According to official data, in the five years pre-COVID, more than 10 million students opted for the free SAT practice. The College Board, which conducts SAT practice tests, partnered with Khan Academy to devise a personalized online program for students who wish to practice for the SAT. This included mock questions, quick response and feedback, video tutorials and full-length practice tests.
A survey in 2019 of over 65,000 SAT test takers revealed that about four times as many students practised with Official SAT Practice than commercial test prep.
Studies from a few years ago reveal that those who prepare from the official SAT practice for 20 hours gained an average of 115 points. From 250,000 test takers studied, over 16,000 bagged 200 points or more between the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT.
It has also been found by the testing agency that shorter practice time-frames have a link to meaningful score gains. This means that about six to eight hours of practice on the Official SAT Practice can lead to an average 90-point rise in the score.
Khan Academy founder and CEO Sal Khan had earlier highlighted this “positive association between personalized practice and growth in college readiness.” However, every student will have to build a personalized approach and focus as the SAT practice tests do not work on a study plan that is applicable to all candidates alike.
The College Board provides specific suggestions to an applicant on the skills he/she needs to brush up the most. Students can also access several questions, reviewed and approved by the experts who develop the SAT.