Fee-Based Test Prep Resources
Research suggests that test preparation can yield small positive gains on the SAT and ACT. However, be cautious when investing large amounts of money for what should net you only a small increase in score. Some companies offer a money-back guarantee, but read the conditions carefully.
Services for a Fee
Higher Scores Test Prep (higherscorestestprep.com)
Owned and operated by Lauren Gaggioli who also runs the College Checklist Podcast, this is an ACT-focused course.
Kaplan (kaptest.com)
A well-known company, Kaplan offers a wide-range of resources for tests including nursing, med school, law school, but is extensive for the SAT, ACT, PSAT, and AP exams. Fees start at several hundred dollars for self-paced instruction to several thousand dollars for online tutoring.
Ivy Bound (ivybound.net)
On their homepage, Ivy Bound claims to "Teach to the Test, offer test taking strategies, and result in "Big score improvements." It offers both online and in-person classes. The price tag on this one can be significant, but so can Ivy schools, so…
Shmoop (shmoop.com/test-prep)
Shmoop offers test prep at the rate of $24.68/month with discounts for purchasing multiple month packages. It includes all the usual package items - full-length tests, diagnostic exams, tips, vocab cards, and others. It also includes countless other resources that are free, including spark-note-like overviews of literature.
Petersons (petersons.com)
This course also includes 3 full-length practice tests and 400 electronic vocabulary flashcards. It is available 24/7 for 120 days.
PrepScholar SAT (prepscholar.com/sat/s)
PrepScholar SAT (which also runs PrepScholar ACT) is offering your money back if you do not improve 240 points on the SAT. A large gain and significant promise. It comes with the usual bells and whistles and a 5-day money-back trial period.
Revolution Prep (revolutionprep.com)
This group offers both regular tutoring and test prep with in-home services centered on high-quality tutors.
Owned and operated by Lauren Gaggioli who also runs the College Checklist Podcast, this is an ACT-focused course.
Kaplan (kaptest.com)
A well-known company, Kaplan offers a wide-range of resources for tests including nursing, med school, law school, but is extensive for the SAT, ACT, PSAT, and AP exams. Fees start at several hundred dollars for self-paced instruction to several thousand dollars for online tutoring.
Ivy Bound (ivybound.net)
On their homepage, Ivy Bound claims to "Teach to the Test, offer test taking strategies, and result in "Big score improvements." It offers both online and in-person classes. The price tag on this one can be significant, but so can Ivy schools, so…
Shmoop (shmoop.com/test-prep)
Shmoop offers test prep at the rate of $24.68/month with discounts for purchasing multiple month packages. It includes all the usual package items - full-length tests, diagnostic exams, tips, vocab cards, and others. It also includes countless other resources that are free, including spark-note-like overviews of literature.
Petersons (petersons.com)
This course also includes 3 full-length practice tests and 400 electronic vocabulary flashcards. It is available 24/7 for 120 days.
PrepScholar SAT (prepscholar.com/sat/s)
PrepScholar SAT (which also runs PrepScholar ACT) is offering your money back if you do not improve 240 points on the SAT. A large gain and significant promise. It comes with the usual bells and whistles and a 5-day money-back trial period.
Revolution Prep (revolutionprep.com)
This group offers both regular tutoring and test prep with in-home services centered on high-quality tutors.