How to Prepare for SAT Exams on a Budget

The SAT is a critical step for high school students aiming for college admission, testing skills in reading, writing, and math.

Preparing for the SAT can seem daunting, especially with the cost of prep courses and materials, but effective preparation doesn’t have to break the bank.

In 2025, a wealth of free and low-cost resources makes it possible to achieve a high score without spending a fortune.

This blog post shares practical, budget-friendly strategies to help students prepare for the SAT, covering study plans, free resources, and test-taking tips to maximize your score affordably.

Why Budget-Friendly SAT Prep Matters

The SAT, administered by the College Board, is a standardized test used by many colleges for admissions and scholarships.

A strong score—typically above 1200 for competitive schools—can enhance your application, but expensive prep courses costing hundreds or thousands of dollars are out of reach for many.

Fortunately, free tools like Khan Academy, College Board’s Bluebook, and community resources provide high-quality preparation.

By leveraging these, you can create a structured study plan, master key concepts, and build confidence without financial strain.

According to the College Board, students who use official practice resources score an average of 60 points higher, proving that free tools can deliver results.

Understanding the SAT Format

The SAT, now fully digital in 2025, consists of two main sections: Reading and Writing (combined) and Math, totaling 98 multiple-choice questions over 134 minutes.

The Reading and Writing section tests comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary in context, while the Math section covers algebra, geometry, and data analysis, with an in-built calculator for all questions.

The optional essay was discontinued, shortening the test duration. Scores range from 400 to 1600, with 1060 being the average.

Understanding this format helps you focus your prep on relevant skills, such as critical reading or algebraic problem-solving.

Familiarizing yourself with the Bluebook app, which mirrors the digital test, is essential for practice.

1. Create a Study Plan

A structured study plan is the foundation of effective SAT prep. Start by choosing a test date (offered seven times a year in the U.S.) and allocating 6-12 weeks for preparation.

Aim for 10-20 hours per week, adjusting for your schedule, including school and extracurriculars. A sample 8-week plan might look like this:

• Weeks 1-2: Take a full-length practice test to establish a baseline score. Identify weak areas (e.g., geometry or grammar).
• Weeks 3-5: Focus on content review, dedicating time to each section (Reading, Writing, Math). Use free resources like Khan Academy.
• Weeks 6-7: Take weekly practice tests under timed conditions, reviewing mistakes to refine skills.
• Week 8: Review key concepts, practice test-taking strategies, and take a final practice test.

Use a free app like Google Calendar or Todoist to schedule study sessions, ensuring you balance all sections. Take one day off weekly to rest and avoid burnout.

2. Use Free Official Resources

The College Board and its partners offer free, high-quality resources that rival paid courses. These tools align with the digital SAT format, ensuring accurate practice.

• Khan Academy: The official SAT prep partner of the College Board, Khan Academy provides a personalized study plan based on your practice test results. It offers videos, practice questions, and full-length tests covering all sections. The SAT Course Challenge diagnoses your skills in Reading, Writing, and Math, guiding you to focus on weak areas like punctuation or quadratic equations.
• Bluebook App: Download the Bluebook app from the College Board for free, full-length digital practice tests that mimic the real exam. After each test, review your scores in the My Practice dashboard to access practice-specific questions tailored to your weaknesses.
• College Board Student Question Bank: This free resource offers hundreds of practice questions categorized by topic, such as algebra or reading comprehension, allowing targeted practice.

These tools are accessible online or via mobile devices, making them ideal for budget-conscious students.

3. Take Full-Length Practice Tests

Practice tests are crucial for building stamina and familiarity with the SAT’s digital format. The College Board reports that students who take three or more practice tests score up to 60 points higher than those who don’t.

Take at least one full-length test every two weeks using the Bluebook app, simulating test-day conditions (timed, no distractions). After each test, spend equal time reviewing incorrect answers to understand mistakes.

For example, if you miss reading questions, check if you misread the prompt or struggled with vocabulary. Khan Academy’s explanations and the Student Question Bank help clarify concepts.

Free SAT practice tests are also available on Mometrix, offering additional questions for targeted practice.

4. Focus on Weak Areas

After your first practice test, analyze your score report to identify weaknesses. For instance, if you struggle with geometry, dedicate extra time to Khan Academy’s geometry lessons or YouTube tutorials from channels like The Organic Chemistry Tutor.

If grammar rules trip you up, review punctuation and sentence structure on BBC Learning English or Quizlet flashcards. Prioritize high-weight topics listed in the SAT syllabus, such as algebra (35% of Math) or evidence-based reading (50% of Reading and Writing).

Use free resources to address gaps, and revisit these topics in subsequent practice tests to track improvement.

5. Leverage High School Classes

The SAT aligns closely with high school curricula, testing skills you’ve learned in math, English, and history classes. Pay attention in algebra, geometry, and language arts courses, as these cover SAT topics like linear equations and grammar.

