We’re all familiar with the dynamic duo of Khan Academy and College Board, widely regarded as the most popular free resources for SAT preparation. While Khan Academy offers a wealth of free content and practice questions, there are several key areas where it falls short in fully preparing students for the SAT. In this post, we’ll explore what Khan Academy lacks and how students can supplement their preparation to achieve their best scores.
Where it Falls Short
- Limited Content Coverage: Khan Academy’s SAT prep primarily focuses on math and reading, with less emphasis on writing and language. While the math and reading sections are crucial, the writing and language section is equally important and requires specific skills and strategies that Khan Academy may not adequately address.
- Lack of Realistic Practice Tests: Khan Academy offers practice questions, but the platform lacks full-length, realistic practice tests. Taking full-length practice tests is essential for building endurance and familiarizing oneself with the format and timing of the actual SAT.
- Insufficient Strategy Instruction: While Khan Academy provides practice questions and explanations, it may not offer sufficient instruction on test-taking strategies to help students increase their score.
- Limited Feedback and Personalization: Khan Academy’s SAT prep is self-paced and lacks personalized feedback. While it offers personalized practice recommendations based on performance, it may not provide the detailed feedback and analysis needed to identify and address specific weaknesses.
- Lack of Advanced Content: For students aiming for high scores or targeting specific colleges, Khan Academy’s content may not be challenging enough. The platform may not cover advanced topics or provide the level of depth needed for students aiming for top scores.
Supplements to Khan Academy
To supplement Khan Academy’s SAT prep and address these shortcomings, students can consider the following strategies:
- Use Additional Prep Books: Supplement Khan Academy’s content with SAT prep books that cover all sections of the exam in depth and provide comprehensive strategies and practice tests. Consider resources like Curvebreakers’ “Decoding the Digital SAT,” a comprehensive guide for the updated version of the exam.
- Take Official Practice Tests: Use official College Board practice tests to simulate the actual SAT experience and gauge your progress. The College Board has released two additional practice tests that closely mirror the difficulty level of the actual exam.
- Seek Additional Instruction: Consider taking an SAT prep course or working with a tutor who can provide personalized instruction and feedback. Schedule a free consultation with Nicholas LaPoma, the owner of Curvebreakers, to learn more.
- Review Advanced Content: For students aiming for high scores, review advanced content in math, reading, and writing to ensure you’re prepared for the most challenging questions. Furthermore, consider resources like Curvebreakers’ Digital SAT Strategy Course, which offers comprehensive content review, practice exams, and test-taking strategies to help you excel on the Digital SAT.
While Khan Academy is a valuable resource for SAT prep, it may not provide all the tools and strategies needed to achieve your best score. By supplementing Khan Academy’s resources with additional practice, instruction, and review, you can enhance your preparation and increase your chances of success on the SAT.