Let’s face it: You’re not looking forward to taking the SAT. And if you are, well, there is likely something terribly wrong with you. (Just kidding!) But seriously, the SAT doesn't have to be completely traumatizing. With a bit of practice (okay, maybe a lot of practice), you will find yourself pleasantly surprised when you finally get your scores. Here are four awesome SAT practice resources you have at your fingertips right now...for free!
1. Khan Academy
Khan Academy has teamed up with the College Board to provide an excellent online study program for its members. It’s free to join, and you'll receive a personalized study program you can go through at your own pace. After taking a few simple diagnostic quizzes, it will tell you which topics and skills you need to improve on, and viola! You’re well on your way to the scores you need to get into your prospective colleges.
Related: Essential Tips and Strategies for Taking the SAT and ACT
2. Varsity Tutors
How can you not love Varsity Tutors? For one, they have both an app and a website through which you can create your own study account. Second, their practice quiz bank has mock tests for every possible standardized test under the sun, including the SAT, ACT, PSAT, AP Tests, and ACCUPLACER, among many others—some of which are required for certain graduate and post-undergrad forms of higher education. Additionally, not only do they have several collections of practice quizzes, but they also offer flashcards, diagnostic tests, and a question of the day in each subject, all of which are available at no cost.
3. SAT Daily
Many students are easily overwhelmed by the concept of designating long periods of time to sit down and study. If you fall into this category, you may want to consider downloading SAT: Practice, Prep, Flashcards. Through this app, you can attempt a daily question for Math, Reading, and Writing based on real SAT questions and tested skills, plus a "word of the day." The app has a question bank that you can access if you accidentally miss a day as well as five custom SAT practice tests. Use the app while you're waiting in line, on the bus, or just scrolling on your phone mindlessly—it could help you increase your score by an average of 80 points like other users have reported!
4. Kaplan
Kaplan is an ACT and SAT test prep website that offers both paid assistance and free resources. The best free resources they offer are monthly SAT Bootcamp webinars that will help you prepare. The online courses are taught by professional SAT teachers who will help you learn strategies for taking the test. They usually offer two sessions per month for either test. If you’re thinking about taking a test soon, sign up for a webinar before all the spots are filled.
Related: The CollegeXpress SAT & ACT Date Wheel
Which resource is best?
Answer: All of them! You should try each free resource and choose the one that works best for you—maybe they all do! It’s hard to go wrong as long as you’re willing to work hard and study for the SAT, which doesn't actually stand for “studying and torture” after all. You can thank me later. As for right now, get studying!
Looking for more SAT and ACT advice from the experts and real-life students? You can find a ton in our section all about Test Prep.
