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A few weeks ago I talked about the advantages of taking the SAT. Now that you have made the decision to sign your student up, let’s talk about the best way to start preparing for the SAT.
How should my student prepare for the SAT?
Your student should be at ease with the new SAT as it focuses more on what they do in class every day. The obscure SAT vocabulary that we, as parents, grew up with are gone! And, there isn’t a penalty for guessing wrong, meaning they should take that chance and guess because they won’t lose points. The content of the test is more familiar and straightforward.
Should I hire a private tutor to do test preparation activities?
There is no need! Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy is 100% free and personalized for each student. The College Board (the makers of the SAT) teamed up with Khan Academy created an online study platform with thousands of practice questions with instant feedback, video lessons, practice tests, study tips, and more! A recent study shows that students who practice for 20 hours on Khan Academy gained an average of 115 points from the PSAT/NMSQT to SAT compared to those students who did not use Official SAT Practice. 115 points is a big deal and, for some kids, what would secure a place at their dream school.
Everyone I know is hiring expensive tutors for entrance exams. Are you sure a free program is best?
Khan Academy is still one of the best free tools available for SAT prep, especially for students who need a place to start. It’s adaptive, easy to access, and pairs well with official practice tests. That said, many students benefit from adding a structured resource alongside it—something that provides a clear plan, strategy, and offline practice to stay consistent.
What are some other ways to prepare?
📅 A Step-by-Step Study Plan
👉 SAT Test Prep (Amazon Affiliate Link)
This is one of the most practical SAT prep options if your student needs structure. It lays out exactly what to do and when, which removes the guesswork and makes it easier to stay consistent.
- ✔️ Can it be used for self-study?
Yes — this is designed specifically for independent use. Students can follow the schedule step-by-step without needing a tutor. - ✔️ Is this a physical book?
It is available in both paperback and Kindle versions
👉 Best for: students who need a clear plan and timeline
📘 Understanding the Test & Strategy
👉 A Complete Strategy-First Prep Book and Study Guide (Amazon Affiliate Link)
Some students don’t need more practice—they need to understand how the test works first.
This type of resource focuses on breaking down the sections, explaining strategy, and helping students approach questions more confidently.
- ✔️ Can it be used for self-study?
Yes. It’s built for self-paced learning and works well alongside practice. - ✔️ Is this a physical book?
It is available in both paperback and kindle versions.
👉 Best for: students who need strategy before they dive into practice
🧠 Quick Review & Memorization
👉 SAT Prep Study Cards (Amazon Affiliate Link)
If your student struggles with remembering concepts or needs something quick and easy to review daily, flashcards are a great addition.
They make it easy to study in short bursts and reinforce what they’re learning.
- ✔️ Can it be used for self-study?
Yes. Flashcards are one of the easiest tools for independent review. - ✔️ Is this a physical book?
Yes. This is a physical set of cards.
👉 Best for: daily review and reinforcement
Which One Should You Choose?
- If your student needs a step-by-step plan → go with the Date-by-Date guide
- If they need to understand the test first → start with the Strategy guide
- If they need quick review + repetition → add the flashcards
👉 Many students actually benefit from using one guide + flashcards together
Test day nerves are real. How can I help my student stay calm throughout all this?
Just like in any sport or musical instrument he or she may play, practice really helps build confidence. The more time you can devote to working through Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy the better. Even 15 minutes a day can make a difference. And, remember: test scores are just one part of the application process. Remind your student that colleges also look at essays, GPA, coursework, extracurricular activities and recommendations to get a well-rounded picture of each prospective student.
Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored blog campaign with The College Board and OM Media Group.