Walk in ready

SAT® Prep

Q: What is the average cost of SAT Prep courses?

Typically, SAT Prep courses average around $999. However, each of our Sylvan centers is locally owned and operated, so pricing varies slightly by center. Contact a Sylvan near you for up-to-date pricing.

Q: Are SAT Prep courses offered online?

Yes! Many local Sylvans offer in-person SAT Prep classes as well as live, online sessions.

Q: How effective is Sylvan SAT training for improving test scores?

We’re confident that our expert tutors, combined with the hours of additional prep materials available to your teen through our online learning portal, will help raise their test scores. But don’t just take our word for it — hear from parents who have seen results with Sylvan’s SAT Prep, below.

Q: How is the SAT structured?

The digital SAT is 2 hours 14 minutes long and has two sections: Reading and Writing (54 questions, 64 minutes) and Math (44 questions, 70 minutes). Each section is split into two modules, and the second module adapts to how your teen did on the first. There is no essay.

Q: How is the SAT scored?

Each section is scored from 200 to 800, for a total score of 400 to 1600. There is no penalty for wrong answers. The College Board sends the scores your teen chooses to the colleges they apply to.

Q: What’s the best way to prepare for the SAT?

Prep courses like the ones we offer are a great way to prepare for testing and improve scores. Beyond that: start early, take full-length timed practice tests so the pace is familiar, review every question you got wrong, and get a good night’s sleep before the test. On the day, answer every question — there is no penalty for guessing — and keep an eye on the clock in each module.

A balanced mix of instruction, practice and full-length tests.

Increase scores (and confidence!) with SAT Prep courses

Unlike most SAT prep programs, Sylvan offers a balanced approach. Our proven mix includes teacher-led instruction (available in-center or via live, online sessions), independent practice, a robust website with resources, thousands of video tutorials and multiple SAT practice tests.

This comprehensive approach ensures that your teen learns strategies for tackling every type of question on the digital SAT. Plus, they can focus on the specific skill areas that need improvement.

Find SAT Prep Near You →

What’s included

What does Sylvan’s SAT Prep program offer?

With Sylvan’s SAT training, your teen can take full advantage of:

Guidance from expert SAT tutors who know the college entrance exam inside and out

A personalized, online lesson path for extra instruction and practice to improve the skills that need the most help

Flexible in-person or online hours to fit your student’s busy schedule

Prep anywhere with online SAT Prep tools

With Sylvan’s SAT Prep, you also get Sylvan Prep Online — our personalized online learning environment. It gives your teen 24/7 access to extra instruction and practice, wherever they study best.

SYLVAN PREP ONLINE INCLUDES

Thousands of detailed video lessons on how to approach SAT questions, so there aren’t any surprises on test day
Subject-specific video lessons to help improve the biggest areas of need
A vocabulary-building tool to conquer the reading required on the SAT
Tons of short quizzes so teens get even more practice with questions similar to what they’ll see on the SAT
Full-length, timed practice tests that match the pace and format of the digital SAT and build confidence for test day

About the test

What is the SAT?

The SAT is the College Board’s college admissions test. It has been fully digital since 2024, and most students take it in the spring of junior year, the fall of senior year, or both.

Who takes it

High school juniors and seniors applying to college

Offered several times a year at schools and test centers

Many students take it twice; colleges see the scores you choose to send

Format

Taken on a laptop or tablet using the College Board’s Bluebook app

2 hours 14 minutes, plus a short break

Each section has two modules, and the second module adapts to how you did on the first

A built-in graphing calculator is available for the whole Math section

Sections

Reading and Writing — 54 questions, 64 minutes

Math — 44 questions, 70 minutes

Short passages, one question each; no essay

Scoring

Total score 400–1600

Each section scored 200–800

No penalty for wrong answers, so always answer every question

Good questions!

Frequently asked questions

Sylvan SAT Prep FAQs

How long does it take to prepare for the SAT?

Our most popular SAT Prep courses usually take 30 hours and run 8 weeks prior to SAT test dates. Depending on your teen’s goals and current strengths and weaknesses, the course may be longer or shorter.

What is the average cost of SAT Prep courses?

Are SAT Prep courses offered online?

How effective is Sylvan SAT training for improving test scores?

SAT FAQs

How is the SAT structured?

How is the SAT scored?

What’s the best way to prepare for the SAT?

Hear it from Sylvan families

What parents say about SAT® Prep

“Sylvan of Jersey City helped my child significantly increase their SAT score. They were very flexible and considerate of a very busy schedule, and went out of their way to accommodate us.”

— Pauline B. · Jersey City, NJ

“They did a great job tailoring the sessions to meet my daughter’s specific SAT prep needs.”

— Randi B. · Greece, NY

“Very supportive, knowledgeable program! Tutors were engaging and helpful in getting my son to the next level of success”

— Tiffani M. · York, PA

Get started today

Get started with SAT Prep

SAT Prep is available at select Sylvan centers. Give us a call at (888) 338-2283 or fill out the form to discuss your student’s learning goals. SAT is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.