Get clarity on how Sherpal is different from other test prep tools and why our persona-based approach matters.
We get it - starting with FAQ 0 may seem 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.
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.
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.
Find out what features you can access at no cost, how registration works, and how your progress is saved.
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.
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.
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 to unlock rest of the Trailhead tests, along with your full Score Reports, and personalized study plan.
-Go straight to the Full Journey Plan to access everything in Trailhead plus advanced modules, mindset coaching, and smart practice tools.
Both options build on your existing data, so there’s no duplication — just forward momentum.
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 go straight to the Full Journey Plan, all your previous work will be saved, and the next-stage modules will build on that foundation- no need to start over.
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.
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.
Yes! Sherpal’s SAT® Backpack section offers several free features accessible right away, without creating an account:
-SAT® Flashcards: Practice high-yield vocabulary using smart and interactive digital flashcards with real-context examples, memory prompts, and the benefits of spaced repetition-perfect for daily quick review.
-SAT® Insights & Blog Articles: Read tips on test-taking strategy, mindset, and concept mastery. These are short, actionable reads for students and parents alike.
These resources are available with no registration required.
However, to access personalized tools and reports-like your Learning Persona, SAT® Practice Test, Score Report, and Study Plan- you will need to register. These gated features unlock the base of your tailored learning path.
Explore Trailhead, Full Journey, and Add-On paths to find the right fit when you’re ready to go further.
Access depends on the plan you choose:
-Trailhead Diagnostic Plan: 90 days access from your plan purchase date
-Full Journey Plan: 270 days access from your plan purchase date
-Add-On Plan: 180 days access from your date of upgrade to Add-On plan
This ensures you have ample time to work through your prep journey, review materials, and stay ready.
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.
The Trailhead Diagnostic Plan includes:
Full-Length SAT® Practice Test (if not completed under free features)
8 Domain-Specific Tests
1 Adaptive Endurance Test
Strengths & Weaknesses Dashboard
Comprehensive Score Report
Question Review and Tips
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.
The Full Journey Plan includes everything in the Trailhead Diagnostic, plus structured prep, mindset coaching, and smart analytics. You will get:
Everything under the Trailhead Diagnostic Plan:
Full-Length SAT® Practice Test (if not completed under free features)
8 Domain-Specific Tests
1 Adaptive Endurance Test
Strengths & Weaknesses Dashboard
Comprehensive Score Report
Question Review and Tips
Persona-Based Study Plan
PLUS
4 Summit Plans:
Progressive AI Coaching, skill-building, mindset training
4 Ascent Modules:
4 Full-Length SAT® Practice Tests
32 Domain-Specific Tests
4 Adaptive Endurance Tests
Practice Ridge
Practice Questions
The Add-On Plan is designed for students who start with the Trailhead Diagnostic Plan and want to upgrade later. When combined, the two plans give you everything in the Full Journey Plan.
Add-On Plan includes:
4 Summit Plans:
Progressive AI Coaching, skill-building, mindset training
4 Ascent Modules:
4 Full-Length SAT® Practice Tests
32 Domain-Specific Tests
4 Adaptive Endurance Tests
Practice Ridge
Practice Questions
Note: You must first purchase the Trailhead Diagnostic Plan before becoming eligible for the Add-On Plan.
Here’s what to expect about test design, score improvements, age relevance, and performance tracking.
Yes. Sherpal’s tests closely mirror the structure, timing, and difficulty of the Digital SAT® and are regularly updated to reflect College Board changes.
Yes, if you complete all modules in the Full Journey or Add-On Plan. Terms apply. You must complete all recommended tests and modules.
No, tests are designed to be taken once to simulate real conditions. However, you can review every completed question, access in-depth analysis, and focus on recommended review areas.
If you upgrade to the Full Journey Plan or Add-On Plan, you will also unlock the Practice Ridge feature, which provides additional practice opportunities.
Ideal for high school students (Grades 9–12). Students in Grades 8–9 can use the Trailhead Diagnostic for early insights.
Sherpal is built for the SAT®. However, many core skills and strategies apply to the PSAT®. ACT® support may be added later.
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.
Answers to common setup questions including where to use Sherpal and how it’s structured.
For now, Sherpal works best on desktops and tablets. Full mobile optimization is in development.
No. Sherpal is entirely web-based and works through your browser.
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.
Review how Sherpal handles privacy, payments, and platform transparency.
No. Sherpal is an independent platform. SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which does not endorse Sherpal.
No. Pricing is transparent, and all plans include a clear breakdown of features. Any add-ons will be optional and clearly disclosed.
Sherpal encrypts all data and complies with FERPA. Student data is never sold and only used to enhance your learning experience.
Payments are accepted via credit or debit card through Stripe, with secure, encrypted transactions.
Yes. While Sherpal is not a school, we follow FERPA-aligned practices and comply with COPPA for users under 13, including verified parental consent where required.
Yes. You can contact our support team at info@sherpalai.com or call 1-844-sherpal to request data deletion at any time. We honor all valid requests in accordance with applicable privacy regulations.
You can view our full Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Find out how families can stay informed and involved in the learning process.
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.
Know how to reach us for help or share feedback that helps us improve.
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.
Use the "Share Feedback" form at the bottom of the homepage. Just enter your name, email, and message. Your input helps us improve!
