7 Best PSAT Prep Courses For 2023: Top Online School Picks & Reviews
BEST OVERALL
BEST PREMIUM OPTION
BEST CHEAP OPTION
Now that you’re scheduled for the PSAT, it’s time to prepare! If you’re looking to ace the exam and get that National Merit Scholarship, then a PSAT prep course is what you need. In this article, we listed down the 7 best PSAT prep courses for 2020 that can help you obtain the score you need or higher.
We’ll take a look at each course’s content, quality, and affordability. We’ll also identify each of their advantages and drawbacks.
Are you ready? Let’s begin!
7 Best PSAT Prep Course
1. Kaplan
Top 1
Topping our list is Kaplan’s PSAT prep course. Kaplan is a familiar name when it comes to standardized test preparations, and I consider its program the best PSAT prep course.
Here’s why.
First, Kaplan gives students three courses to choose from: Live Online, Self-paced and Unlimited.
Live Online is ideal for students who prefer studying in a class with a live instructor. The self-paced package is for students who like to study on their own at their preferred schedule and pace.
The Unlimited package, the most expensive course among the three, provides instruction and materials for both the SAT and the PSAT. If you’re taking both tests, then this might be the ideal deal for you.
All Kaplan’s packages include live or on-demand instruction, 13 hours of video lessons, 2 practice tests with score analysis, and the latest PSAT prep book.
Students of varying budgets and prep needs have something to choose from.
No matter what package you’re getting, however, Kaplan provides a syllabus that will help you improve your skills on all topics covered by the PSAT. That’s because Kaplan sets your study plan according to your strengths and weaknesses. Plus, the instructors are among the best in the nation.
While the course is comprehensive and effective, Kaplan’s PSAT prep course is one of the most expensive. This should be expected considering the materials and effort that went into developing the course.
If you’re willing to invest in a PSAT prep course that will boost your confidence for the exam, then choose Kaplan.
2. PrepScholar
Top 2
Next on our list is PrepScholar’s PSAT prep course. This course also offers great options with lots of inclusions. For their PSAT program, PrepScholar offers two packages: the Complete PSAT Online package and the Complete + Tutoring package.
The Complete PSAT Online package provides 210+ hours of content, 7100+ practice questions, 700+ problem-solving videos, 98 strategy videos, and 2 full-length practice tests. The Complete + Tutoring package, moreover, has the same inclusions, but it provides hours of tutoring with a PSAT expert.
Aside from the amount of content PrepScholar provides, what I like about the course is that it comes with a diagnostic quiz. You take it before you start the prep course to identify and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses on the topics covered on the PSAT.
This makes it easier to determine where you should focus all your attention rather than waste time and effort on something you have a good grasp of.
One of the best things about PrepScholar’s PSAT prep is the score improvement guarantee (1). PrepScholar guarantees that you will improve your PSAT score by 150 points or more (on the 1520 scale). Otherwise, you can get a refund.
Another thing I find impressive about it is that it is effective in tracking your progress. Aside from progress trackers and analytics, PrepScholar sends you weekly reports and customized feedback.
In terms of pricing, PrepScholar is not the most affordable course out there. If you are willing to spend money on a good PSAT course, then you can definitely consider this as a suitable option.
One downside I find with this course, however, is that the online platform can use an update. Compared to other prep course platforms, PrepScholar’s is a bit outdated.
3. TestMasters
Top 3
This prep course also offers quality instruction and content, but it’s not as technologically advanced as the first two PSAT prep courses. TestMasters options are flexible. You can choose from their Classroom course, Private 1-on-1 course, and Online course. All their packages include 12 sessions.
TestMasters also provides a score improvement guarantee. The course guarantees that you’ll improve your PSAT score by 30 points or more, otherwise you’ll get your money back.
Although it is considered a great feature by TestMasters, the course’s 30-point score improvement guarantee or PSAT is still a low number compared to others. However, their 300-point score improvement guarantee for the SAT (2) is a sweet offer.
