SAT

College Board retired the optional SAT Essay after the June 2021 SAT. Students registering for a normal weekend digital SAT in 2026 cannot add an essay section. However, some state-provided SAT School Day exams still include a required essay. The right preparation depends on which administration you are taking, not on an old admissions guide describing the essay as optional for everyone. The essay’s retirement did not eliminate writing from the SAT: the Reading and Writing section still assesses editing, grammar, expression of ideas, vocabulary in context and textual evidence….

Choosing SAT preparation is less about finding a universally “best” company and more about identifying the kind of help a student needs. Start with the College Board’s free official Bluebook practice tests and score review. If those reveal missing mathematics, reading or writing skills, add targeted instruction or an independent question bank. Paid classes and tutoring are most valuable when their feedback addresses errors that self-study has not resolved. This guide compares 15 current SAT preparation resources and providers, including official free tools, educational nonprofits, books, question banks and paid…