Princeton Review SAT Prep Review: A Grey Option, But Pricey

As high school students, there will come a time in college essay your life when it’s time to move forward and prepare for the future.

This starts with your SATs. For years, you have been told how important this test is and how it plays an essential role in getting you a spot in your dream university or college.

The SATs are not your high school examinations, so you have to approach them differently. Thankfully, The Princeton Review is here to help you successfully prepare, and ace this exam with flying colors.

The Princeton Review has been around since 1981 and has been in the business of helping students prepare and pass their exams.

They also offer GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and ACT services, so you can rest assured that they know what they are doing. Check our TTP SAT review: pros & cons.

We have a detailed review of all their offers here on our site, and you can check it out for a broader knowledge of what they do.

However, as high school graduates seeking help passing their SATs, this article was written specifically for you. Princeton Review offers an in-depth SAT course complemented by full-length practice tests to ensure comprehensive preparation for students. Is the Princeton Review the best platform for me? Well, hold on because we’re about to find out!

Online Platform and User Interface

The digital age has ushered in a demand for smooth, intuitive online learning platforms, and Princeton Review has responded aptly. Its online platform stands out not just for its comprehensive resources but also for its user-friendly interface. Designed with simplicity, it offers newcomers an easy onboarding experience, ensuring that even those with minimal tech expertise can navigate effortlessly.

At the heart of the platform lies a well-organized dashboard, granting students quick access to many resources – practice tests, video lessons, or tutoring sessions.

The layout is clean and without unnecessary clutter, making it intuitive for students to find exactly what they need without wading through a maze of links.

One of the more commendable aspects is the platform’s responsive design. Recognizing that students may switch between devices, the interface ensures seamless transitions, whether on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone.

This adaptability means learning is not confined to a specific device or location but is on the go.

Princeton Review’s advantage sessions focus on enhancing student performance from their starting score, utilizing short video lessons and personalized guidance from private tutors. In a world where the user experience can make or break digital platforms, Princeton Review’s commitment to providing a seamless and intuitive interface is evident and praiseworthy.

Princeton Review SAT Courses Review

One thing that immediately stuck with me after spending just a few minutes on the site is how well they understand students’ plights when it comes to SAT exams.

Like Virginia Postrel said, “The SAT is not perfect. We all know smart, knowledgeable people who do badly on standardized tests. But neither is it useless. SAT scores do measure both specific knowledge and valuable thinking skills.”

Secondly, they offer an extensive list of SAT test prep company and courses to help students bask in the variety of them. Each plan is different from the others and is tailored in a specific way to meet the needs of a particular type of student. Kaplan and Princeton Review say best SAT prep is the test prep you need to get a high score. If you’re curious about which is better, read along to learn more.

Princeton Review offers live online classes that can be watched live online, coupled with on-demand tutoring and a custom study schedule, ensuring flexibility for both SAT and the ACT self-paced learners.

Under the guidance of a tutoring manager, students engage in targeted practice sessions, leveraging the SAT advantage techniques to refine their SAT practice skills leading up to test day.

However, it might be hard for young students to settle on a convenient plan to suit their capabilities with this variety.

Not to worry, though, because, in this Princeton Review SAT review, I would be simplifying all their services to enable you to make the right decision in the end. If you are interested in how good Princeton Review is against PrepExpert, check our comparison here.

Live instruction and live classroom instruction are central to the best SAT prep, offering students an interactive learning experience. The SAT practice, combined with practice materials and video lessons, ensures a holistic preparation approach.

There are four major courses provided by the Princeton Review, and you are expected to subscribe to one. Here are your options:

SAT 1400+

The actual SAT itself is divided into three main sections: Maths, Evidence-based reading, and writing. Each of these sections can be scored from about 200 to 800, and the highest attainable SAT score based on these calculations is 1600.

