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Free and Low-Cost Resources for College Admissions Test Prep

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Preparing for college entrance exams such as the ACT, SAT, GRE, or GMAT is a rite of passage. However, the costs associated with test prep can quickly add up. Many students can’t afford expensive private tutoring or test prep courses.

The good news is that plenty of affordable (and even free) resources are available. You just have to know where to look.

Featured Programs

This guide is designed for students looking for low-cost and free college admissions test prep resources. This comprehensive guide lists online courses, apps, community workshops, and library programs that offer quality test preparation without high course fees.

Related:

Free Online Test Prep Platforms

Platforms with Free College Admissions Test Prep Resources:

1. Khan Academy (SAT – Official Partner of College Board)

Khan Academy is a powerhouse for free and low-cost SAT and ACT prep options, and it’s also an official partner of the College Board for SAT prep. They offer personalized study plans, video lessons, and full-length practice tests. All at no cost to you.

2. ACT Academy (Free Official ACT Prep)

ACT Academy is one of the top providers of the best free online test prep for college entrance exams. It provides interactive lessons, quizzes, and real ACT practice tests. This platform is perfect for students looking for structured prep that mirrors the actual test format.

3. ETS GRE PowerPrep (Official Free GRE Practice Tests)

The official GRE prep platform by ETS offers two full-length GRE practice exams and scoring feedback. It’s the closest you’ll get to the real deal without paying for an expensive course.

4. GMAT Official Starter Kit (Free GMAT Practice Tests)

If you’re gearing up for the GMAT, the official starter kit gives you access to two full-length practice exams and score predictions. A great starting point without the heavy price tag.

5. College Board SAT Practice Tests (Printable Exams)

The College Board provides real past SAT exams with answer keys and scoring guidelines. You can print them out and practice to your heart’s content, all while knowing you’re using actual test material.

Free and Low-Cost Online Test Prep Courses

Affordable/Free College Admissions Test Prep Resources from Universities and Organizations:

6. edX SAT & ACT Prep (Free with Optional Paid Certificate)

edX, an online learning platform backed by universities, offers free SAT and ACT prep courses. These self-paced courses are a great way to tackle the material at your own speed. The courses are free, but if you want a certificate of completion, there’s a fee.

7. Coursera College Test Prep Courses (Free Trials Available)

Coursera offers a variety of affordable prep courses. While mostly known for their affordable GRE and GMAT test preparation, they also offer free SAT prep courses. Everything is taught by professors from top universities. You can get started with free trials, so you don’t have to spend anything upfront to test out the platform.

8. Magoosh Free Resources (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)

Magoosh is well-known for its comprehensive prep materials. They offer free video lessons, practice questions, and strategy guides for SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT prep. While they do have premium options, there’s plenty of quality content available for free.

9. PrepScholar Free SAT & ACT Strategy Guides

As one of the free test prep websites for college-bound students, PrepScholar offers a solid library of free strategy guides. It covers everything, from test-taking techniques to subject-specific strategies. These guides help break down the complex tests into manageable chunks.

10. Varsity Tutors Free Test Prep Classes

Varsity Tutors hosts weekly free live classes for SAT, ACT, and GRE strategies. These consist of interactive sessions that allow you to ask questions and receive direct guidance from an instructor.

Free and Low-Cost Mobile Apps for Test Prep

Best Free Apps for SAT, ACT, and GRE Prep for Students on the Go:

11. SAT Up (Best for SAT Vocabulary & Math Drills)

This app focuses on providing the best free SAT and ACT practice tests. Its SAT vocabulary and math drills allow you to practice key concepts anywhere, anytime. Perfect for fitting in a few extra minutes of prep between classes or on the bus.

12. Ready4 ACT (Best for ACT Flashcards & Mini-Quizzes)

Ready4 ACT offers interactive flashcards and mini-quizzes to help you brush up on key ACT concepts. It’s a great way to stay sharp without feeling overwhelmed.