This prep course’s pricing is average, but it is ideal if you’re studying in groups. Unlike other prep courses, TestMasters offers discounts on their packages if you’re studying in groups.
TestMasters conduct their classes in such a way that they cover both the SAT and PSAT. The prep course also provides 3 full-length practice tests and 1200+ pages of course materials.
One of TestMasters’ edge is that they have great instructors. They give explanations and lessons in an effective and digestible manner.
Considering its price range and 30-point score improvement guarantee, this course is not the best option out there. However, if you’re looking for a lot of content and materials, especially if you want to study in groups, then this is ideal for you.
4. The Princeton Review (TPR)
Top 4
For their PSAT program, The Princeton Review offers more of its tutoring services than other instruction types. However, what it has to offer is more than tutoring sessions. TPR also provides 140+ video lessons, 2000+ practice questions, 240+ practice drills, mobile apps, and feedback.
What I like about this course is its approach to studying for the PSAT – through tutoring. Unlike other courses that offer classes, lectures, or self-paced tutoring, The Princeton Review gives you a private tutor to help you attend to your questions and whatever weaknesses you have on PSAT topics.
Another unique feature of this PSAT prep course is the tutor satisfaction guarantee (3). If you happen to be unsatisfied with your tutor after the first session, TPR will find you a better match. Plus, you would get another session for free!
When it comes to PSAT preparation, tutoring is The Princeton Review’s edge. If you’re looking for online classes or self-paced courses, it might be better for you to find other programs.
5. Elite Educational Institute
Top 5
This prep course may not be as popular or the top PSAT prep courses, but I still consider it one of the best. Elite’s PSAT prep course provides classes that will develop your skills and knowledge on all topics covered by the PSAT.
Elite follows an effective curriculum and study plan. First, it focuses on developing your math skills. Then, it will enhance your reading and writing skills. Afterward, it will assess your learning and progress by giving full-length PSAT practice tests.
What I like about Elite is it’s not your typical PSAT prep course that focuses on just strategies for the test. Its instructors double down on fundamentals so that whatever you study, you’ll be able to comprehend them easier.
Another noteworthy characteristic of this prep course is that the instructors ignite students’ passion for learning. They make classes more enjoyable and interesting.
Aside from good quality classes, however, this prep course still lacks extra features that the top PSAT prep courses offer.
6. Double800 SAT & PSAT
Top 6
Double800 is a prep course that lives by its name and hits two birds in one stone. It provides instruction, materials, and practice tests for both the SAT and the PSAT. The course also provides strategies and tips for taking both exams.
This prep course gives 3 official practice tests, so you’ll get familiar with how the SAT or the PSAT is structured, timed, and administered.
Another thing that I like about Double800 is that it provides videos that review the answers to the practice test you just took. These videos help in evaluating your performance and identifying your weak points on the exam.
This prep course is one of the most affordable courses out there. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly PSAT program, then this offers you a great deal.
7. PrepExpert
Top 7
Concluding our list of the best PSAT prep courses for 2020 is PrepExpert. This prep course focuses more on the SAT, but since its program is so good and the two exams cover the same topics, it sure makes a great PSAT prep course too.
PrepExpert offers a 4-week flagship PSAT course, which will be taken within two sessions each week. It also provides a 4-hour full-length PSAT practice test.
One of the best things about PrepExpert is that it provides score improvement guarantees. However, this course still lacks the features and materials that the top PSAT prep courses provide. Plus, it’s not the most affordable PSAT prep course online.
Final thoughts
We just concluded our list of the best PSAT prep courses for 2020!
If you’re looking for the best overall PSAT prep course, I recommend that you consider taking Kaplan or PrepScholar. However, you might have to spend a good amount of money on these courses. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can go for the Double800 PSAT and SAT prep course.
Use this list and these PSAT prep course reviews to find a program that fits your study style, goals, and budget.
Good luck with the PSAT!