With this SAT 1400+ course, the Princeton Review is assuring you of a score of 1400 and above. I think that would be amazing. A score of 1400 and above makes you eligible for merit-based aid; not only that, it gives you full rein to get into one of the top twenty schools in the US.

It was incredible for an educational platform to make such a claim, and naturally, I had to find out how. When I took a look at their coursework and syllabus, I concluded it was possible.

Firstly, you can choose to take this course online or in person. Either way, you get 36 hours of tuition and live instructions from an expert.

These experts are not just ordinary tutors; they are professionals who also scored within the top percentile when they wrote their own SATs. Another perk is you are granted 24/7 access to live classes and online classes with them.

Another essential mode they have incorporated into this plan is personalized learning. Aside from AI-driven simulation tests, each tutor must monitor every student under their tutelage.

Every homework or assessment must be tailored according to their practice test results, addressing all their strong points and problem areas so they can work on them.

Here are what some previous students of LSAT 1400+ had to say in their online Princeton Review SAT prep course reviews:

Before deciding to join this team, let’s take a look at another one:

SAT Tutoring

Some students have high ambitions, while some are actual high-rollers. Having a score of 1500+ might seem like an impossible feat, but you can apply for this option if you’re willing and ready to put in the work.

It is no news that to make it into Ivy League schools, you need a score of 1500+. Imagine doggedly following this training and preparation process and ending up with a score of 1500+.

Do you have this firm belief that you can do it? Then what are you waiting for?

For a detailed comparison, check our article on Princeton Review and PrepScholar courses.

In this course, you would be matched with about 1500 SAT tutors with experience and skills suitable to yours. You would be free to review their applications and make a personal choice one on one tutoring.

No matter your choice, it will be an excellent one because every SAT tutor has spent thousands of hours teaching.

In this course, your learning would be very personalized according to every practice test you take. Your tutor would address every weak point and give constructive feedback and drills to help you be better.

Here is a general outline of what to expect from this course:

• Full evaluation and score reports;
• Professional tutors;
• About 240 drills and 2000 practice questions;
• Up to 135 video lessons and online content;
• A guaranteed 1500+ score;
• 18 hours personalized tutoring package;
• The SAT official guide.

You can also get this either online or in person too.

SAT Essentials

Firstly, do you have a goal? The main purpose of this course is to help you get to where you want to go.

In this program, you would learn the basics of the SAT exams and how to dissect and understand difficult questions carefully. It was designed to help you get the cast score you choose.

According to the Princeton Review SAT prep course reviews, this is the most popular plan and a standard for someone just looking to ace their exams.

Here is a general outline of what to expect from students preparing the course:

• 18 hours of classroom learning;
• 135- available video lessons and online educational content;
• 3 official simulated tests;
• 22 additional drills and single-section tests;
• Interactive communication between students and tutors.

Self-Paced Test

I was impressed by the above courses and how comprehensive they were. Nevertheless, I know that self-paced programs are equally as important.

Firstly, not everyone can afford the luxury of employing qualified tutors you’d have 24/7 access to or buying extensive materials worth hundreds of dollars just to help each other.

During my Princeton Review SAT prep review, I noticed just how independent subscribers of this planning model can be. You are supplied with virtually all the other practice materials and lessons you would need.

Here is a general outline of what we are trying to pass across:

• About 280+ online video lessons;
• 3100+ online practice questions;
• 378 online drills and simulation tests.

With this program, you are moving at your own pace, according to your schedule, and at your own schedules and convenience.

You might not be able to access a tutor all the time, but the lessons are impressive, and you would be able to handle most of it on your own.

TPR's SAT Courses Cost

I think the prices are quite reasonable for the awesome services and guarantees they offer.

Although some Princeton Review SAT reviews and comments online do not agree with me when it comes to that, I still stand on my viewpoint.

I believe people will pay for value, and the Princeton Review provides that value. Yes, there are cheaper methods online, but good luck with that.

If paying top dollar would assure you of a score in the high percentile, then I see no reason why you should be frugal.