13. Magoosh GRE Vocabulary Builder (Best for GRE Prep)

The Magoosh GRE Vocabulary Builder is perfect for those preparing for the GRE. The app allows you to practice vocabulary and test your knowledge with personalized quizzes.

14. GMAT Prep by Ready4 (Best for Adaptive GMAT Learning)

This app adjusts to your performance as you go, providing a tailored study experience. It’s ideal for keeping things challenging and engaging while prepping for the GMAT.

15. Brainscape AP Flashcards (Best for AP Exam Review)

If you’re also tackling AP exams, Brainscape offers flashcards for all subjects. It’s among the best providers of low-cost and free study guides for college admissions tests, helping you prepare efficiently with science-backed learning techniques.

Free Community-Based and Library Test Prep Programs

If you prefer face-to-face interaction or access to physical study materials, local community resources can be a goldmine. Here’s where to look for college entrance exam prep on a budget near you:

16. Public Libraries (Free Test Prep Books & Online Resources)

Many libraries provide free access to popular test prep books from companies like Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Barron’s. Some libraries even offer free online resources like access to practice tests and prep materials. Bonus: it’s all free.

17. Local Community Colleges & High Schools

Some community colleges and high schools offer free SAT/ACT prep workshops for their students. Check with your school or local community center to see if they have any upcoming prep sessions.

18. TRIO & Upward Bound Programs (For Low-Income & First-Gen Students)

These programs are designed to provide free college admissions test prep, tutoring, and counseling for low-income and first-generation students. If you qualify, take full advantage of these opportunities.

19. Nonprofits Offering Free Test Prep

Various nonprofit organizations offer free test prep programs, particularly for students who face financial barriers. Organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA often host SAT and ACT prep workshops.

20. College Board and ACT-Sponsored Local Workshops

The College Board and ACT occasionally sponsor free college admissions test prep resources and events at select high schools and community centers. Check their websites or talk to your school’s guidance counselor for more info.

Best Free and Low-Cost Study Guides & Books

Top Free and Low-Cost Online Courses for Test Preparation:

21. The Official SAT Study Guide ($19.99 – College Board)

The College Board’s own official guide is a great resource for real SAT practice questions. For just $20, it’s an investment that will pay off.

22. ACT Prep Black Book ($32.90 – Best for ACT Strategies)

This book dives deep into ACT strategies, helping you maximize your time and performance on test day. It’s highly recommended by many students who have aced the ACT.

23. Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems ($28.82 – Best for GRE)

A must-have for GRE prep, this book contains numerous practice questions that will help you hone your test-taking skills.

24. GMAT Official Guide ($49.99 – Best for GMAT Practice Questions)

The GMAT Official Guide provides real GMAT practice questions and detailed explanations, making it a fantastic resource for serious GMAT prep.

25. OpenStax & Gutenberg Free eBooks (For Math & Reading Practice)

If you’re looking for free, open-source study materials, check out OpenStax and Project Gutenberg for math and reading resources.

Tips for Maximizing Free and Low-Cost Test Prep

Want to make the most of these free resources? Here are a few practical tips to help you get the best results:

  1. Use multiple free resources together. Combine Khan Academy, ACT Academy, and free practice tests for the best results.
  2. Create a study schedule without paying for a tutor. Use online study planners to organize practice sessions.
  3. Join online study groups and forums. Websites like Reddit (r/SAT, r/GRE), Discord study groups, and Facebook test prep communities offer free peer support.
  4. Take advantage of YouTube lectures. Free instructional videos from The Princeton Review, Kaplan, and Magoosh.

Conclusion

To wrap things up:

  • Low-cost and free college admissions test prep resources exist for SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT.
  • Official test-makers resources, Khan Academy, and free community programs offer the best free prep.
  • Affordable online courses, apps, and study books are excellent budget-friendly alternatives.

From free online courses to local community programs, tons of affordable (and free) resources are at your disposal. So, get studying, and remember: you don’t need expensive tutoring to succeed—smart study habits and free resources can help you achieve high scores.