Although many colleges and universities have begun taking a more holistic view of their applicants, standardized tests like the SAT remain an essential component of many college applications—and that’s where online SAT math tutors can help.
A private SAT tutor can be an invaluable asset to a student’s exam preparation experience. Working with a highly experienced SAT expert who knows the test inside and out can greatly simplify the process of learning the material, understanding the test format, and getting used to the types of questions that will inevitably appear on the exam.
Our Top Picks for the Best SAT Math Tutoring Companies
- Best Overall: Learner
- Best Tutoring Marketplace: Wyzant
- Best for Live Online Classes: Varsity Tutors
At a Glance: The Top Three
In recent years, it has become increasingly popular to work with an online SAT tutor, especially as online learning becomes more mainstream and the SAT itself transitions to digital delivery. But with so many online tutoring platforms to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which will meet your student’s needs and test-day objectives.
Below you’ll find several tutoring companies that impressed us and we think are worth considering, depending on your student’s needs. We thoroughly researched the most popular online SAT math tutoring platforms and considered criteria such as tutor qualifications, SAT expertise, virtual learning environment, personalized lessons, communication, flexibility, student results, and value for money.
The Top 5 Online SAT Math Tutoring Services
We researched many of the most popular online tutoring companies to decide which platforms offer the best SAT math tutoring experience and the best results. We recognize that every student has unique needs and preferences when it comes to education, so we’ve added pros, cons, and a bottom line to make it easier to compare the benefits and drawbacks of each of these companies.
Ideally, working with a top SAT math tutor will lead not only to an improved test score but also to better grades in math class, a more secure understanding of the material, increased confidence, and perhaps an interest in pursuing math in college and beyond.
1. Learner
Out of all the online tutoring platforms we looked at, we were most impressed by Learner’s SAT math tutors and their platform in general.
Several aspects of Learner’s online SAT math tutoring program set this service apart. First, Learner’s math tutors are highly qualified educators with extensive experience. To become an instructor, each applicant must show that, in addition to their stellar academic and professional qualifications, they have a thorough understanding of the SAT math portion and have guided many former students to success.
A standout feature of Learner’s tutoring approach is that the company matches each student with the tutor who is best suited to their needs. Families fill out an online questionnaire and have a conversation with Learner’s Academic Advisor, who chooses the tutor with the ideal experience, subject knowledge, personality, and teaching approach. Then, the instructor will carefully consider the student’s SAT performance, confidence, and areas of strength and weakness to create an effective, personalized study plan.
Learner tutors typically charge between $760 and $1280 per hour, depending on their education and experience, which is on the affordable end of the private tutoring scale, considering the one-on-one value. Learner offers a discounted initial session with no further commitment, and families can request a different tutor if they aren’t satisfied.
Learner’s virtual platform was designed to make online tutoring flexible, convenient, and accessible for busy families. Students can schedule private tutoring sessions at times that suit their schedules, whether that’s before school, in the evening, or on the weekend. All sessions are conducted through Learner’s online classroom, which features video chatting, messaging, a virtual whiteboard, and document upload tools that make the online learning experience very similar to in-person tutoring.
After each session, families receive a progress report with constructive feedback. All sessions are recorded so that students and parents can refer back to them as needed.
Pros
- Highly qualified tutors with extensive SAT expertise
- Academic Advisor ensures that students are paired with the ideal SAT tutor
- Convenient, flexible session scheduling
- Easy-to-use online classroom with a virtual whiteboard
- No commitment following the initial discounted session
Cons
- Only offers online tutoring
- Does not offer tutoring for the SAT Reading and Writing/Language Tests
- Families can't select their own tutor, though they can switch if necessary
Bottom Line: According to reviews, the vast majority of customers are very satisfied with the value of working with Learner. All tutors are experts on the most recent version of the SAT and have extensive experience helping students prepare for the test–and it shows! Students typically increase their SAT Math test scores and confidence within a few weeks.