SAT 1400+

This is one of the most expensive options on the entire course list. Usually, the price is $1749, but an ongoing promo allows you to save $200 when you use the code Save200.

What this means is, instead of $1749, you get to pay $1549 to enjoy all these materials and services.

Whether you want to take your courses online or in a physical class, these prices remain the same

SAT1500+ Tutoring

This one is a little different because you pay per hour. The minimum payment is $278 per hour you spend with a tutor.

The promo available for this course is massive, and you get to save about $300 when you enter the code HSTutor300. You might want to hurry up and pay now to be a part of this amazing bonus.

Tutoring gives you enough time to address your weak points with the tutor. Don’t forget that this tutor has also written these exams simultaneously, so your fears are justified.

Learn more about the average ACT tutoring cost among various platforms in this article.

However, from the thorough analysis, I made on this page, I have realized that not only will your academics be addressed and strengthened, but you will also be mentally encouraged to do better.

Essentials

At $949, this bundle is quite affordable. You can also use the code Essentials on your next purchase to save a sum of $150. This would allow you to pay $799 instead.

The name is basically what the entire course entails. Simply, it would provide you with the essential knowledge to pass the SATs.

There is nothing overly extraordinary about this module, and it is almost similar to the self-paced course save for a few additional differentiating features.

You will also get 365 days of free access to all the course materials provided to you by the tutors, so you can always refer to them as many times as you like until you finally finish your exams.

Self Paced

This is the cheapest option available, not because it is not the worst, but because it requires little or no attention from the tutors.

Here, students come online when they have enough time and browse through the materials themselves.

They do everything on their own and are only provided with support materials that contain detailed explanations to all the hard challenges they are likely to encounter while using the same materials..

You can speak to an agent if you please, but access is very limited because it’s not part of your payment plan. It costs $499, and unfortunately, there are no ongoing promotions at the moment, so you’ll just have to purchase it like that.

Private Tutoring

Do not mistake this for the real SAT 1500+ tutoring to avoid getting confused. The SAT 1500+ is a premium course, while this isn’t one. The Private tutoring costs $150 per hour for a start.

There are different packages in this course, and I’ll quickly go over them so you can get a better understanding of how they work.

Here’s the deal:

• SAT comprehensive tutoring lasts for 18 hours at the rate of $150/hr. It offers up to 2000 practice questions, 135+ video lessons, and a year of access to all the available study materials.
• SAT-targeted tutoring lasts for about 10 hours at 160/hr. You’re also liable to 2000+ practice questions, 135 interactive videos and lessons, and also a year of access to any material you might be given.
• SAT intro tutoring only lasts for a total of 3 hours, at the rate of $180/hr.

Quality of Princeton Review SAT Prep Courses

I wasn’t the only one impressed by the quality of service that this Center has to offer.

There are so many Princeton Review SAT prep reviews online, and each rating was amazing. Here are a few of them:

As youngsters, it might be easy to get overwhelmed by the number of courses available, and you’re wondering which one would be best for you.

The truth is all these courses are different, and you have to first understand your schedule, availability, and budget before picking a plan.

If you have enough time to prepare for the SATs, you can choose the SAT 1400+ course. If you’re working and have limited time, you can choose the self-paced course.

If you’re very ambitious and are looking to get into an Ivy League school, choose the SAT 1500+.

If you don’t really mind and just want to pass, then pick Essentials. There is a course for everyone; you just have to understand what it means for you.

Tutors

For a Center like the Princeton Review, it’s easy to understand why they can not simply accept anyone into their organization as a tutor.

Exams like SATs, GREs, LSATs, and ACTs carry a lot of importance in a student’s life, and an unqualified teacher can mess it up.

To make busy students avoid this, applicants go through a meticulous process to prove themselves qualified enough to tutor these students.

Just to be 100% sure, I scrolled to the bottom of their page to check the application process necessary for tutors, and it’s a pretty meticulous one.

