The Princeton Review is a test-prep company that sells courses, tutoring, and practice materials for standardized tests
The Princeton Review is a private company that prepares students for the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT. It does not work for the College Board, ACT Inc., or any government agency. The company offers classroom courses, one-on-one tutoring, online self-study programs, and practice books. You pay tuition directly to Princeton Review; there is no government funding or financial aid involved.
The company operates in all 50 states and online. Pricing varies by location, course type, and whether you choose group instruction or private tutoring. A typical classroom course for the SAT or ACT runs from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the number of hours and your region. One-on-one tutoring costs more per hour. Online programs and books cost less than in-person courses.
Key Takeaways
- Princeton Review is a for-profit test-prep company, not a government program or nonprofit organization.
- The company offers classroom courses, private tutoring, online programs, and practice books for major standardized tests.
- You pay tuition directly to Princeton Review; costs vary widely based on course type, location, and hours of instruction.
- Princeton Review's teaching methods and materials are proprietary; they are not the same as the official test makers' materials.
- You can find Princeton Review locations and pricing on their website, or contact them directly for a quote.
Types of courses and instruction Princeton Review offers
Princeton Review runs classroom courses that meet in person or online, usually over several weeks or months. These courses include lessons, practice tests, and homework. Group classroom courses typically have multiple students and a single instructor. The schedule is set by the company, and you attend on their calendar.
The company also offers one-on-one tutoring, where you work with a single tutor on your schedule. Tutoring can focus on specific weak areas or cover the full test. Sessions are usually one to two hours long, and you can book them as frequently as you want. Private tutoring costs significantly more per hour than classroom instruction but allows you to move at your own pace.
Princeton Review sells online self-study programs where you watch video lessons, complete practice problems, and take full-length practice tests on your own time. These programs are cheaper than classroom or tutoring options and work well if you are self-motivated. The company also publishes practice books and test-prep guides that you can buy separately.
How Princeton Review's materials differ from official test materials
Princeton Review creates its own practice tests, lesson content, and teaching strategies. These are not the official tests made by the College Board (for the SAT) or ACT Inc. (for the ACT). Princeton Review's materials are designed to teach test-taking strategies and patterns, not to replicate the exact format or difficulty of the real test.
Official practice materials come directly from the test makers. The College Board publishes official SAT practice tests on its website and in books. ACT Inc. publishes official ACT practice tests. Many students use both official materials and third-party prep materials like Princeton Review's to prepare. Official materials show you exactly what to expect; third-party materials often emphasize strategy and shortcuts.
What to expect during a Princeton Review course
If you enroll in a classroom course, you will attend scheduled lessons, usually two to four hours per week. The instructor covers test content, teaches strategies for answering different question types, and assigns practice problems and full-length practice tests as homework. You will take several practice tests throughout the course to track your progress.
Classroom courses typically run four to twelve weeks, depending on the test and the course level. Some courses are intensive (meeting multiple times per week over a shorter period), while others spread lessons over a longer timeline. You will have access to online materials and practice tests during and sometimes after the course ends.
If you choose tutoring, your tutor will assess your strengths and weaknesses, then create a plan tailored to your needs. Sessions focus on the areas where you need the most help. Your tutor will assign practice work between sessions and adjust the plan based on your progress.
Cost and payment options
Princeton Review courses are not free. Classroom courses typically range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the test, the number of hours, and your location. Tutoring costs more per hour than classroom instruction. Online self-study programs cost less than in-person courses. Practice books cost between twenty and fifty dollars.
Princeton Review sometimes offers discounts for early registration, package deals (combining courses with tutoring), or seasonal promotions. The company may also offer payment plans that let you spread tuition over several months. Contact a local Princeton Review center or visit their website to get a specific price quote for the course you are interested in.
Some employers, schools, or scholarship organizations reimburse test-prep costs, but that is between you and them. Princeton Review itself does not receive government funding and does not offer scholarships or grants.
How to find and contact Princeton Review
Princeton Review has physical locations in many cities. You can search for a center near you on their website by entering your zip code. The website also lists course schedules, pricing, and enrollment information for your area.
You can enroll online, by phone, or in person at a local center. When you contact them, have your test date and target score in mind so they can recommend the right course level. They will ask about your current score (if you have taken the test before), your schedule, and whether you prefer group or private instruction.
Princeton Review also offers online courses and tutoring, so you do not need a local center to work with them. Online enrollment and instruction work the same way as in-person, just through video and digital materials.
Alternatives to Princeton Review
Other for-profit test-prep companies include Kaplan, The Tutoring Company, and Magoosh. Each has different pricing, teaching methods, and course structures. Some students use free or low-cost resources instead, such as official practice materials from the test makers, Khan Academy (which offers free SAT prep in partnership with the College Board), or YouTube channels dedicated to test strategy.
Many students prepare on their own using only official practice tests and study guides. Others hire independent tutors who are not affiliated with a large company. The right choice depends on your budget, learning style, and how much structure you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Princeton Review may provide a score increase?
No. Princeton Review cannot promise a specific score or improvement. Your score depends on your starting point, how much you study, and how well the teaching methods work for you. The company may publish average score improvements from past students, but your individual results will vary.
Can I use Princeton Review materials after my course ends?
That depends on your course. Some courses include ongoing access to online materials and practice tests for a set period after the course ends (often 30 to 90 days). Others end when the course ends. Ask about access terms before you enroll.
Is Princeton Review better than studying on my own?
It depends on you. Some students benefit from structured lessons, a teacher's feedback, and a set schedule. Others do just as well with official practice materials and self-study. Princeton Review works best if you need accountability, struggle with self-motivation, or want personalized feedback on weak areas.
Can I get a refund if I am not satisfied?
Princeton Review has a refund policy, but the terms vary by course type and location. Most policies allow refunds if you withdraw within a certain number of days of enrollment or before the course starts. Ask about the specific refund policy for your course when you enroll.
Do I need to take a Princeton Review course to do well on the SAT or ACT?
No. Many students score well using only official practice materials, free resources, or independent tutoring. A Princeton Review course is one option, not a requirement. The best preparation method is the one that fits your learning style, budget, and schedule.