Many companies are placing greater emphasis on their employees' personal and professional development, and if this includes returning to college, SAT preparation is just as essential as their on-the-job training. Many businesses offer tuition assistance and incentives for completing a degree, but employees may also need help getting into college. By assisting your staff with finding SAT prep services, you not only make it easier for them to be accepted to a university, you also ensure they find an option that allows them to prepare for the test while continuing to meet their work responsibilities. And, by making a college degree a realistic option for employees, you're helping the entire company thrive, because those employees will be able to make a greater contribution after they've completed their education.

SAT test prep services for employees could include:

1. SAT prep classes
2. Online SAT prep
3. SAT prep software

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pay for all or a portion of the cost of SAT prep courses

One advantage of SAT prep classes is the one-on-one interaction with the instructor. The main disadvantage of an SAT preparation center is cost--this is one of the more expensive SAT test prep options--so if you can offset some of the cost, it may encourage more employees to sign up.

I recommend: Sherwood Test Prep offers prep SAT classes in all 50 states. Sylvan also offers SAT test prep classes nationwide.

Help your staff study on their own time, with online SAT prep

For employees who don't have time to attend classes, online SAT prep allows them to study whenever it's convenient, whether it's on a Saturday afternoon or after the kids have gone to bed. Rather than squeezing in their SAT prep around all of their other obligations, they can make it a priority, and schedule their study sessions when they're rested and have the time and privacy to completely focus. Consider paying for the online training, or providing free access through your company intranet.

I recommend: Britannica Test Prep offers online SAT prep in three packages based on budget, ranging from only the basics to extras like online tutoring and essay grading. The College Board offers The Official SAT Online Course, which includes six official practice tests.

Invest in SAT prep software

Like online SAT prep,with SAT prep software employees can study whenever it's most convenient for them. You can install the software on a company computer, and allow employees to take a portion of their work time to study.

I recommend: The SAT Digital Trainer from College PowerPrep includes over 600 SAT prep questions and over 2,000 screens of strategies and tips. Nova's Prep Course Software for the SAT includes math, writing and reading comprehension, and you can choose between two modes: mentor mode, which immediately gives you the correct answer, and test mode.

For more intensive SAT test preparation, hire a private tutor

If you can afford to hire a tutor, your employees benefit from the expertise of someone who has probably helped improve the test scores of dozens of other students. However, this is also an expensive option, but well worth it if you can find the funds.

I recommend: Kaplan offers private and small group tutoring -- so your employees can benefit not only from one-on-one assistance, but also from the support and feedback of fellow students. The Princeton Review offers private SAT tutoring by subject.

For more intensive SAT test preparation, hire a private tutor

If you can afford to hire a tutor, your employees benefit from the expertise of someone who has probably helped improve the test scores of dozens of other students. However, this is also an expensive option, but well worth it if you can find the funds.

I recommend: Kaplan offers private and small group tutoring -- so your employees can benefit not only from one-on-one assistance, but also from the support and feedback of fellow students. The Princeton Review offers private SAT tutoring by subject.

For more intensive SAT test preparation, hire a private tutor

If you can afford to hire a tutor, your employees benefit from the expertise of someone who has probably helped improve the test scores of dozens of other students. However, this is also an expensive option, but well worth it if you can find the funds.

I recommend: Kaplan offers private and small group tutoring -- so your employees can benefit not only from one-on-one assistance, but also from the support and feedback of fellow students. The Princeton Review offers private SAT tutoring by subject.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you have several employees considering entering or returning to college, organize an SAT test preparation study group to make it easier for your staff to prepare. You may even want to designate some time during the workday, for example one hour a week, to encourage them to study.
• •  If you have several employees considering entering or returning to college, organize an SAT test preparation study group to make it easier for your staff to prepare. You may even want to designate some time during the workday, for example one hour a week, to encourage them to study.
• •  If you have several employees considering entering or returning to college, organize an SAT test preparation study group to make it easier for your staff to prepare. You may even want to designate some time during the workday, for example one hour a week, to encourage them to study.

Some form of SAT test preparation is absolutely necessary if you want to do well on the SATs. The nation's top colleges are highly competitive and SAT scores help admissions to decide which students meet their qualifications. If you do the right prep, SAT taking becomes a breeze.

There are many SAT prep courses that help students prepare for the big day. Choose a style that fits best with your lifestyle and budget.

A successful student should:

1. Start early. There are many things to learn in SAT prep classes. Senior year is too late. If you start studying in your sophomore or junior years of high school, you will be more prepared. Additionally, you will have time to retake the test if you are not happy with your initial score.

2. Study test-taking skills in addition to the vocabulary and math information needed for the SAT. A good SAT preparation center will teach you the test-taking skills needed to succeed.

3. Create a study plan. It's much better for your SAT preparation to study a little bit every day than a few hours the night before.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Study by yourself through SAT prep software

Some students do not have the time or money needed to attend full-blown SAT courses. Fortunately, there are software programs that offer practice tests and advice on how to get through the test.

I recommend: Nova's Prep Course Software for the SAT is instantly downloadable and available for a low price compared to other courses. Alternatively, purchase the SAT/ACT/PSAT software created by Kaplan over at Newegg. This software program helps you prepare for all 3 tests.

Take SAT prep classes to boost your score

Taking a course to prepare you for the SAT could give you the edge you need. A good course will offer SAT prep tests, study guides and detailed explanations.

I recommend: If you are interested in online SAT prep, you can't do better than The Official SAT Online Course. It offers lessons, tests and hundreds of practice questions for your 4-month membership. Kaplan is a respected leader in the field of standardized test preparation and they offer a variety of choices for SAT test prep, including a classroom course.

Hire a private tutor for SAT preparation and watch your scores climb

Many people learn the most in a one-on-one situation. If you can afford the cost of a private, in-home tutor, you are sure to see dramatic improvement in your SAT scores.

I recommend: The Princeton Review course includes several test-taking tips. They offer private tutors and a money back guarantee. You can also receive private tutoring through Ivy Bound. They also offer help with admissions essays.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  SAT preparation can get boring. Find a study-buddy who has similar goals so that you can do practice SAT prep questions together.