A higher standardized test score might help you get into the college of your choice, or set you up for a lucrative scholarship. But for many students, boosting your SAT score is easier said than done.
If you want to give yourself a competitive edge, you might want to consider investing in SAT prep work through Sylvan Learning. In this review, we will explore what Sylvan Learning has to offer to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your situation.
Quick Summary
- Sylvan Learning offers SAT prep classes designed to help you maximize your test results.
- You can find in-person or online learning options through Sylvan Learning.
- The company’s most popular SAT prep course runs for 8 weeks and takes approximately 30 hours to complete.
Sylvan Learning Details | |
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Product Name | Sylvan SAT Test Prep Course |
Pricing | Contact your local Sylvan center |
Test Prep | Yes |
Practice Exams | Yes |
Promotions | None |
What Is Sylvan Learning?
Sylvan Learning is an educational company that provides instruction to students in various subjects, including reading and mathematics. Sylvan also helps high school students prepare for college entrance exams. Sylvan has been around for over 40 years, and in that time, the company has built a strong reputation for helping students achieve academic success. According to Sylvan, they are the largest private employer of certified K-12 teachers in the world.
One of the many programs offered by Sylvan Learning is a SAT Test Prep Course, which is designed to help teens improve their SAT scores.
What Does It Offer?
Sylvan Learning offers a wide range of academic improvement programs for students from K to 12. But for the purposes of this review, I will take a closer look at the SAT classes offered through the company.
Flexible Learning Opportunities
Sylvan Learning offers an SAT Test Prep course, online and in-person. This way, students can choose a learning method that best suits their needs.
While available times vary based on your location, Sylvan claims to offer courses in the afternoons, evenings, and on the weekends. With flexible options, even the busiest teen can fit this prep work into their schedule.
Multiple Resources
Students who work with Sylvan Learning enjoy access to many different resources. As a part of the program, you should expect to find:
- Instructor-led classes
- Independent practice opportunities
- Thousands of video tutorials
- Multiple SAT practice tests
Students receive information about testing strategies to help them feel confident on test day. But the bulk of the program is focused on helping students master the underlying academic information.
Individualized Support
The Sylvan SAT Test Prep Course begins with a practice test. With those results, instructors can guide students to work on the areas that need the most improvement.
Students receive assistance from SAT tutors in the areas where they need it the most. The tutors provide structured lesson plans to help students figure out where they need to focus to improve their scores.
Are There Any Fees?
Unfortunately, Sylvan is not very transparent when it comes to SAT Test Prep pricing. According to their website, because each Sylvan center is locally-owned and operated, pricing can vary slightly at each location.
For that reason, there are no prices published on the main Sylvan website and visitors are encouraged to contact their local Sylvan Center for accurate pricing in their area.
Sylvan does point out that they offer monthly payment options and financing to make their course affordable for all budgets.
How Does Sylvan Learning Compare?
Sylvan Learning isn’t the only company providing SAT prep classes. Here are some SAT prep alternatives that offer similar services.
Like Sylvan Learning, Kaplan is a reputable company that offers SAT prep services. However, Kaplan provides a larger variety of coursework options than Sylvan. You can sign up for a three-week bootcamp or stretch out your learning over several months.
Like Sylvan, you can access online learning options. But the live options are also online via a video call.
A big perk of Kaplan is that you can sign up for an unlimited prep package, which includes prep work for multiple standardized tests, including AP tests. If you plan to take several AP courses, this could be a way to cover your tutoring needs in one package. Kaplan’s plans also cost several hundred to thousands of dollars.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, Khan Academy is worth checking out. It offers free SAT prep resources, which you can access at your own pace. Although there is no private tutoring option, this free resource might be helpful for you.
Rating | |||
Pricing | Varies | $119-$1,999 | Free |
Test Prep | |||
Practice Tests | |||
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How Do I Open An Account?
If you want to work with Sylvan Learning, you can start the process through your nearest Sylvan Learning center. You’ll complete the signup process, including paying for the course, through your local center’s website. If you have questions, contact the local Sylvan center directly.
Is It Safe And Secure?
According to Sylvan Learning's privacy policy, it will not sell your personal information. With that, students should feel safe working with this company online. In terms of the coursework, many students have successfully used the resources to improve their SAT scores. But you’ll have to put in the work because this is just a resource to help you succeed.
How Do I Contact Sylvan Learning?
You can reach out to Sylvan Learning by calling 888-338-2283. It's a company-wide number that can serve as a starting point to help you get the information you need. For more localized support, give your local Sylvan center a call.
Who Is It For And Is It Worth It?
Students who are interested in improving their SAT scores can have success through Sylvan Learning. You can access reputable test prep work to help you prepare for the big test. However, buying this course isn’t enough. You’ll have to put in the effort and use the prep material to see an improvement in your score.
Sylvan Learning’s SAT prep materials are expensive. While the cost is high, investing this money in your education could help you unlock important college opportunities, like merit-based scholarships.
However, anyone who is uncomfortable with the price tag might find what they are looking for through the free resources offered by Khan Academy. Consider starting there and transitioning into a paid program if you decide you want more one-on-one attention.
Sylvan Learning Features
Product | Sylvan SAT Test Prep Course |
Services Offered |
|
Pricing | Unavailable; contact your local Sylvan Learning center |
Customer Service Number | 1-888-338-2283 |
Promotions | None |
Sylvan Learning SAT Classes Review
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Overall
Summary
Sylvan Learning is a private education company that builds academic confidence in students across several subjects, including reading, writing, mathematics, STEM, and college entrance exams.
Pros
- Robust test prep resources
- Experienced SAT tutors
Cons
- Pricing is not disclosed online; each learning center may have different prices
- Prices will vary depending on your local Sylvan center
Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer covering banking, insurance, credit cards, mortgages and student loans. She has written for numerous finance publications, including MagnifyMoney, Business Insider and ChooseFI. Her blog, Adventurous Adulting, helps young adults get a handle on their finances.
Editor: Colin Graves Reviewed by: Robert Farrington