There are six steps to becoming a tutor. These steps are:

• Application;
• Qualification: You have to write an exam for each test type you’re interested in teaching. To be approved, you must not write these exams more than twice.
• Interview;
• Here, you’ll show your presentation skills, so employers will determine how well you can teach students.
• Background Check;
• For each test you applied to teach, you must attend a mandatory 2-5 weeks training. It’s a paid one.

For SAT 1500+, only the best tutors are picked from the best. They must have caught up to hundreds of students and spent thousands of hours in the classroom. Nothing is left to chance here, and it’s such a relief to see that.

Guarantees

When I read their terms and conditions, I found two major guarantees for the SAT courses. These are:

1. For the SAT 1400+ and SAT 1500+ courses, TPR gives a 100% guarantee that you would meet this score and even beyond.
2. As a clause to the first guarantee, if this score is not met, you will be offered a full refund of your money without any complaint.

There is also another minor guarantee that if you did not gain any knowledge from the class, you are always welcome to repeat it for free.

Also, keep in mind that the Princeton Review is true to the above guarantee, but they would subtract the money for all the materials sent or shipped to you for every refund. This could roughly be $50 or above.

How They Differ From Others

There are a lot of educational platforms out there like Magoosh, Kaplan, etc. However, the Princeton Review has always remained one of the best.

• A better value for your money;
• More comprehensive courses;
• Money-back guarantee;
• More than 18 hours of a live class;
• Customized study sessions.

SAT Tutoring

Steven Crowder said, “Standardized tests don’t care if you’re white or black, short or tall, or even the rate at which you learned the course material. At the end of the day, all it cares about is whether you know what you’re supposed to know. It can’t be cheated, bent, or bargained with.”

The Princeton SAT Review is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for the rigors of the SAT. Princeton Review’s courses, encompassing both SAT and ACT prep materials, are meticulously curated in alignment with the standards set by the College Board.

From SAT classes and detailed SAT coursework to the use of the official SAT study guide, their approach aims for students to achieve the same score in practice as on test day, backed by their score increase guarantee.

Some students need extra help because they don’t do well in a team. The SAT private tutoring courses are available to give students a chance at success.

One major feature of this training is personalization. You don’t have to move at anyone’s pace except yours. You and your tutor can decide to spend a whole session addressing a specific problem area without feeling you’re drawing other participants back.

Also, experienced tutors have a way of speeding your learning up while still paying attention to your weak and strong points. That is another wonderful feature of private tutoring.

They have mastered the art of customizing assignments and learning tools to help you better treat problem areas while also giving you time to shine.

The study schedule is also flexible; that’s another amazing feature. Teaching is done according to your schedule, and the tutor is obligated to make the most of whatever time you both have with each other.

FAQs

Is Princeton Review Good for SAT?

Yes. Princeton Review is great for SAT, and from all the reviews online, we can tell others think so.

Are Princeton Review SAT Tests Harder?

No, they are not. Each practice test is given to simulate the original SATs, so they can only be as hard as the exam itself and not harder.

Are Princeton Review SAT Tests Accurate?

Like every other professional test prep center, Princeton Review test scores are just broadband of what your real score would look like.

It is up to you to put in the continued effort, study time, and consistency to ensure you get the same results on your SATs.

How much does the Princeton Review SAT tutoring cost?

This is entirely dependent on which one you want to go for. The starting cost is $150 per hour, and it can reach up to $180 per hour, depending on the type.

Why is SAT Prep so Expensive?

It takes only an experienced and intelligent tutor to impart useful knowledge to a student in the way they understand.

Part of the payment goes to compensating these amazing tutors; another part goes to purchasing materials to support your learning process.

Is the Princeton Review SAT Book Good?

Yes, it is. It is highly recommended, and you would learn a lot from it.

For a detailed SAT book comparison, check our article on Princeton Review vs Barron’s here.