Do you have to take an SAT prep class to pass the SATs?

Question

There's this class my school is offering for SAT/ACT prep is offering but it's $500 and that doesn't seem reasonable. I did by the princeton review book, is that enough? Does the princeton review website that the book recommends provide a free online course or do you have to pay?

Answer 1

There is no "pass" in the SAT's.

To answer your question, no you don't necessarily need a prep course. If the books are not getting you to where you want to be then consider the class. So go through the book(s) and see how you are doing in the practice tests.

Answer 2

By studying what they give you. When you register there ia a practice pamplet that is in the packet. Just do those questions and you'll be fine. I took the SAT three times and that's all I did to get ready. I made good scores on all three. Also make sure you keep writing during the writing part of the exam. It is the first part of the test and you only get 25 mins just like every other part. Try to not get off subject. Make something up if you have to and write at least 5 complete paragraphs. With an intro and conclusion. Make sure you eat a good meal before taking the test and bring a bottle of water. It will help out alot.

Answer 3

First, there's no such thing as "passing" or "failing" the SATs. You either do well, average, or poorly.

$500 is a lot of money and I do not think that is worth it for an SAT prep class. The prep class will just give you techniques you can use but it will only be effective if you constantly practice them. I recommend using the blue CollegeBoard SAT book. It is the one that is most simliar to the real thing.

Answer 4

I don't think there is a "passing" grade. I think whether or not you need a course depends on how smart you are, and if you can do just as well by studying on your own. If you are having trouble and studying on your own doesn't seem to be helping, the course might be worth it if it is going to help you get into the school you want or a better school. Also, it might depend on where you want to go to college and whether you will need to get a good score to get in. If you took the PSAT that should give you a good idea of how well you can expect to do (not factoring in any future improvements). I think you can always take the test a 2nd time so you can see how you do and if necessary take the course before the 2nd time. I'm not sure if schools will consider the 1st score also.

Answer 5

Princeton review does not provide a free course.

That would be ridiculous.

Some get high scores on the SAT with no prep, some bomb it time and time again regardless of how much prep they do.

You need to figure this out for yourself. How did you do on the PSAT? Since you're concerned, take the SAT as soon as possible so you can take it again if need be.

Answer 6

There is no need to take an SAT prep class (or an ACT prep class for that matter). And the $500 fee for the prep class is totally ridiculous. Someone is trying to cash in on your pre-test panic. If it is offered in your area, you might want to take the PSAT exam as a warm-up for the SAT, but it is not necessary.

Answer 7

No, you don't need to take a prep class. You can just get the SAT prep books and do the practice tests yourself. A lot of people pass the SATs without taking a prep class for it.

Answer 8

Study vocabulary words and review your geometry and algebra. Thats the best you can do. SATs are a breeze if you went to go schools at least. And if you didnt go to good schools then prep course wont make a difference anyway

Answer 9

Depends on how prepared you are..
Get a prep book first, then go over the practice exams they have. ...take in within the time limit, trying your best to make it like an actual test environment. I believe its 3 or 4 hours? and with two 10 mins break? well do as ppl would actually do it in test environment. these are very much like the actual test...I used the kaplan...if you think you are happy with your score..then do the whole book...and buy few more...liek teh princton and stuff...

online courses are less expensive ...i paid 400 something for kaplan...

class courses are very very helpful...but time consuming...

good luck!

Answer 10

$500 is not unreasonable for a prep course assuming it is for a whole semester, and just not a few lectures.
If you think you are well prepared for it, then by all means don't bother.
However for the average prospective college student, it is very competitive. State educational standards, and specific schools vary greatly in quality and difficulty levels. So, this test is used as a measuring stick.