2. Wyzant
Wyzant is one of the best-known tutoring marketplaces. Over 65,000 tutors use the website to offer online or in-person lessons, collectively covering dozens of academic subjects, including the SAT Suite of Assessments. Interested families can browse tutor profiles and filter them by subject, hourly rate, availability, online vs. in-person, and more.
Students looking to improve their SAT scores can use Wyzant in a variety of ways. If you want to work with any available SAT tutor, you can use the “instant book” feature to connect immediately. This is especially useful for last-minute questions on the days leading up to the test. Alternatively, you can input your search criteria and select a tutor after reading their profile and reviews and deciding if their qualifications and experience match your needs.
Because Wyzant is a tutoring marketplace, prospective clients will find a wide range of hourly rates, reflecting a significant variation in education level and experience. Some Wyzant tutors are high school or college students, whereas others are licensed teachers or tutoring professionals who focus on SAT prep full-time.
You will most likely find someone who fits your budget, though they won’t necessarily have the same credentials or in-depth knowledge as a tutor who charges a higher hourly rate (which can sometimes exceed $200/hr). Some clients enjoy having the flexibility to select a tutor themselves, while others find it overwhelming to choose from so many profiles.
Pros
- Customers have complete freedom to select their own SAT tutor, filtering by subject, rate, availability, etc.
- “Instant Book” feature immediately connects students with an SAT tutor if they need help in a limited time frame
- Some tutors also offer in-person sessions in their local area
- Possible to find a tutor for any budget (though they may not have extensive tutoring experience)
Cons
- Tutor quality and credentials can vary significantly
- Families have to select their own tutor without help from an advisor
- Some Wyzant tutors are still high school or college students with limited experience
- The most qualified tutors often have prohibitively expensive hourly rates
Bottom Line: Wyzant gives families the flexibility to select their own online or in-person SAT tutor from thousands of profiles. Some Wyzant tutors have decades of professional teaching experience, while others may be high school students themselves, and the wide range of hourly rates (from $10/hr to over $200/hr) reflects this significant variation in tutor quality.
3. Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors is a well-known tutoring service that families regularly turn to for help with SAT math test prep. The platform offers tutoring in hundreds of subjects and courses, from elementary school to college, and even professional licenses and certifications. Math is one of the most popular subjects, and dozens of tutors can assist with SAT prep.
There are a variety of ways to learn with Varsity Tutors. If you are interested in long-term tutoring, the company offers a Learning Membership ($269/month for 12 months), which includes four tutoring sessions per month and unlimited access to the many live online classes offered through the platform. This is a popular option for high school students hoping to improve their SAT scores, as they can take as many intensive SAT classes as they want through their membership and supplement those classes with private tutoring from an assigned tutor.
Alternatively, students who want immediate, on-demand help from a tutor can use the Instant Tutoring feature to connect with a math tutor at any time of the day (or night). This is a particularly useful tool if you are planning to take the SAT in a few days and need help with a few problem areas.
Frustratingly, although the website is helpful and comprehensive, you have to sign up with an email address and your location to access more detailed information about Varsity Tutors’ programs.
Pros
- Offers tutoring in dozens of academic subjects for all ages
- Learning Memberships provide unlimited access to live online SAT prep courses
- Reviews are generally positive about tutor credentials, expertise, and teaching ability
- Students can request a different tutor if they aren’t satisfied with their assigned instructor
- Useful enrichment resources are available free of charge
Cons
- A Learning Membership may be too expensive for many families
- Pricing for the Instant Tutoring feature is not clearly stated
- Prospective customers must provide an email address and location to learn more
- Some families may prefer to choose their tutor, which is not an option
Bottom Line: Varsity Tutors is a popular online tutoring platform that offers comprehensive educational tools, long-term tutoring, instant tutoring, and live online classes. The breadth of subjects is impressive, though many customers find the monthly rates too expensive and would prefer to have additional tutoring sessions rather than group classes included in the plan.
4. Revolution Prep
In addition to private and small-group online tutoring in dozens of K-12 academic subjects, Revolution Prep offers several online test prep options for students looking to improve their SAT scores.
