High School Coder Builds Free SAT Prep App to Close Affordability Gap
Eric MacDonald, a 16-year-old sophomore at Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School in Tampa, released Aceit in November-an SAT preparation app that has accumulated more than 10,000 downloads and 150 five-star reviews. MacDonald built the app despite never having taken the SAT himself.
He identified a market gap. Most existing SAT study tools lack adaptive features, and professional tutoring costs families between $1,500 and $12,000, according to recent data. MacDonald's freemium model offers a free version with a premium tier at $9.99 monthly or $79.99 annually.
The affordability matters. Students from families with the lowest median income score an average of 264 points below their wealthier peers on the SAT-a 26% difference, according to 2025 College Board figures. Frank Gilmore, MacDonald's math and computer science teacher, said the free option removes a barrier for lower-income students who might otherwise be locked out.
Building With AI
MacDonald designed the app's interface using collaborative design tools, then translated his concept into code. He used ChatGPT to build backend functionality after prompting it to act as "the world's best SAT tutor."
The app collects user data-previous SAT scores, goals, performance on practice questions-and feeds that into algorithms that adapt the difficulty and focus of questions to each student. An AI chatbot provides real-time feedback after practice sessions, showing users which questions they missed and how to manage their time more effectively.
Mason Moore, a sophomore classmate, reported his PSAT score increased roughly 50 points after consistent use. He credited the app's design for making it accessible to teenagers.
The Path to Coding
MacDonald's coding interest began at age 9 when a friend brought a Nintendo Wii memory card loaded with game cheats. He taught himself Roblox development before his parents enrolled him at theCoderSchool, an after-school program in New Tampa.
By age 13, he had built websites for local businesses and competed in high school coding competitions. Aceit is his fourth app. His first three-an AI image and video generator, a PDF optimizer for smartwatches, and a stubborn alarm clock-gained less traction.
When Aceit launched, MacDonald offered Patel High students the premium version free and asked teachers to help spread awareness. Moore noted that MacDonald wasn't treating the app as a cash grab.
Foundational Skills Matter
Gilmore emphasized that MacDonald's success required genuine computer science knowledge. "You can't just not have the foundational layers to computer science and then make up some prompts to the AI," Gilmore said. "If you don't have that foundational layer, then you cannot fake your way into an app like this."
MacDonald said he plans to pursue entrepreneurship after college, aiming for a top 20 university. He views AI as both a concern and an opportunity-one he believes his foundational skills position him to manage responsibly.
For educators evaluating how students are using AI tools, understanding the underlying technical skills required is crucial. AI for Teachers resources can help frame these conversations in classrooms.
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