Review old tests or assignments to identify skill gaps, such as data analysis or reading comprehension. If you’ve taken the PSAT/NMSQT, use your score report to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses.

Supplement classroom learning with free resources like Khan Academy to reinforce concepts without additional cost.

6. Use Free Online Resources

Beyond official tools, other free platforms enhance SAT prep:

• YouTube: Channels like SupertutorTV and Khan Academy offer free SAT tips, math walkthroughs, and reading strategies. Search for specific topics, like “SAT algebra tricks” or “SAT reading comprehension.”
• Reddit (r/SAT): The r/SAT community shares free resources, study tips, and old SAT QAS (Question and Answer Service) PDFs. Engage in discussions to learn from peers’ experiences, such as analyzing mistakes from practice tests.
• Mometrix: Offers a free SAT practice test with 93 questions, plus subject-specific quizzes for reading, writing, and math.
• BBC Learning English: Useful for improving grammar and vocabulary for the Writing and Language section.

These platforms provide diverse, no-cost content to supplement your study plan.

7. Master Test-Taking Strategies

Effective strategies can boost your score without extra spending. Practice these techniques using free resources:

• Time Management: Budget about 1-2 minutes per question. Skip difficult questions and return later to avoid wasting time. Practice pacing with timed Bluebook tests.
• Elimination: For multiple-choice questions, eliminate clearly wrong answers to increase your guessing odds. There’s no penalty for incorrect answers, so answer every question.
• Word-Chunking: For reading, practice reading in chunks (groups of words) to improve speed and comprehension. Free articles on The New York Times or scientific journals can help.
• Math Shortcuts: Memorize key formulas (e.g., quadratic formula) not provided on the test. Use Khan Academy’s math videos to learn shortcuts for algebra and geometry.

Apply these strategies during practice tests to build confidence and efficiency.

8. Join Study Groups or Forums

Collaborating with peers is a free way to enhance prep. Join a study group at school or online via Reddit’s r/SAT or Discord communities.

Share resources, discuss tricky questions, and quiz each other on concepts like grammar rules or probability. Libraries or community centers may offer free SAT prep workshops.

If you need accountability, study with a friend who’s also preparing, using shared Khan Academy progress reports to track goals. These interactions provide motivation and fresh perspectives at no cost.

9. Utilize Library Resources

Public libraries offer free access to SAT prep books, such as The Official SAT Study Guide by the College Board or Barron’s SAT.

Many libraries provide e-books via apps like Libby, so you can borrow guides without buying them. Some libraries also host free SAT workshops or tutoring sessions.

Check your local library’s website for digital resources or study spaces to create a distraction-free environment.

These resources are especially valuable for students with limited budgets.

10. Manage Test Anxiety

Anxiety can hinder performance, but free strategies can help. Practice deep breathing or mindfulness using apps like Headspace (free basic version) to stay calm during tests.

Simulate test-day conditions with Bluebook practice tests to build familiarity. The night before, avoid cramming and aim for 8 hours of sleep.

On test day, bring water, snacks, two No. 2 pencils, an approved calculator (graphing or scientific), and your ID and admission ticket.

Arrive early to reduce stress. These habits ensure you’re mentally prepared without extra costs.

11. Set a Target Score

Research colleges on your list using BigFuture to find their average SAT score ranges (e.g., 1300-1500 for competitive schools).

Set a realistic target score based on your baseline from a practice test. For example, if you score 1000, aim for 1100-1200 with focused prep.

Track progress with Khan Academy’s personalized plan, adjusting your study focus as needed. A clear goal keeps you motivated and guides your prep without relying on paid courses.

12. Take Advantage of Retakes

Most students take the SAT 2-3 times, as colleges often accept your highest score or superscore (combining your best section scores).

If your first score isn’t ideal, use free resources to improve weak areas and retake the test. The SAT costs $60 (plus regional fees for international students), but fee waivers are available for eligible low-income students, covering two test attempts.

Plan retakes strategically, allowing 6-8 weeks of prep between tests.

13. Stay Healthy and Motivated

Effective prep requires a healthy mind and body. Get 7-8 hours of sleep nightly to boost memory and focus. Eat balanced meals with protein and vegetables to sustain energy during study sessions.

Take short walks or exercise to reduce stress. Reward yourself for milestones, like completing a practice test, with free activities like watching a movie at home. These habits support consistent studying without additional costs.

Conclusion

Preparing for the SAT on a budget is entirely achievable with free resources like Khan Academy, Bluebook, and library materials.

By creating a structured study plan, taking practice tests, focusing on weak areas, and mastering test-taking strategies, you can boost your score without spending a dime.

Leverage high school classes, online communities, and local resources to enhance your prep. Start early, stay consistent, and approach test day with confidence.

With these budget-friendly tips, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve your target score and take a big step toward your college dreams.