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Khan Academy SAT Prep Review
Our detailed review of the Digital SAT prep course from Khan Academy and how it compares to Kaplan
In the evolving landscape of standardized test preparation, Khan Academy’s Digital SAT prep course stands out for providing helpful, free resources tailored to students’ individual needs. In contrast, Kaplan offers a structured, premium approach with a wealth of study materials, and a track record of success. This article delves into the strengths and weaknesses of both platforms, offering a comparative analysis to help students and parents make an informed decision.
Video: Will Khan Academy SAT Prep Raise Your Score?
In the video above, John from the Test Prep Insight team reveals the pros and cons of using Khan Academy to help you prepare for the Digital SAT.
How The Khan Academy SAT Course Works
Let’s start by discussing how the Khan Academy Digital SAT prep course works. The first thing to note is that it’s completely free to sign up, which is a fantastic benefit.
The course is divided into two main sections: Math and Reading and Writing. The Math section includes 12 learning units, while the Reading and Writing section has 4 units.
A look inside the Khan Academy Digital SAT course
Each unit contains between 5 and 15 lessons, covering various topics like rational exponents, nonlinear functions, and solving quadratic equations. These lessons consist of text explanations, short videos, and quizzes.
After completing all the lessons in a unit, there is a final test to earn mastery points, ensuring you have mastered the topics covered. Overall, it’s a straightforward course that is easy to follow and navigate.
Khan Academy Digital SAT Study Materials
Next, let’s compare Khan Academy’s lessons and study materials with Kaplan’s. This comparison will highlight the key differences between these two prep companies, helping you decide which one is better suited for your Digital SAT preparation.
By examining their lessons, study materials, and overall approach, you’ll be able to determine which platform aligns best with your learning style and needs.
Video Lessons
First, Kaplan definitely takes the lead when it comes to video lessons. To be honest, our team was not very impressed by Khan Academy’s videos. While the content and strategies are solid, the videos themselves resemble outdated PowerPoint presentations and lack engagement (similar to the SAT videos from Magoosh).
Example video lesson from Khan Academy
In contrast, Kaplan’s video lessons are much more dynamic. The instructors appear on-screen, teaching in a conversational manner that feels like a family friend telling you a story. As they speak, animations, graphics, and text appear around them to aid in material retention.
SAT video lesson from Kplan
This engaging format effectively captures and holds your attention, making Kaplan’s video lessons some of the best in the SAT prep industry (even better than the Princeton Review SAT video lessons).
Live Classes
Next, Kaplan also wins when it comes to live classes. This is an easy call, considering Khan Academy does not offer any live classes, office hours, or webinars.
If you’re the type of student who prefers learning through live instruction, interacting with other test-takers, and asking your instructor questions in real-time, Kaplan clearly has the advantage.
Digital SAT Practice Tests
When you sign up for the Khan Academy SAT course, you get access to one full-length practice test. In contrast, Kaplan offers two full-length adaptive practice exams. While this might seem like a small difference, the additional practice test with Kaplan can make a significant impact.
Taking and reviewing practice tests often leads to major breakthroughs for students, as it helps you identify areas of weakness and adjust your study plans accordingly.
SAT practice question from Kplan
Additionally, the extra practice test builds familiarity with the test format and timing, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence for the actual exam.
With that said, I appreciate that Khan Academy is endorsed by the College Board, the organization responsible for the Digital SAT. This endorsement means that the practice test offered by Khan Academy comes directly from the creators of the exam, making it as realistic as it gets.
SAT practice question from Khan Academy
In contrast, Kaplan’s practice tests are developed by their in-house SAT experts (like the PrepScholar SAT practice tests). While they are still very close to the real thing, they don’t quite match the authenticity of Khan Academy’s practice test.
SAT Prep Books
Kaplan offers its students an exclusive Digital SAT practice book, allowing for convenient study anytime and anywhere.
In contrast, Khan Academy provides no printed materials; everything is online. While this may not matter to all students, the flexibility of having a physical printed materials can be invaluable for busy students who play sports or hold part-time jobs.
If you need to study at a moment’s notice, Kaplan’s printed prep materials are definitely a helpful resource.
Pricing
This category is clearly in Khan Academy’s favor. Khan Academy is completely free, while Kaplan’s Digital SAT courses require payment.
However, Kaplan’s On-Demand course is relatively affordable, with an MSRP of $200. Plus, Kaplan frequently offers at least 10% off, reducing the actual price of their On-Demand course to around $180.
Verdict: Is Khan Academy Good For Digital SAT Prep?
It’s probably clear by now that our team believes Kaplan offers the superior Digital SAT prep course. They excel over Khan Academy in nearly every key category: quality of video lessons, live classes, the volume of practice questions and tests, and the availability of prep books.
Therefore, if you’re serious about achieving a high score on the Digital SAT, we highly recommend investing in one of Kaplan’s courses.
Ultimately, we see Khan Academy as a valuable supplementary resource. You can sign up for free and use it to reinforce topics you find challenging.
Are Khan Academy SAT tests easier than the actual exam?
No, the SAT practice tests from Khan Academy are not easier than the actual exam. In fact, since the Khan Academy practice test is actually from the College Board, it is a realistic representation of the real SAT.
How much can Khan Academy improve my Digital SAT score?
Khan Academy can definitely improve your Digital SAT score by providing tailored practice and resources aligned with the actual exam. Students who use Khan Academy’s SAT prep resources regularly see an average score increase of more than 50 points.
How should I use Khan Academy for SAT prep?
For Digital SAT prep, it’s recommended to use Khan Academy as a supplementary resource alongside a more comprehensive prep course like Kaplan’s. Focus on areas where you need improvement and use Khan Academy’s practice materials to reinforce those topics.
