In today’s competitive academic world, students aren’t just aiming to pass the SAT, ACT, or GMAT. They’re aiming to stand out. A strong test score can open doors to top schools, scholarships, and career opportunities. It’s no wonder the U.S. test prep market is booming, with an expected $11.93 billion growth between 2021 and 2026.
PrepScholar is one of the platforms leading the charge.
I spent several weeks testing and reviewing PrepScholar’s SAT, ACT, and GMAT programs to see how well they actually perform. In this review, I’ll break down what’s included, how the platform works, and whether it can truly help students improve their scores, based on first-hand experience and in-depth research.
Is PrepScholar Right for You?
- If you’re a self-motivated student: PrepScholar’s adaptive test prep system gives you a massive edge with personalized feedback and efficient study paths.
- If you’re aiming for a specific SAT, ACT, or GMAT score: the custom study plan and score guarantee help keep you on track and accountable.
- If you’re a busy student balancing academics, work, or application: the weekly study plan makes focused, consistent prep realistic and manageable.
- If you value expert support: their tutoring and coaching options give you direct access to top scorers and admissions-focused guidance.
- If you want real results backed by data: PrepScholar’s proven improvement track record and detailed performance tools deliver measurable progress.
What Is PrepScholar?
PrepScholar is a fully online test prep company built by Harvard graduates who scored in the 99th percentile. Their platform combines SAT, ACT, and GMAT prep, among many other options. When I tested the platform myself, I was immediately impressed by how seamlessly the diagnostic assessment pinpointed my weak spots and automatically built a weekly plan that kept me on track.
The dashboard was clean and easy to navigate, and I appreciated receiving study reminders that aligned with my personal progress. Unlike traditional prep, PrepScholar adapts as you improve, with no wasted time on things you already know. With a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot and a flexible structure that worked well even during my busiest weeks, it’s easy to see why so many (myself included) recommend it.
As a reviewer, I walked through the initial diagnostic and weekly study plan and was impressed by how quickly the platform adjusted to my strengths and weaknesses. Each assignment felt relevant, and the personalized feedback helped me stay on track without wasting time on concepts I already understood.
💬 “I love how PrepScholar works to create individualized prep for your student! It goes very in depth for each topic as well!”
Trustpilot review
The platform begins with a diagnostic test to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Then, it creates a weekly study plan that targets your gaps, utilizing curated practice materials, custom quizzes, video lessons, and practice tests.
PrepScholar offers programs for:
- Digital SAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- AP exams
- TOEFL, GRE, GMAT
- Academic subject tutoring
- College admissions coaching
What makes PrepScholar stand out in the crowded world of SAT and ACT prep is its score guarantees: 160 points for SAT prep or 4 points for ACT prep, or your money back.
PrepScholar Course Comparison
| Feature | Complete Online Prep | Online + Admissions Bootcamp | Online + Live Classes | 1-on-1 Tutoring + Online Prep | GMAT Prep |
| Price | $397 | $595 | $895 | $995+ | ~$139-$779 |
| Personalized Weekly Study Plan |  | | | | |
| Practice Questions | SAT: 4100+ / ACT: 4300+ | | | | 1,000+ GMAT |
| Full-Length Official Practice Tests (6+) | | | | | |
| Goal Score Guarantee | +160 SAT / +4 ACT | | | | +60 GMAT |
| Admissions Bootcamp |  | | | | |
| Live Class Time with Instructor | | | | | |
| One-on-One Tutoring | | | | ✅ (4–36 hours) | Optional (up to 20 hrs) |
| Course Access Duration | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 4 Months |
| Ideal For | Self-studiers | College applicants | Group/class learners | Students needing personalized support | Grad school applicants who want custom, efficient prep |
✅ Pros
- Custom adaptive study plan based on your real test performance
- One-on-one tutoring options with top scorers
- 6 full-length official practice tests
- Weekly study plan ideal for busy students or self-studiers
- Includes test strategies, writing review, math, and grammar concepts
❌ Cons
- Fewer live class hours unless you choose a higher-tier package
PrepScholar
SAT Prep with PrepScholar
PrepScholar’s SAT prep program stands out for its adaptive design and deep focus on each student’s specific weaknesses. I was impressed with how the platform immediately assessed my strengths and then built a weekly study plan that didn’t waste time on areas I already understood.
