Frequently Asked Questions

Browse our help topics to learn more about Sherpal
Sherpal Advantage
Getting Started
Pricing Options
Program Details
Platform Use
Legal & Security
Parent Access
Support & Feedback

Sherpal Advantage

Get clarity on how Sherpal is different from other test prep tools and why our persona-based approach matters.

0. Why Hiking?

We get it — starting with FAQ 0 is a little odd. But our FAQs are as intentional as our approach. Sherpal uses a hiking metaphor because test prep is a climb. Trailhead starts the journey, Summit builds your mindset, and Ascent sharpens your performance. Our structure mirrors how real growth unfolds, with grit, elevation, and milestones that matter.

1. How is Sherpal different from other prep tools?

Sherpal doesn’t just prepare you for the test. It prepares you for the journey. Unlike one-size-fits-all platforms, Sherpal uses a patent-pending Learning Persona Assessment to personalize your prep based on how you think, stay motivated, and handle stress. It combines AI-driven learning with mindset training and strategic skill-building, so you grow in scores, confidence, and lifelong habits.

2. What are Learning Personas and why do they matter?

Your Learning Persona is a personalized roadmap based on how you process information, regulate your emotions, and stay motivated during learning. Sherpal uses this persona to adapt your study plan, tone of feedback, and style of coaching. For example, a Tenacious Explorer is detail-oriented and observant but sometimes overthinks; they benefit from confidence-building drills and quick-recall exercises. A Driven Trailblazer is goal-focused and ambitious but may rush, they thrive with pacing strategies and structured checkpoints. By knowing who you are as a learner, Sherpal ensures your prep feels human, not robotic, and far more effective.

Getting Started

Find out what features you can access at no cost, how registration works, and how your progress is saved.

3. Why am I being asked to register?

Registration helps us personalize your experience and securely save your progress, so you can pause and resume anytime. It also unlocks your learning persona and core features for free.

4. Do I need to pay anything during registration?

No. Registration is free and unlocks access to your Learning Persona Assessment (Patent Pending), one Full-Length SAT® Practice Test, a detailed Score Report, and a Persona-Based Study Plan. 

5. What happens after I register?

You’ll begin with the Persona Assessment, then access your landing page to take one Full-Length SAT® Practice Test and receive your detailed Score Report and Persona-Based Study Plan. From there, you can choose to continue exploring or upgrade to the Trailhead Diagnostic plan. Once upgraded, you’ll immediately unlock the rest of the Trailhead Diagnostic tests, along with your full Score Reports, SAT® Readiness Dashboard, and personalized study plan.

6. If I already completed the Persona Assessment and the free SAT® Practice Test and then purchase a package, will I repeat the same test?

No. Your progress is carried forward. You won’t repeat what you've already completed in the free version. If you purchase the Trailhead Diagnostic plan, it will pick up right where you left off and unlock the remaining tests, dashboards, and study plan. If you later upgrade to the Full Journey Plan (launching soon), those next-stage modules will also build on your existing data.

7. I completed the Persona Assessment and test under free features. Why does the test show as completed in Trailhead?

Because it is! The test from your free experience is the same as the Trailhead's starting test. Sherpal logs your completion and ensures you never repeat work. Your data is preserved, and the next stages simply build on what you've done.

8. What if I don’t upgrade to the Trailhead Diagnostic starter plan and decide to upgrade to the Full Journey comprehensive plan later?

No problem. If you’ve already done the free Persona Assessment and SAT® Practice Test, Sherpal will remember your progress. When you buy the Full Journey plan later (launching soon), you won’t have to start over or repeat anything. The work you did earlier will count toward your full prep path, and you’ll just pick up from where you left off, with all the next stages unlocked.

Pricing Options

Explore Trailhead, Full Journey, and Add-On paths to find the right fit when you’re ready to go further.

9. How long do I have access to Sherpal once I purchase a plan?

All paid plans provide access for 6 months from the activation date. This ensures you have plenty of time to prepare and revisit your materials.

10. What is your refund policy?

Refunds are not typically offered unless there’s a technical error or billing issue. Please contact support if you believe you’re eligible for a refund.

11. What is included in the $50 Trailhead Diagnostic plan?

Trailhead Diagnostic plan includes:
- 1 Full-Length SAT® Practice Test
- 8 Domain-Specific Mini Tests
- 1 Adaptive Endurance Test
- Comprehensive Score Reports
- Strengths & Weaknesses Dashboard
- Persona-Based Study Plan

Each test is designed to be taken once, to build focus and mirror real exam conditions. However, you can review each completed test and question in depth. Completing all 10 tests also unlocks the Practice Questions Module, which offers extra practice

12. What’s included in the Full Journey Plan?

Full Journey plan (launching soon) will include everything in Trailhead Diagnostic plan and follows a structured, alternating sequence of Ascent Modules and Summit Plans for a balanced, disciplined prep journey.

It includes:
- 4 Ascent Modules (4 Full-Length SAT® tests, 32 Domain Tests, 4 Endurance Tests)
- 4 Summit Plans (AI mentor that teaches key concepts through focused instruction tailored to your Learning Persona. It builds mindset, and accountability with how you learn best. )
- Weekly goals, nudges, accountability
- Advanced analytics and smart study recommendations

Program Details

Here’s what to expect about test design, score improvements, age relevance, and performance tracking.

13. Are your practice tests aligned with the official SAT® exam?

Yes. Sherpal’s tests mirror the structure, timing, and difficulty of the Digital SAT® and are regularly updated to reflect College Board changes.

14. Does Sherpal guarantee score improvement?

Yes, if you complete all modules in the Full Journey plan (launching soon). Terms apply. You must complete all recommended tests and modules.

15. Can I retake the tests?

No, tests are designed to be taken once to simulate real conditions. However, you can review every question, access in-depth analysis, and focus on recommended review areas.

16. What age or grade level is Sherpal best for?

Ideal for high school students (Grades 9–12). Students in Grades 8–9 can use the Trailhead Diagnostic for early insights.

17. Can I use Sherpal for the PSAT® or ACT®?

Sherpal is built for the SAT®. However, many core skills and strategies apply to the PSAT®. ACT® support may be added later.

18. Who designs Sherpal’s test questions and how are they reviewed?

Sherpal’s SAT®-aligned questions are created by experienced educators and reviewed by expert panels. Each question is tagged by skill, domain and difficulty, and rigorously tested using AI and human evaluation to align with the College Board's blueprint.

Platform Use

Answers to common setup questions including where to use Sherpal and how it’s structured.

19. Is Sherpal mobile-friendly?

For now, Sherpal works best on desktops and tablets. Full mobile optimization is in development.

20. Will I need to install anything to use Sherpal?

No. Sherpal is entirely web-based and works through your browser.

21. Do you offer live tutoring or classes?

Not currently. Sherpal is intentionally designed to be a self-paced, AI-powered platform that builds independent learning habits. This helps students stay in control and makes Sherpal more affordable. Live tutoring and peer mentoring may be added in future updates.

Parent Access

Find out how families can stay informed and involved in the learning process.

29. Can parents track student progress?

Not yet, but a parent dashboard is in development. In the meantime, we recommend students share their study summaries and score reports with family members directly.

Support & Feedback

Know how to reach us for help or share feedback that helps us improve.

30. How do I get help if I have an issue or question during the program?

You can reach our support team by email (info@sherpalai.com) or toll-free phone (1- 844-sherpal). We aim to respond within 24 hours on weekdays. A detailed help center is also coming soon.

31. How can I share feedback about my Sherpal experience?

Use the "Share Feedback" form at the bottom of the homepage. Just enter your name, email, and message. Your input helps us improve!