PrepScholar Logo

PrepScholar

star star star star star_half

6.6

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: September 5th, 2026

PrepScholar is one of the most widely searched test preparation companies. It was founded in 2013 by Allen Cheng and Fred Zhang, both of whom earned perfect scores on the SAT. PrepScholar helps students prepare for the SAT and ACT through self-paced online courses, live instructor-led classes, and live one-on-one tutoring, and it also offers college admissions counseling, AP tutoring, and academic tutoring.

Top Ranked Companies

thumb_up

The Good

  • Customized Instruction
  • Programs and Services
  • Live Classes and One-on-One Tutoring
  • Money-Back Guarantee
  • Customer Support

Customized Instruction

At the beginning of each course, students take a diagnostic test to discern their ability level. This unique prep program caters to the needs of each student. Students then receive step-by-step instructions, so they know exactly what to study and can easily review their mistakes. They also receive weekly reports to track their progress. Those needing additional assistance can add one-on-one tutoring to their course. 

One-on-one tutoring is offered in four tiers, each pairing PrepScholar’s Complete Prep program with a set amount of individual instruction: 4, 10, 18, or 32 hours of one-on-one tutoring. All tutoring packages include access to the online program.

Programs and Services

PrepScholar has expanded well beyond a single test. In addition to SAT and ACT preparation, the company offers college admissions counseling, AP tutoring, and academic tutoring — giving students a single provider for test prep, subject help, and the college application process.

Live Classes and One-on-One Tutoring

Alongside its self-paced online courses, PrepScholar offers live, instructor-led SAT and ACT classes as well as live one-on-one tutoring for students who want real-time instruction. Live tutoring sessions are conducted online over Google Meet, so students can work with a tutor from anywhere.

Money-Back Guarantee

Both the ACT and SAT courses offer a five-day risk-free trial. Dissatisfied customers can request a refund; it is important to note that any used portion of tutoring packages cannot be refunded. Tutoring services do have a one-hour guarantee. Once a customer has tried tutoring for an hour, he or she can cancel and receive a full refund.

In addition, PrepScholar offers a score-improvement money-back guarantee. It guarantees SAT scores will increase by 160+ points on the 1600-point scale and ACT scores will increase by 4+ points. The guarantee has certain requirements, such as completing the course and having taken an official SAT, ACT, or PSAT before starting the program. Students only need to submit that prior score if they later claim a refund under the guarantee.

Customer Support

PrepScholar advertises free technical support. Customers can contact a purchase question hotline or email the company. They also offer a helpful FAQs page and have a clear, easy-to-use website. 

thumb_down

The Bad

  • Premium Tutoring Prices
  • Guarantee Requirements

Premium Tutoring Prices

PrepScholar’s self-paced online courses are competitively priced for the test-prep industry, but its one-on-one tutoring packages are more expensive than many competitors. Tutoring packages include the online course and range from $995 to $4,795, depending on the number of tutoring hours.

Guarantee Requirements

PrepScholar’s score-improvement money-back guarantee is subject to conditions. To be eligible, students must complete the course and must have taken an official SAT, ACT, or PSAT before starting the program. Customers should review the full guarantee requirements to be sure they qualify.

gavel

The Bottom Line

PrepScholar offers customized SAT and ACT preparation through self-paced online courses, live instructor-led classes, and live one-on-one tutoring, and it has grown to include college admissions counseling, AP tutoring, and academic tutoring. Its online courses allow flexibility for busy students, and we recognize PrepScholar as a strong online test-prep provider with pricing that is more affordable than many competitors. 

Customers who want the most inexpensive option may want to compare other programs, since PrepScholar’s one-on-one tutoring is priced at a premium. Overall, PrepScholar is a solid choice for students who want a data-driven, customizable path through test prep, tutoring, and the college admissions process. Visit their website to explore course and tutoring options. 

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

info

4.6

star star star star star_half

72 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

64%

4 grade

14%

3 grade

1%

2 grade

3%

1 grade

18%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star star_border

Quality

star star star star star_border

Service

star star star star star_border

Trustworthiness

star star star star star_border
cancel
info
star star star star_border star_border

S Andover, MA

My son is an active user. He has been in the program for 10 months and spent over 100 hours. He has taken 5 practice exams. His math score is up 160 points and reading/writing is up about 60 points. You will get out of it what you put into it. Online support is poor. They will answer emails, but just using the party line. They did re-set some sections for me at my request, so that was helpful. The program's interface is average at best. This is odd since prepscholar publishes tons of information online. I tract the data myself in excel and create much better charts than Prepscholar used. This is a missed opportunity on their part. My biggest current complaint is related to Covid-19. SATs have been delayed and my son's one year program will run out a few months before the test. This is unanticipated due to SAT cancellations. I asked for an extension and they want $300 for another year. Ridiculous! Where is the empathy and good corporate citizenship? Extend the kids that got caught in the Covid-19 cross-fire and get some good press. The program is online, so the cost to Prescholar would be nothing. I was previously a major proponent of the program, but now I am more than a little irked. All in all, I would say the program is good but not great. The concept makes perfect sense, and I endorse it because it is cheap, self-paced, and on-line. I wonder if they listen to their customers, and if they are investing in the program at all.

6 years ago