💬 “The instructors are very helpful, and you can tell that they are very well educated on the SAT, which helps to know that their strategies will help.”
Trustpilot Reviewer
The lesson pacing and strategy videos were especially helpful in breaking down more complex math and grammar concepts.
SAT Packages Include:
- Complete Online SAT Prep – Self-paced program with 150+ hours of content and a 160-point score guarantee.
- SAT + Admissions Bootcamp – Adds lessons on the college application process, including essays and financial aid.
- SAT + Live Classes – Includes small-group, real-time class sessions with expert instructors.
- SAT + 1-on-1 Tutoring – Includes personalized tutoring (4–36 hours) from 99th percentile tutors.
What I loved: PrepScholar’s Digital SAT interface feels just like the real College Board platform. You can highlight, annotate, flag questions, and more. All features I tested were seamless and user-friendly. There’s also a quiz generator, regular score analysis, and SMS reminders to help students stay motivated.
ACT Prep with PrepScholar
PrepScholar’s ACT prep is every bit as thorough as its SAT counterpart. From the first diagnostic test, the program identified the English and Science concepts I needed to work on and delivered weekly assignments to close those gaps efficiently.
ACT Packages Include:
- Complete Online ACT Prep – Includes 60+ hours of content, 4300+ practice questions, and a 4-point score guarantee.
- ACT + Live Classes – Adds instructor-led live lessons in a virtual classroom setting.
- ACT + 1-on-1 Tutoring – Offers private sessions with top ACT scorers, fully tailored to each student.
I appreciated how the platform adjusted difficulty after each quiz, helping me stay in the zone without getting overwhelmed. The full-length official ACT practice exams, combined with custom quizzes and review tools, gave me a strong sense of how I would perform on test day.
I also found the practice questions especially helpful; they weren’t just realistic, they were thoughtfully written to mirror the trickiness of real test items.
Every explanation broke down why an answer was right or wrong, which made it easier to catch patterns in my mistakes and improve over time. I wish I had come across PrepScholar for ACT when my daughter was working to improve her test score. It would have saved us a lot of stress and money on tutors.
GMAT Prep with PrepScholar
As a reviewer, I didn’t plan to explore GMAT prep until I saw how PrepScholar approached it. Their adaptive study plan, personalized lessons, and clear explanations made the test feel accessible, even to someone new to the GMAT world. It’s a wise choice for anyone aiming high without the overwhelm.
PrepScholar surprised me with how intuitive and targeted it was. This program utilizes an innovative diagnostic to break down the GMAT into over 30 fine-grained skills, creating a customized study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses. From my experience, this pinpoint approach would save lots of hours of study time.
GMAT Packages Include:
- GMAT Online Prep – Offers a skill-by-skill diagnostic, 750 practice questions, and foundational strategy lessons.
- Complete GMAT Online Prep – Includes 1,000+ questions, 10 strategy lessons, and a 60-point score improvement guarantee.
- GMAT + 1-on-1 Tutoring – Combines the full course with up to 20 hours of tutoring from expert GMAT instructors.
One of my favorite features was the ability to review mistakes step-by-step, which made learning from errors much less frustrating. You also get interactive video explanations, weekly progress updates, and full performance tracking across verbal and quant sections.
Inside the Course: What It’s Like to Use PrepScholar
PrepScholar offers 100% online instruction for the SAT, ACT, and GMAT. After a diagnostic test, students receive a personalized weekly study plan tailored to their strengths, weaknesses, and target score. I enjoyed how the platform immediately focused my attention where it mattered most: saving time and frustration.
- Self-paced weekly assignments
- Automatic difficulty adjustment based on performance
- Smart quiz review features
- Emulated Digital SAT and Bluebook™ interface
- 31 GMAT skill areas with targeted learning paths
GMAT students begin with a 60-question diagnostic covering both the quantitative and verbal sections. The system then generates a custom prep schedule aligned with GMAT goals, similar in flow but with lessons that dive deeper into logic, data sufficiency, and complex problem-solving.
