There is an abundance of SAT Prep courses available. Nowadays, you can have
your choice of SAT software, online tutoring, face-to-face tutoring and
classroom instruction. The least expensive option is to sit down with an SAT
Preparation book and take practice tests yourself. This requires a lot of
self-discipline and motivation to work on weaker points. Perhaps you could
recruit an older sibling to give you test-taking hints or start an SAT prep
group with friends at school to give each other feedback and helpful test-taking
hints. This is especially helpful if you team up with people whose skills are
different from yours; for instance, if math is your strong point, find an
English maven who is mathematically challenged and tutor each other. This is a
useful and almost absolutely free method (except for the modest price of the
preparation book).
If you prefer to prepare for the SAT on the computer, browse the web for
online courses. These will give you a diagnostic test to measure your present
skill level and personalized drills to develop weaker areas. Many of these have
access to online tutoring, in some cases, 24 hours,7 days a week. A typical
online course will cost about $150-$170 with a price increase of about $50 if
you want an additional tutoring hours.
You've probably seen ads at bus stops or in newspapers for SAT prep centers
which provide classroom instruction, mock tests, and personalized tutoring. If
you want a general overview of the test and are self-motivated, an SAT prep
class, depending on the length of the course, will cost $300-$500. This usually
includes mock SAT exams at the test center and computerized feedback. If you
want the convenience of personalized instruction, you can hire a tutor to come
to your home, or you can meet at a designated time at the test center. Most
premier tutoring packages cost $1,000-$1,200.
Basically, you can either save your pennies for tutoring and courses or crack
the books yourself. Whatever method of test preparation you choose, remember
that consistent work is the key to success. This means making a schedule of what
you want to accomplish week by week instead of cramming all the preparation in a
few weeks' time.