Is Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy as good as expensive test prep?

Is Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy as Good as Expensive Test Prep?

If you’re preparing for the SAT, you’ve likely seen two very different study paths: using free resources like Khan Academy or enrolling in paid test prep courses that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. So which one is better? Is the free, official SAT practice on Khan Academy enough to help students reach a competitive score?

The short answer: Yes—if used effectively, Khan Academy can be just as powerful as expensive test prep. Let’s explore why and when it might be the best option for you.

What Is Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy?

Khan Academy’s SAT practice is the only official SAT prep platform partnered with the College Board, the creators of the SAT. It provides a complete, personalized learning experience that includes:

  • Full-length SAT practice tests
  • Skill-by-skill practice questions
  • Timed quizzes and diagnostic tests
  • Personalized study plans based on your PSAT/SAT results
  • Tips and strategies for every section of the test

All of it is completely free, accessible online, and designed to match the format of the actual SAT.

How Khan Academy Compares to Paid Test Prep

Let’s compare some of the most important features of SAT prep—cost, customization, quality of content, and results.

1. Cost

  • Khan Academy: Completely free. No hidden fees.
  • Paid Prep: Can range from $200 to over $2,000, depending on the program or tutor.

If you’re on a budget or want to avoid unnecessary costs, Khan Academy is the clear winner here.

2. Personalization

  • Khan Academy: Uses your PSAT/NMSQT or SAT scores to create a personalized practice plan. The system identifies your weak areas and adjusts the content accordingly.
  • Paid Prep: Many courses offer personalized attention, especially with one-on-one tutoring. However, some group courses may follow a fixed curriculum, regardless of individual needs.

For most students, Khan Academy’s personalized dashboard is more than sufficient.

3. Quality of Practice Questions

  • Khan Academy: Developed in partnership with the College Board, meaning the questions mirror the actual SAT in structure, format, and difficulty.
  • Paid Prep: Varies by provider. Some companies offer high-quality, SAT-like questions; others may deviate significantly from the actual test style.

Because Khan Academy works directly with the College Board, its practice material is highly accurate.

4. Instructional Videos and Strategy

  • Khan Academy: Offers thousands of instructional videos explaining each topic in a step-by-step format. Strategy guides help you approach different question types and manage time.
  • Paid Prep: Offers live instruction, strategy workshops, and direct feedback—beneficial for students who prefer teacher-led learning.

Khan Academy is great for self-motivated learners who are comfortable with video lessons and independent study.

5. Accountability and Support

  • Khan Academy: No instructor; you’re responsible for staying on schedule.
  • Paid Prep: Many programs offer live instructors, weekly goals, progress tracking, and personal feedback—useful for students who need extra accountability.

This is where expensive prep has an edge: the human factor. But self-disciplined students can still thrive using Khan Academy alone.

Who Should Use Khan Academy?

Khan Academy is an excellent option for:

  • Students who scored below 1400 and want to steadily improve
  • Those who are comfortable learning online and on their own
  • Students who need targeted practice but don’t want to spend money
  • Test-takers looking to supplement school-based SAT prep
  • Anyone who wants official College Board practice at their own pace

When Might Paid Prep Be Better?

While Khan Academy is an amazing resource, it may not be ideal for everyone. Paid SAT prep might be a better fit if:

  • You need personalized tutoring with live feedback
  • You’ve taken the SAT multiple times and need advanced coaching
  • You struggle with test anxiety, time management, or motivation
  • Your score goal is very high (1500+), and you’ve plateaued with free resources

Paid services often include deep-dive strategy sessions, essay feedback (if applicable), and ongoing instructor support.

Real Results with Khan Academy

According to research from the College Board:

  • Students who used Official SAT Practice for 20+ hours gained an average of 115 points more than those who didn’t.
  • Even 6 hours of practice showed measurable score improvements.
  • Using personalized recommendations had the biggest impact on score gains.

That’s strong evidence that Khan Academy works—especially when students use it consistently and follow a study plan.