How to Use Khan Academy SAT Prep to Ace Your Exam in 2025
Preparing for the SAT can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing school, extracurriculars, and a social life. Luckily, Khan Academy SAT Prep is one of the best free tools available to help you get ready. Developed in partnership with the College Board, Khan Academy offers personalized, adequate SAT preparation that adapts to your needs.
If you already know what Khan Academy SAT Prep is and want to get the most out of it, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through how to use Khan Academy efficiently, from setting up your account to mastering the test one section at a time.
Set Up Your Khan Academy SAT Prep Account
You’ll first need to create an account to start your SAT prep journey with Khan Academy. Visit khanacademy.org/sat and sign up using your email, Google account, or Facebook.
Linking your College Board account is highly recommended for the best experience. This allows Khan Academy to automatically import your PSAT/NMSQT or SAT scores and create a customized study plan based on your performance.
Once your account is created and linked, you’ll be taken to your SAT Dashboard. This dashboard is your command center. It shows your progress, recommended practice, and full-length test options. Spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself with the layout—you’ll use it a lot.
Take the Diagnostic Quiz or Import PSAT Scores
One of the standout features of Khan Academy SAT Prep is its ability to tailor practice to your strengths and weaknesses. To make this possible, the platform uses either:
- Your imported PSAT/SAT scores from the College Board, or
- A diagnostic quiz if you haven’t taken the PSAT.
If you’ve taken the PSAT, importing your scores is a no-brainer. This gives Khan Academy deep insight into what you already know and where you need help.
No PSAT? No problem. The diagnostic quizzes will evaluate your reading, writing, and math proficiency. They’re quick, focused, and critical for building a study plan that actually works for you—not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Once completed, Khan Academy will auto-generate a study schedule and topic recommendations based on the data it gathers. You’ll instantly see what to focus on first.
Customize Your Study Plan Based on Target Score
Once your account is set up and your diagnostic is complete, it’s time to get strategic. Start by deciding on a target SAT score. This could be based on the average SAT scores of the colleges you’re applying to or your personal academic goals.
Khan Academy lets you input your test date, how many days per week you plan to study, and your score goals. Based on this, it creates a tailored study calendar. You’ll see how many hours you should dedicate each week and what skills to focus on.
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The key here is consistency over intensity. Even studying just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, can produce measurable improvements over time. Make it part of your routine.
Master Each Section with Targeted Practice
Khan Academy breaks the SAT into its three main components:
- Math
- Reading
- Writing and Language
You get personalized practice recommendations for each section based on your skill level. Here’s how to tackle them:
Math
The Math section is divided into focused skill sets: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math, and Additional Topics. Khan Academy quizzes you on each of these areas with video walkthroughs for every question.
Struggling with linear equations? Spend extra time there. Solid in geometry? Focus less on that and more on your weaknesses.
Reading & Writing
The Reading section emphasizes comprehension, vocabulary in context, and evidence-based answers. The Writing and Language section is all about grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation.
Khan Academy offers practice passages where you answer SAT-style questions under timed conditions. For grammar rules, they provide mini-lessons and practice drills that are great for quick review sessions.
Always use the hint and video explanation features when you’re stuck. Don’t just guess and move on—take time to understand the logic behind each correct answer.
Make Use of Full-Length Practice Tests
One of the biggest mistakes of SAT students is not practicing under real test conditions. Khan Academy offers eight full-length, College Board-approved SAT practice tests.
Here’s how to use them effectively:
- Schedule them in advance as you would the real SAT
- Take them in a quiet environment, with a timer, and all distractions turned off
- Treat it like the real deal—no pausing, skipping, or checking answers midway
After each test, Khan Academy provides a breakdown of your performance by section and topic. Use this feedback to adjust your study plan and target weak spots.
Ideally, take one full-length test every 2–3 weeks to measure progress and build test-day endurance.
Track Your Progress and Adjust Study Habits
Khan Academy isn’t just a practice tool—it’s also a powerful tracking system. Your dashboard updates every time you complete a lesson or quiz. You’ll see metrics like:
- Skill proficiency levels
- Time spent studying
- Percentage improvement over time
Use this data to reflect and adjust. If your math scores aren’t budging, maybe you need to revisit fundamentals. If you’re improving quickly in reading, consider shifting more time to writing or math.
Set weekly goals for skill mastery and time spent, then review your results each Sunday. This regular feedback loop helps you stay on track and avoid burnout.
Use Additional Features to Maximize Learning
Khan Academy offers more than just study modules. Here are a few underrated features you should take advantage of:
Practice Questions of the Day
A quick, daily challenge to keep your brain sharp. Set reminders on your phone or email so you don’t miss them.
Mobile App Access
Download the Khan Academy app to study on the go. Practice questions, watch explainer videos, or do some light review while commuting or waiting in line.
Resource Library
Dive into articles and videos explaining SAT structure, scoring, and strategies. These insights help demystify the test and improve your confidence.
Combine Khan Academy with Other SAT Prep Resources
While Khan Academy is an excellent core study platform, it’s not a complete prep solution for every student. It doesn’t offer:
- Deep test-taking strategies (like skipping tough questions or time management hacks)
- Human interaction or feedback
- Advanced pacing drills for high scorers aiming for a 1500+
Consider supplementing with:
- Books like The Official SAT Study Guide or The Princeton Review’s SAT Premium Prep
- YouTube channels that cover SAT strategies and walkthroughs
- Tutors or prep classes for personalized coaching
The goal is to combine Khan Academy’s customised learning with strategic test-taking skills from other resources.
Final Prep Tips Before Test Day
In the final weeks before your SAT, begin winding down your intense study schedule and focus on reinforcement and confidence-building.
One Week Before:
- Take one final full-length practice test
- Review your most commonly missed question types
- Focus on accuracy and pacing
Day Before:
- Light review only—don’t cram!
- Prepare your test-day materials: ID, admission ticket, calculator, snacks, etc.
- Sleep well
Test Day:
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Arrive early to your testing center
- Stay calm, pace yourself, and remember all the work you’ve put in
Conclusion
Khan Academy SAT Prep is one of the most effective, accessible tools out there for serious SAT prep. It’s not just about answering practice questions—it’s about building a smart, targeted, and sustainable study plan.
By setting clear goals, following a personalized plan, and taking full advantage of Khan Academy’s features, you can dramatically increase your SAT score—without spending a dime.
Now it’s your turn. Log into Khan Academy, import your scores, and start mastering the SAT—one section at a time.