The best-value option is to enroll in a small group online class with a maximum of eight students. There are 12-hour, 24-hour, and 36-hour packages available. Students will take at least five practice tests during their group course, getting familiar with the experience of a live proctored test, and will receive an extensive score report to break down how they did.
Another option is to sign up for Revolution Now, a drop-in program that allows students to connect with a tutor whenever they have homework or study questions, including those relating to the SAT Math Test. Revolution Now also unlocks access to numerous instructional videos on common SAT topics.
For students looking for more personalized attention, Revolution Prep offers one-on-one test prep sessions. Compared to the small group classes, which are priced fairly reasonably, these private tutoring packages can quickly become quite expensive, especially if you work with a very experienced tutor.
Although the price may deter many families from pursuing the private tutoring option, the quality of Revolution Prep’s tutors is reflected in many positive reviews. Revolution Prep prides itself on hiring full-time instructors who have made tutoring their career. Unlike tutoring marketplaces, the platform handles the process of pairing students with tutors and oversees the student’s progress. For private tutoring, students work with the same tutor in every session, and parents are kept updated with a weekly video updater.
Pros
- Offers online tutoring in over 100 academic subjects, including SAT test prep
- Students work with the same full-time tutor in every session
- Regular progress updates and feedback from Academic Advisors
- Small group test prep classes are reasonably priced
Cons
- Private tutoring packages can be costly, and pricing for the most experienced tutors is unclear
- Families don’t have the option to choose their own tutors
- Tutor profiles aren’t readily available
Bottom Line: Revolution Prep has an excellent reputation for tutor quality and delivering results through its online sessions. Although private tutoring packages with the most experienced tutors can be very expensive, Revolution Prep’s group test prep classes are a relatively affordable way to prepare for the SAT.
5. Skooli
Skooli tutors cover a wide range of subjects, from foreign languages and the humanities to business and science. As with most tutoring platforms, math is a particularly sought-after subject, with many students turning to Skooli for help with SAT and ACT math test prep.
Skooli offers students multiple ways to connect with a tutor. Once you’ve set up your Skooli account, you can browse tutor profiles and request a session once you find a tutor who has the relevant qualifications and experience for your needs. Alternatively, you can submit a tutoring help request and wait for available tutors to get in touch. Another option is to connect with tutors who are already online and available.
Sessions are conducted through Skooli’s online classroom, which is accessible from any internet-connected device and has live video conferencing, a whiteboard, drawing and writing tools, and an easy way to upload files.
Since families are responsible for choosing their tutor and may end up with a different tutor every time, this setup is better suited for short-term help with specific topics than for long-term guidance. Skooli offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model for on-demand tutoring alongside more cost-effective tutoring plans that include a certain number of hours. Skooli asks students to rate and review their tutor after every session, ensuring accountability and encouraging tutors to deliver the best possible sessions.
Pros
- On-demand tutoring sessions are always available
- The online classroom appears to work well on all devices
- Tutors receive a rating after every session, helping to ensure excellent teaching
- Many tutors are experienced math experts with extensive SAT Math Test knowledge
Cons
- Students don't have assigned tutors who are already familiar with their unique learning needs and objectives
- Occasional on-demand sessions may not be sufficient to cover certain topics
- Interested families need to register with Skooli before they can view tutor profiles
Bottom Line: Skooli offers a convenient way for students to find an online tutor who is available to answer their SAT math questions, though the pay-as-you-go format is quite pricey in the long run, and students may not work with the same tutor each week.
Why Hire an Online SAT Tutor?
Even if a student excels in their high school math classes, getting to grips with the math section of the SAT can still be challenging. The test-taking environment, the wording of questions, and the format of calculator vs. no-calculator and multiple-choice vs. grid-in sections are likely to be unfamiliar to many students taking the SAT for the first time.
Regardless of whether a student is taking the SAT for the first time or trying to raise their score after several attempts, working with an SAT math tutor is an excellent way to boost confidence, math knowledge, and overall test readiness. Thanks to years of experience helping hundreds of students master standardized testing, the best SAT tutors will get to know each student's personality, learning style, strengths, and weaknesses so that they can come up with the ideal tutoring plan for their needs.
