and guide you through studying.
They even provide 54 hours of tutoring for $6995, which provides the most complete and comprehensive tutoring experience.
PrepScholar's tutors are the best of the best.
They all scored at least in the 99th percentile on the SAT and have gone to top universities. PrepScholar evaluates their teaching skill in an extensive interview process.
In addition, they will provide individual attention that goes beyond a group class and addresses your unique needs and challenges.
During these tutoring sessions, the tutor will keep an eye on your progress in the self-paced platform. They'll focus the coaching on areas where you need the most improvement.
This approach, combined with PrepScholar's online learning platform, makes these tutoring sessions more effective and productive than typical SAT prep tutoring. In other words, you get more value for your money!
Complete Premium
The Complete Premium package is a self-paced course similar to the Complete Online SAT Prep course but with a few extra features. For $577 or $53 per month, you get two years of access to the course. In addition, they offer expedited support to deal with any platform issues.
Dual SAT and ACT
PrepScholar also offers a Dual SAT + ACT package. This package provides access to their Compete Online ACT and SAT Prep courses for $597 or $54 per month. The features remain the same in both courses, just with a better deal to combine them.
Pros of PrepScholar SAT Prep
Bold 160+ SAT score improvement guarantee
On all their Digital SAT prep programs, PrepScholar promises a bold 160-point SAT score improvement guarantee or your money back, subject to terms we found to be reasonable.
PrepScholar's Digital SAT score guarantee is in stark contrast to other competing SAT prep platforms where huge score improvement guarantees - like a 160+ promise - are provided only on premium courses that are well over the $1,000 price point.
Numerous study resources are available
With over 200 hours of skill-building video content and over 7,000 Digital SAT practice questions, it's hard to dispute that PrepScholar's library of materials needs to be more comprehensive.
Accountability tools
A feature of the PrepScholar Digital SAT platform that we found helpful were the weekly summary reports that can keep you on track as you complete the course.
At the beginning of each week, you will receive an email from the Director of PrepScholar reminding you to set your weekly study schedule.
This email will also share information about how many hours you've spent studying the previous week, the total number of hours spent on the course, and the lessons completed in the past week.
PrepScholar SAT prep course study schedule reminder helps keep students accountable
Another cool feature that the PrepScholar Digital SAT platform provides to keep you motivated is the ability to add an accountability partner at any point during the course, who PrepScholar will share your planned weekly study schedule with.
Knowing this study schedule, this person could check in with you during the week, providing any moral support you need to meet your weekly study goals.
Many practice questions and detailed answer explanations
Every Digital SAT practice question on the PrepScholar platform has detailed text-based answer explanations. And for some questions, there will be a video explanation as well.
PrepScholar Digital SAT prep course detailed answer explanation
Availability of payment plans
PrepScholar's courses are relatively affordable thanks to their payment plans. Even with the most basic option, you'll get access to many of the best features of their course. Their wide variety of options also ensures they have something for most budgets.
Free Trial Periods
PrepScholar's self-paced course comes with a 5-day risk-free trial that unlocks full access to the course platform.
This offer means that if you cancel at any time within your first five days of purchasing, you can get all your money back with no questions asked.
This trial can be a helpful feature for anyone on the fence about PrepScholar's prep packages.
And for those who purchase the live SAT class or the tutor-based SAT program and are not satisfied with the program for any reason, PrepScholar will give you a full-refund if you cancel the course immediately after the first live class or the first hour of the 1-on-1 tutoring session.
Personalized Study Plans
One of the unique things about PrepScholar's courses is their comprehensive, custom study plans.
While some courses may simply provide all the resources you need, PrepScholar's algorithm will show you when and how to use their resources.
This structure is a great advantage, especially for students who need more direction and guidance when using a self-paced course.
Cons of PrepScholar SAT Prep
Tutoring add-ons are expensive
Once you add on PrepScholar's private tutoring, the packages get very expensive, very fast.
Their high prices are likely because of the top-tier tutors they employ and their dedicated and personalized support programs.
If you're looking for cheaper one-on-one SAT tutoring, though with less than stellar instructors, you might want to consider other SAT tutoring options.
No in-person prep options
PrepScholar's system is entirely online. This includes their tutoring and group class options. This won't be a problem for many students, especially in the current pandemic.
However, if you are looking for in-person resources, you'll need to look elsewhere.
No mobile app
Although PrepScholar's course is all online, they do not offer a mobile app. The lack of an app probably won't be a significant problem for most students, as many do test prep on their computers.
