A High Schoolers Guide to Free SAT Prep: Everything You Need to Succeed
Preparing for the SAT doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are some free SAT prep resources to help you boost your score!
Alright, let’s talk SAT prep. If you’re feeling stressed about standardized testing, you’re not alone—everyone wants to do their best, but not everyone can afford expensive prep courses or private tutors. The good news? You don’t need them. Seriously, there are so many free resources out there that can help you study smarter, not harder, and still get the score you’re aiming for.
Think about it: free practice tests, video lessons, study apps—you name it, it’s out there. Whether you’re just starting to prep or trying to level up in your weak spots, these tools can help you figure out what to focus on and make test day feel a little less scary. And the best part? You don’t have to spend a single penny.
In this post, we’re breaking down the best free SAT prep options available so you can build your own study plan and crush the test. These were my holy grail when I was studying for the SAT. Let’s make your SAT goals happen without draining your wallet.
This post is all about free SAT prep resources.
Free SAT Prep
1. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is one of the best free SAT prep resources available, and it’s officially partnered with the College Board, so you know it’s legit. Once you create a free account, you can link your PSAT scores (if you’ve taken the test) to get a completely personalized study plan. The platform identifies your strengths and weaknesses and tailors practice questions specifically to help you improve. Khan Academy offers detailed video explanations for every question, covering math, reading, and writing concepts step by step. They also have full-length practice tests to help you simulate test day. What makes it even better is the flexibility—you can study at your own pace, whether you have 10 minutes or an hour to spare. It’s a game-changer for students who want high-quality prep without the cost.
The College Board, the same people who actually make the SAT, have a ton of free tools to help you get ready for the test. First off, their official practice materials are amazing. They include full-length practice tests, question sets, and even sample essays. These aren’t just random questions—they’re designed to mimic the real SAT as closely as possible, so it’s like practicing for the real thing. If you’re not sure where to start, this is a great way to dive in and see what the SAT is all about.
One super helpful resource is their SAT Daily Practice app. It’s totally free, and it sends you one SAT-style question every day right to your phone. Beyond practice questions, the College Board also breaks down the entire test for you on their website. They explain each section—Reading, Writing and Language, and Math—so you know exactly what skills are being tested and how the questions are structured. This is especially great if you’re taking the SAT for the first time and have no idea what to expect.
So, if you’re looking for a solid starting point for your SAT prep, the College Board’s tools are a no-brainer. They’re simple, reliable, and straight from the people who create the test—you really can’t go wrong.
3. SAT Practice Tests
I SWEAR by SAT practice tests, they're truly your greatest assets when it comes to free SAT resources. Practice tests are one of the most effective ways to prepare for the SAT.
By taking full-length, timed tests, you not only get a feel for the format and types of questions you’ll see but also build the endurance you’ll need to stay sharp throughout the exam. The College Board offers free official practice tests, which you can download and print or complete online. Other platforms, like Khan Academy, also integrate these tests into their programs. When taking a practice test, treat it like the real thing—find a quiet space, set a timer, and stick to the rules.
Afterward, review your answers carefully to understand your mistakes and improve. The more you practice, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel when the big day arrives.
If you’re looking for a more guided and structured way to tackle SAT prep, 1600.io might just become your new favorite tool. This platform is well-known for its top-notch video lessons that break down even the trickiest SAT questions in a way that actually makes sense. It’s like having a super-smart tutor who’s great at explaining things step by step. While 1600.io is a paid service, they offer a free trial that gives you access to some of their best resources, which is perfect if you’re working on a budget but still want professional-level prep.
During the free trial, you’ll find lessons that focus on every part of the test, from math concepts and grammar rules to reading strategies. The way they teach is really easy to follow, even if you’ve been struggling with certain topics. They don’t just show you the steps to solve a problem—they explain why each step matters.
You get to see what professional prep looks like and decide if it’s the right fit for you without committing to the full program. Honestly, it’s worth checking out just to see how much it can help you level up your skills!
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UWorld is super popular with students who are serious about sharpening their test-taking skills. Their SAT prep platform is packed with a massive question bank, and every single question is designed to really make you think. These aren’t your average practice questions—they’re tough, but that’s what makes them so good. They push you to understand the material on a deeper level and help you get ready for anything the SAT throws at you.
UWorld is mainly a paid service. But, they offer a free trial that gives you a sneak peek at some of their best features. You’ll get access to a limited number of questions. However, the detailed explanations for each one are where the real magic happens. One thing to know is that UWorld’s questions are usually a bit harder than the ones you’ll see on the actual SAT. That might sound intimidating, but it’s actually a good thing! By practicing with tougher questions, you’ll feel way more confident when you sit down for the real test.
6. Prep Scholar
Prep Scholar blogs were some of the most helpful resources I ever used when I was prepping for the SAT. I HIGHLY recommend it. PrepScholar is famous for its in-depth SAT prep courses. Not everyone knows that they also offer some seriously helpful free resources. Their free content is a great place to start. It's packed with guides, tips, and advice to help you approach the SAT with confidence.
They also break down strategies for each section of the SAT. The tips are straightforward and easy to apply, so you can start making progress right away. While it’s not as interactive as some platforms like Khan Academy or UWorld, the detailed explanations make PrepScholar’s free resources perfect for students who like to study independently and at their own pace. They offer some free practice tests as well.
One cool thing about PrepScholar’s free resources is how practical they are. It’s not just theory or general advice—you get actionable steps you can use to get better scores. Even if you’re just starting out, these tools can help you set up a study plan that actually works for your schedule and goals. You can create a solid study plan that’s personalized to what you need. It’s a great way to feel more in control of your prep and boost your confidence before test day.
This post is about free SAT prep resources.