I am wondering if Kaplan sat prep with help me with the new Sat. I’m going to take it this summer before Junior Year. I’ve never taken the sat before so will this help improve my score? Would it be reasonable to wait and take a sat prep class the summer before junior year?
Not really, but you might luck out and get a good teacher, I guess.
Spend the money on a private tutor. Kaplan does not provide the individual attention that a private tutor can provide. Depending on where you live, you should be able to find a decent tutor in the $30-50/hr range. I wouldn’t waste your time/money on a Kaplan prep class; they may be able to provide you with general tips and practice tests, but there are much more effective ways to prepare. As to the second part of your question, yes summer before your junior year is exactly the time you should begin preparing. Ideally, you’d want to be completely finished with all of your standardized tests before your senior year so that you can focus on college apps.
Kaplan is a bit like McDonald’s. You get what you pay for. It is pretty mediocre but typically very consistent, no matter where you take it. I agree with @UnboundedEdu to a great extent. Start studying on your own and take at least 2 of the Khan Academy practice tests under timed conditions. Then find a good local tutor (preferably through word of mouth) who can help you work on your weak points.
Ok. Thank you!