Choosing online SAT tutoring can be especially beneficial. Not only do many students prefer learning from the comfort of their own homes, but they are more likely to receive high-quality one-on-one tutoring when they choose an online platform rather than signing up for a test prep class at their school or a local learning center. With online tutoring, they will get far more individual attention and have the opportunity to work with a tutor who is truly an expert on the SAT. And as the SAT Suite of Assessments will be delivered digitally in the United States beginning in 2024, online tutoring complements the online nature of the new test format.
The Benefits of Online SAT Tutoring
Although working with an exceptional SAT tutor is a well-established practice that has helped countless high school students improve their test-day performance, online SAT tutoring has only begun to truly flourish in the past few years. The best online tutoring platforms now offer students the same advantages as in-person tutoring, plus several benefits that are unique to online learning.
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Access to the best tutors, no matter where you live: You are much more likely to find someone with the precise expertise and tutoring style to meet your child’s needs, rather than being constrained to those who live in your area or work at a local learning center.
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Flexible scheduling and the ease of learning from home: Online tutoring platforms allow you to schedule sessions at the most convenient times for your family. Likewise, many students thrive in online tutoring sessions that don’t have the pressure of a classroom setting.
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Greater affordability: With access to so many tutors online, you’ll almost certainly be able to find a suitable math specialist who fits your budget, though qualifications and experience can vary substantially among online tutors.
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Familiarity with online learning and test-taking: With the SAT currently transitioning from a pen-and-paper test to an online-only test, it’s more important than ever for students to develop excellent digital literacy skills, especially since many high school and college courses have significant online components.
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Tutoring and test-day strategies focused on individual students: One-on-one online tutoring offers a far more personalized experience than an SAT prep course, as tutors can specifically focus on the areas you need to improve and the types of questions most likely to trip you up.
How to Find the Right Online SAT Tutor for Your Needs
With the rapid growth of the online tutoring industry, families have more choices than ever before when looking for an online SAT math tutor. This is a fantastic development, but it can make the tutor selection process far more complicated than just searching for an “SAT tutor near me.” We’ve compiled our top suggestions to help you narrow your search and ensure that the tutor is the ideal fit for your family.
Choose a respected, reliable online platform
With so many online tutoring companies to choose from, you’ll want to select one that has an excellent reputation for the quality of its tutors, how quickly students make progress, and overall good value. The tutoring platforms on our list have positive reputations among parents and educators and are known for carefully vetting their tutors and prioritizing customer satisfaction.
Read reviews from customers
It’s always a good idea to seek out independent, unbiased ratings and reviews of the tutoring platform and the tutors themselves. Whenever possible, read feedback written by parents and students to get an idea of what they enjoyed about the tutoring experience and what could be improved.
Ask for recommendations
Using a top-rated online tutoring platform is an excellent way to find an SAT math tutor, but you may be able to find one even more easily by talking to people you know, like friends, family, or colleagues. You probably already know someone who has gone through the process of searching for a tutor. They may have useful tips, suggestions, and recommendations for a tutoring company they trust or even a specific tutor.
Ensure your tutor has the relevant credentials
Whether you choose a tutoring marketplace or a platform that takes care of the matching process for you, we highly recommend double-checking your tutor’s credentials before embarking on a tutoring program. Besides asking about education, certifications, and employment history, you might inquire about how much specific experience they have helping students prepare for the SAT Math Test rather than math tutoring in general.
Get to know your tutor before committing
A tutor’s credentials and experience are essential to their ability to deliver high-quality math instruction, but many other factors can affect whether a student will thrive in their sessions. The tutor’s personality, tutoring philosophy, and teaching style can all influence how a student responds to their instructor and whether the sessions produce results.
If possible, schedule an initial online meeting with the tutor, whether in the form of an interview, an informal chat, or a sample lesson. This could be an invaluable opportunity to see whether the student and tutor “click” and is especially important for long-term tutoring plans. Note that it’s unlikely to have this opportunity with instant tutoring setups.
