I think online prep course is great if you get a lot of practice exams–but once school starts, do you really have time and the dedication/motivation to "work at your own pace"? Please do not be offended–but most students are not determined and motivated–and even if they do, it's difficult because you have APs and other extracurricular activities to worry about once school starts. Then when you stop practicing online, then your money goes to waste, you're running out of time, and subsequently might not do as well as you would hope for.

A lot of my students start getting ready as early as their freshman year. This way they have plenty of time developing skills and solidifying the basics before school gets to hectic junior year. The benefit of having a tutor is that he or she can help you and give you strategies to do well on top of you knowing the basics.

If tutoring isn't really an option for you because you are worrying about the cost–then I would suggest you getting reference books from the library or the bookstore such as Barron's and Princeton Review.

Please don't hesitate to ask me any questions or study tips! I'm here to help.