Test Prep on a Budget: Free Resources Every Student Should Know About

You don’t need to break the bank for test prep!

When you think about test prep, does your wallet cringe? Trust me, I get it. As someone who’s been helping students prepare for standardized tests for over 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand how the rising costs of tutoring, bootcamps, and prep materials can discourage students from even trying. But here’s the good news: preparing for the ACT, SAT, or PSAT doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are plenty of free or low-cost resources that can help you achieve your dream score without putting a dent in your savings.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best free and affordable tools out there, plus tips to create a budget-friendly test prep plan that actually works.

Why Budget-Friendly Test Prep Matters

Let’s start with some real talk: traditional test prep can cost hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars. That’s just not realistic for many families. But here’s the thing—your financial situation should never stand in the way of your education goals. Free and low-cost resources can level the playing field, giving every student the chance to succeed.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. By combining the right resources with a solid plan, you can prepare for test day without spending a fortune.

Top Free Online Resources

Here are some of my go-to free tools that every student should know about:

1. ACT.org

• The official ACT website is a goldmine of free resources. You’ll find practice questions, test-taking strategies, and even a full-length practice test. They’re also working on adding more digital practice tests soon.

• 📍 Tip: Use their free resources to simulate test day conditions. Print out the practice test, set a timer, and experience the real deal!

2. College Board (SAT and PSAT)

• The College Board offers free practice tests, a question-of-the-day feature, and official study guides. Plus, their new BlueBook app is perfect for online PSAT and SAT prep.

• 📍 Tip: Bookmark the app on your phone for quick daily practice!

3. Khan Academy

• Khan Academy’s partnership with the College Board makes it the best free SAT and PSAT prep resource available. Diagnostic quizzes, personalized study plans, and step-by-step explanations will make complex concepts easier to tackle.

• 📍 Why I love it: The interactive lessons and videos keep things engaging—and they’re tailored to your specific needs.

Affordable Options for Extra Support

While free resources are amazing, sometimes a small investment can go a long way. Here are a few affordable options worth considering:

1. Prep Books

• Books like The Official ACT Prep Guide and The Official Digital SAT Study Guide are budget-friendly and packed with authentic practice questions.

• Check out The Official ACT Prep Guide here on Amazon-.

• MY RECOMMENDATION if you don’t have much money for ACT test prep—The Official ACT Prep & Subject Guides here on Amazon.

• For SAT Test Prep, check out The Official Digital SAT Study Guide on Amazon.

• Check out other ACT and SAT book resources here!

• For the resources on Amazon, I may receive a small commission as an affiliate. Thanks for your support!

• 📍 Pro Tip: Borrow these books from your local library if you don’t want to buy them outright.

2. Mobile Apps

• Apps like Magoosh’s ACT and SAT Flashcards are great for studying on the go. They’re free and focus on essential math, vocabulary, and grammar concepts.

3. U-Prep Digital Tools

• My team at U-Prep offers digital resources starting at just $2. These include targeted practice sheets, strategy guides, and more. Affordable and effective! Check out the link in the resources section below for more details.

How to Create a Budget-Friendly Study Plan

Planning is key to effective (and affordable) test prep. Here’s how to create a study plan that works without wasting time or money:

1. Use a Mix of Free Resources

• Combine official practice tests, video tutorials, and flashcards to cover all your bases. Focus on areas where you struggle most.

2. Form a Study Group

• Team up with friends to stay motivated and share resources. Virtual study groups on platforms like Zoom or Discord are great alternatives if in-person meetings aren’t possible.

3. Take Full-Length Practice Tests

• Simulating test conditions is a must. Both ACT.org and Khan Academy offer high-quality, free practice tests. Schedule regular test days to track your progress.

• I’m giving you a free ACT test! Just click here to grab a FREE official full-length ACT test!

• If you want us to score it for you, we can do that, too! Click here to learn more about your ACT score report! Plus, if you get it at a discount of $10 right now since you are reading this blog or listening to our podcast!

4. Celebrate Small Wins

• Every point you improve is a step closer to your goal. Reward yourself for your hard work—it’s all part of staying motivated!

Bonus Tips

Still hungry for more? Here are some extra ways to stretch your test prep dollars:

• Local Libraries: Many libraries have prep books you can borrow, as well as digital resources you can access online.

• School Resources: Check with your school counselor or teachers for free practice tests, study guides, or after-school prep sessions.

• Mindset is Key: Stay positive and consistent. A strong mindset can make even the toughest study days manageable.

Ready to Get Started?

Preparing for the ACT, SAT, or PSAT doesn’t have to be a financial burden. With the right tools and a solid plan, you can crush test day without breaking the bank.

💡 Action Steps:

• Explore the free and affordable resources mentioned in this post.

• Use our Master Plan for the ACT Mini-Course [link here] to start your preparation journey.

• If you need help with strategies for each test on the ACT, check out our ACT Bootcamp Live coming this January [click here]. Use discount code OFF75 to get $75 off this bootcamp!

• Share this blog with friends who are also preparing for standardized tests—it’s always better to tackle challenges together!

Remember, success isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about how smart and consistent you are with your prep. You’ve got this! 💪

Need More Help?

Check out our affordable test prep courses and digital products for extra support. Visit U-Prep Test Prep for more details.

Let’s level the playing field and make test prep accessible to everyone. Together, we can help you reach your goals! 🚀

Check out all of the resources mentioned in this episode:

·      Subscribe to U-Prep’s Newsletter: https://u-prep-test-prep.myflodesk.com/freebie-signup

·      ACT Bootcamp Live:  Learn all of the strategies to help you be successful on the ACT.  Use discount code OFF75 at checkout to get $75 off!  Click here to learn more:  https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/products/live_events/act-success-live-event

·      ACT Official Test Prep Guide Book: (Big Red) This book contains 6 practice tests with explanations of all of the answers.  Click here— https://upreptestprep.net/my-favorite-links

·      ACT Official Test Prep Guide and Subject Books Set:  (MY RECOMMENDATION!!) If you are on a tight budget, then this is what you need to buy.  It gives you TONS of practice for the cost, and it covers every question type for each subject-test.  Click here-- https://upreptestprep.net/my-favorite-links

·      The Official Digital SAT Study Guide Book: This is the only book that has the best up-to-date explanation of all question types and categories for the SAT.  Click here (scroll down to the SAT section of the page)-- https://upreptestprep.net/my-favorite-links

·      U-Prep Digital Products (Guides)-- https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/collections/digital-products

·      U-Prep Online Courses-- https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/collections/online-courses

·      FREE ACT Practice Test: download it here-- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:9cd00b6c-d7b6-4e15-8a61-8f32e45d6cd3

·      Get a detailed score report of your free practice ACT Test for only $10!!!!! Click here to learn more-- https://u-prep-test-prep.myflodesk.com/act-report

·      Download the Bluebook App for the SAT: https://bluebook.collegeboard.org/students/download-bluebook

·      Check out Khan Academy: https://khanacademy.org

·      Get free resources from ACT.org here: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/free-act-test-prep.html

·      Video on How to Use Bluebook: https://youtu.be/HWmzmTw0tl8

·      U-Prep’s ACT Study Planner for Students: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/act-study-planner

Good luck on your test prep journey!

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