How We Selected Our Top 5 Online Services
There is no shortage of tutoring companies promising to help students boost their scores on the SAT Math Test. We devised the following criteria to differentiate the best SAT math tutoring platforms from the rest.
Exceptionally experienced and qualified tutors
The tutoring companies at the top of our list make a concerted effort to carefully screen the tutors they invite to work for them. Ideally, an SAT math tutor should have at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a closely related subject and several years of experience teaching or tutoring the topics covered on the SAT Math Test. This means having in-depth knowledge of the most recent version of the test and specific experience helping students understand the format, question types, and test-taking techniques and strategies.
Tutoring plans based on the student’s needs and goals
The most effective tutors devise personalized programs that consider the student’s academic objectives. For SAT math tutoring, this may center on trying to raise their score by a certain number of points, getting comfortable with multiple-choice or no-calculator questions, and working within specific time limits. We looked for online tutoring companies that prioritize the individual needs of the student and their academic strengths and weaknesses rather than delivering a pre-packaged SAT prep program.
Convenience and availability
Online tutoring platforms must be responsive to the needs of busy students with hectic schedules full of extracurricular activities. We chose platforms that offer a significant amount of flexibility when it comes to scheduling tutoring sessions. Many families prefer tutoring sessions that take place in the evening or on the weekend, so it was important to select platforms that offer these convenient times. Some of the companies on our list can arrange immediate on-demand tutoring, so students can connect with a tutor whenever they need help, even if that happens to be in the middle of the night, just hours before they take the SAT.
Great communication and feedback
It’s important that parents are kept informed of their child’s progress via regular status updates and progress reports. The best tutoring companies emphasize ongoing communication between the tutor, student, and parent, especially for long-term tutoring programs. Likewise, the best tutoring platforms support students between sessions by providing lesson recordings and constructive tutor feedback so that they know what topics to focus on and what skills to practice.
A virtual classroom equipped with useful tools and resources
The best online tutoring platforms have easy-to-use virtual classrooms that replicate the experience of in-person tutoring as much as possible while also utilizing educational technology to support the student’s learning. For example, online tutoring platforms need to have video conferencing that meshes with screen-sharing and virtual whiteboards, allowing students and tutors to work through problems together just as they would if they were sitting side by side in the same room.
Frequently Asked Questions
With so many companies offering SAT prep, either online or in person, many families will have questions about choosing a tutor. Here are our answers to some of the most common queries about online SAT tutoring.
Who should use online SAT math tutoring services?
If there are topics on the SAT Math Test that your child finds challenging, a few sessions with an online tutor could make a real difference in their understanding of the material and their score. Many students thrive in a virtual setting, as they have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a highly experienced math specialist from the comfort of their own home and ask whatever questions they want.
How much does SAT tutoring cost?
Online SAT math tutors tend to charge an hourly rate that reflects their educational qualifications and professional experience. You may be able to find a high school or college student offering tutoring for as little as $15/hour, but most professional tutors will charge at least $70 per session, though prices can vary greatly among tutors. Some platforms offer on-demand tutoring and charge by the minute, but most offer packages for a set number of hours.
What should you look for in online SAT math tutoring services?
Look for an online tutoring platform that carefully vets its tutors to ensure they can help students of all abilities improve their SAT math scores. Many families seek out platforms that take care of the tutor-matching process, while others prefer to select a tutor themselves. Other factors worth considering are price, customer satisfaction guarantee, and the quality of the online learning environment.
What are the pros of using online SAT math tutoring services?
Online SAT math tutoring allows students to work one-on-one with an experienced teacher who knows the latest version of the exam inside and out. Online tutoring tends to be more convenient and flexible than in-person tutoring and often more affordable. It’s also very popular with students, as they can attend sessions from the comfort of their own homes.
What are the cons of using online SAT math tutoring services?
Despite the many benefits of online tutoring, some students simply learn best when they can work with a tutor face-to-face in the same room. Some students just focus better in a structured environment, such as a classroom or a learning center.