However, suppose you are hoping to get some practice in on the way to school or between activities. In that case, you'll have to look at additional resources.
No on-demand access to an instructor
PrepScholar does not offer any on-demand access to an instructor for users of their self-paced Digital SAT course platform.
This is in contrast to some other competitors, like Magoosh SAT prep and Prep Expert SAT prep, both of whom offer on-demand access to an instructor via email or weekly live online office-hour sessions respectively.
Should you buy a PrepScholar SAT Prep Course?
I strongly recommend PrepScholar's Complete Online Digital SAT Prep, especially if you're a self-studier who prefers independent learning over structured coaching.
PrepScholar adopts a customized approach, focusing on enhancing your skills across various question types specific to the Digital SAT, rather than a generic, one-size-fits-all method common in many other self-paced courses.
With a recommended study time of at least 40 hours on the platform, PrepScholar anticipates that students will achieve more than four times the average SAT score improvement reported by the College Board.
However, if you thrive in group settings or need more personalized guidance, the self-paced course alone might not be sufficient.
In such cases, I suggest considering PrepScholar's Classes package or the Complete+ Tutoring package, which can significantly boost your Digital SAT scores, provided they align with your budget.
Review Methodology
At Sojourning Scholar, we've performed first-hand reviews of over 70 test prep products - such as books and courses - with an eye toward the test prep product's quantitative and qualitative features.
The quantitative factors we assess include the product price, duration of access periods, and quantity of practice material.
Qualitative factors affect how much value a student can get from the product.
They include the qualifications and experience of teachers or authors, the effectiveness of the self-paced or live course curriculum, student support quality, and customer policies.
To perform this review, we first purchased the PrepScholar Complete Online SAT Prep program and spent over 20 hours watching video lessons and completing the recommended practice quiz questions.
This allowed us to holistically assess the quality of the self-paced course curriculum, which forms the foundation of PrepScholar's Digital SAT program.
FAQs
Is PrepScholar Digital SAT prep good?
PrepScholar Digital SAT Prep is top-notch. They have everything that students need between their expert instructors, an adaptive online learning platform, and an extensive library SAT prep content. Their wide variety of course options will cover most study plans and budgets.
In addition, they offer a 160+ point guarantee for all packages, which shows the confidence they have in their courses.
Is PrepScholar Digital SAT better than Khan Academy?
Yes, PrepScholar's Digital SAT course is the better option. After carefully reviewing both platforms, we find that PrepScholar SAT beats Khan Academy in every area except price - as the Khan Academy Digital SAT course is free.
In the paper-based version of the SAT, the Khan Academy course platform had an advantage over the PrepScholar SAT course, as users of Khan Academy could access full-length official SAT practice tests interactively online.
While on PrepScholar, official paper-based SAT practice questions were not provided in an interactive online format.
However, full-length official Digital SAT practice tests are not provided in the new Khan Academy Digital SAT course.
So, both users of the Khan Academy Digital SAT course and the PrepScholar Digital SAT course must use the College Board's bluebook app to complete full-length official Digital SAT practice tests.
How much does PrepScholar Digital SAT prep cost?
PrepScholar's courses come at a variety of prices. Their cheapest option is $397, or $36 per month, and prices can go up to $6995. They have a wide variety of options in-between, some with payment plans to make them more accessible.
While PrepScholar isn't the cheapest program on the market, they offer great value for their high-quality materials.
What is the PrepScholar money-back guarantee?
PrepScholar is so confident in their materials that they offer a 160+ point score guarantee for all their courses.
This guarantee means that you can get all your money back if your score doesn't improve by this much after taking the course.
However, the guarantee is dependent on some conditions, like finishing the course and submitting a request within 360 days of your payment, so make sure to look over the specifics before you buy.
Is PrepScholar SAT worth the money?
PrepScholar offers an excellent value for a fairly competitive price. Their Complete Online SAT Prep course provides many materials and a structure to help you use them effectively.
You can enjoy $50 off PrepScholar when you purchase any of their courses using our referral link.
Furthermore, their step-by-step custom study plans offer a significant advantage that is not found from other SAT prep courses like Prep Expert SAT prep, The Princeton Review SAT prep, or Magoosh SAT prep.
Does PrepScholar have SAT practice tests?
No. PrepScholar's Digital SAT platform does not provide any full-length practice tests for the Digital SAT.
However, as you progress on the learning material, the platform will periodically recommend you complete a full-length Digital SAT practice test on the Bluebook App.