Google now offers free SAT practice tests powered by Gemini

No one thinks preparing for the SAT is fun, but Google aims to make it less stressful using AI. The company announced that it is now focusing its AI education efforts on standardized testing with free SAT practice tests powered by Gemini.

Students can prompt Gemini by typing, “I want to take a practice SAT test,” and the AI ​​will provide a free practice test. Gemini will then analyze the results, highlighting strengths and identifying areas that need further consideration. Detailed explanations are also provided for incorrect answers.

The company said it partners with education companies such as Princeton Review to ensure the content is vetted, and that students are working on questions that closely reflect the content they would encounter on the real SAT.

This recent move by Google is being seen as a game-changer for students who don’t have easy access to personalized SAT tutoring. By making SAT prep free, Google is opening the door for more students to compete on a level playing field. But it also sparks a broader discussion about the role of AI in education and how much we want it to shape the way students learn.

The introduction of AI in education is not without controversy. Many teachers worry that their students will rely too much on tools like Gemini and ChatGPT to get their work done. When students rely on AI to do all their thinking, their problem-solving skills may be diminished. Research backs this up, suggesting that relying too much on AI can actually weaken students’ ability to think critically and work on their own tasks.

And don’t forget about the human SAT tutors. Free, AI-powered test prep poses a serious threat to the traditional tutoring industry, which has long thrived on providing personalized instruction to students preparing for college. The job security of SAT tutors could be at risk as Google offers a free alternative.

This news follows Google’s recent release of a Gemini-powered feature that allows teachers to create podcast-style audio lessons, which could help capture the attention of Gen Z students. Other available Gemini tools include features that help teachers brainstorm ideas, create lesson plans, and tailor learning materials to their classes.