From free practice tests and $20 books to $10,000 private tutoring, there is a test prep option for you. Ample test preparation, whether it’s for the SATs or the LSAT, is a wise course of action. Admissions are competitive and having the best possible scores on your entrance exams is a must.

Test preparation is more than just memorizing vocabulary or statutes. Part of test prep also involves psychology and strategy. Learning from experts in test preparation is a proven means of optimizing your score. And the better you do, the more choices you’ll have.

Results show that students who have taken a test prep course score consistently better. On the SATs, for example, test-takers score 60-70 points higher after test prep coursework. That can make a big difference in the thickness of the envelopes that arrive in your mailbox.

Of course, you have to do a cost-benefit analysis to determine how much you can afford to spend on a test prep course. But keep in mind that choosing the best and most extensive test prep available will most likely pay big dividends in the long run. Fortunately for you, there are options to fit every budget.

Sample SAT Test Prep Options in the New York Metro Area

• Free seminars
• Free practice tests
• Books & software  (new & used from $10-$200)
• Partner courses with high schools/colleges (several hundred dollars)
• Classroom courses at test prep facilities  (several hundred to over $1,000)
• Small group tutors — you and two other students (upwards of $2,000)
• Online programs    
     o Express online
           around 3 hours of instruction, generally non-interactive
           $99 and up
     o Asynchronous online courses
           lectures, lessons, and assignments, whenever you want
           potentially some non-live lecturer contact
           varying durations and costs, from $200-$600
     o Live online classrooms
          set live class times, with real-time interface
          $700 and up
     o Online private tutor
          live or asynchronous sessions
          full interactivity
          small group or one-on-one
          $2,000 and up
• Private tutoring, in-person 
     o Generally the most expensive option, but may be the most beneficial in the long-run
     o varying durations and costs
     o $1,500-$10,000

So do your homework and you’re sure to find the right test prep package for your needs. This could be one of the best investments you’ll make. Good luck!