Videos and Technology
Each lesson includes bite-sized, strategy-focused videos and quizzes that provide a clear understanding of the material. Whether tackling SAT reading, ACT science, or GMAT quant, the content is broken down clearly and intuitively.
- 100+ expert video lessons
- Adjustable playback speed
- Quizzes after lessons to test retention
- Mobile-friendly design for flexible studying
- GMAT videos include diagrams and interactive examples
One standout from my experience: GMAT explanations go beyond basic instruction. They walk you through multi-step problems, which makes advanced concepts feel more manageable.
Private Tutoring Experience
PrepScholar’s 99th percentile tutors provide high-impact support across all exams, particularly for students aiming for top-tier scores or strategic coaching. While I didn’t hire one of their tutors myself, I am impressed that they offer:
- SAT/ACT tutoring: Up to 36 hours
- GMAT tutoring: Up to 20 hours
- Zoom or phone-based sessions
- Tutors tailor sessions to your goals and performance
- Includes access to a full self-paced course
Value
PrepScholar’s adaptive learning system delivers serious value for the price. The diagnostic-based curriculum means you’re never wasting time on what you already know.
- Weekly plans keep you focused and accountable
- Official practice tests and step-by-step answer reviews
- Diagnostic quizzes target weak areas efficiently
- Score guarantees: +160 SAT, +4 ACT, +60 GMAT
Even without daily live classes, the combination of precision, flexibility, and strategic instruction makes PrepScholar one of the most effective prep solutions I’ve reviewed.
Support and Access
While support isn’t 24/7, it’s reliable and integrated into the dashboard.
- Email-based help replies within 24 hours
- Tutoring packages include one-on-one meeting access
- SAT/ACT courses: 12-month access
- GMAT: 3–4 months access depending on plan
- Progress tracking updates and accountability reminders
💬 “The one-on-one support offered to students is exactly what so many families need, especially when navigating the overwhelming college admissions process.”
Trustpilot Reviewer
While it doesn’t offer live chat or app-based messaging, the overall support system is well-suited for students who are self-directed but still want expert guidance when needed.
Comparing PrepScholar to Other Test Prep Options
PrepScholar vs Princeton Review
The Princeton Review stands out for its live class offerings and in-person accountability, which is excellent if you thrive in a structured group environment. However, when I used PrepScholar, I found the flexibility far more valuable. The personalized weekly study plan kept me consistently moving forward, even when my schedule was packed.
Unlike Princeton Review’s fixed classes, PrepScholar’s platform adapted to my real-time performance, so I wasn’t wasting time on topics I already mastered. It felt more efficient and student-focused.
PrepScholar vs Kaplan
Kaplan is a well-known name with plenty of resources and live sessions, which can be helpful if you prefer a lecture-style format. But in my experience, PrepScholar felt more modern and streamlined.
The diagnostic test wasn’t just a formality; it shaped every step of my prep journey, and the ongoing progress tracking made me feel supported without being micromanaged. Kaplan offers scale, but PrepScholar gave me a truly customized experience, which helped me stay motivated and improve.
Final Verdict: Is PrepScholar Worth It?
✅ If you’re a motivated student who wants to improve your SAT or ACT score with the least wasted effort, PrepScholar is an outstanding choice.
✅ You get personalized assignments, proven strategies, and expert tutors when needed. Plus, PrepScholar offers score guarantees that most competitors don’t.
PrepScholar offers excellent value, especially for students focused on improving their SAT and ACT scores in just a few weeks. Whether you need a complete course, private tutoring, or a full admissions plan, PrepScholar offers flexible prep options to fit your needs.
FAQs
12 months from enrollment, perfect for long-term or last-minute prep.
Yes, you can enroll in SAT and ACT prep together or separately.
Absolutely. Weekly assignments and flexible study plans are designed for students with jobs, sports, or packed schedules.
You can purchase tutoring separately or as part of the whole test prep course.
Yes, PrepScholar has fully updated its platform to accommodate the digital SAT format and the current ACT structure.
