SAT and AP Test Prep for Teachers

How to support students before exam season

Spring testing season doesn’t stop at state assessments.

For many high school teachers, it also means preparing students for:

• The SAT
• AP exams across multiple subjects
• College readiness benchmarks

If you’re looking for structured, skill-based SAT and AP test prep without adding grading time or overwhelming students, this guide outlines where to focus and how to use Khan Academy resources effectively.

SAT test prep for teachers

The SAT assesses a focused set of skills in:

• Reading comprehension
• Evidence-based writing
• Algebra and advanced math
• Data analysis

Rather than broad review, SAT preparation works best when students strengthen:

• Passage-based reading skills
• Vocabulary in context
• Algebraic modeling
• Multistep problem solving

Khan Academy provides practice aligned to:

These resources allow students to:

• Practice targeted skills
• Receive immediate feedback
• Build confidence before test day

For teachers, SAT prep can be integrated into:

• Bell ringers
• Weekly skill blocks
• Small-group reinforcement
• Homework assignments

Short, consistent practice tends to be more effective than last-minute cramming.

View all SAT practice

AP exam prep: focus on skills + content

• Deep conceptual understanding
• Evidence-based writing
• Mathematical modeling
• Data interpretation
• Discipline-specific reasoning

The most effective AP test prep reinforces both:

• Content knowledge
• Exam-aligned skills

Below is a complete list of AP courses available on Khan Academy.

AP courses available on Khan Academy

AP math & computer science

AP science

AP social studies & humanities

Each AP course includes structured units, practice questions, and exam-aligned skill development.

How to prepare students for AP exams

Effective AP prep typically includes:

• Regular unit-based review
• Practice interpreting primary sources or data
• Timed writing practice (for humanities courses)
• Mathematical modeling practice (for STEM courses)
• Reviewing required concepts and vocabulary

For AP English courses and other writing-heavy exams, structured writing support can make a measurable difference.

Writing support for AP and SAT

Strong writing impacts performance on:

• AP English Language
• AP English Literature
• SAT writing tasks
• Document-based questions (DBQs)

Writing Coach can support students by providing feedback on:

• Thesis clarity
• Organization
• Evidence integration
• Revision and reasoning

This allows students to strengthen writing before high-stakes exams without increasing grading time for teachers.

Assign in Writing Coach

How to integrate SAT and AP test prep without disrupting instruction

You don’t need a separate prep unit. Instead:

• Assign targeted SAT practice weekly.
• Reinforce AP unit concepts already being taught.
• Use skill-based practice for small-group intervention.
• Incorporate timed writing practice gradually.

Test prep is most effective when it strengthens the skills students are already learning.

FAQ: SAT and AP test prep for teachers

What is the best way to prepare students for the SAT?

Focus on passage-based reading skills, algebraic modeling, and data analysis through short, consistent practice.

How should teachers structure AP exam prep?

Reinforce unit-level content while integrating exam-style questions and writing practice.

Does writing practice improve AP scores?

Yes. Clear organization, strong thesis development, and effective evidence use directly impact AP scoring rubrics.

When should SAT or AP prep begin?

Ideally, preparation should be integrated throughout the year, with focused reinforcement in the weeks leading up to exams.