If you’re a student preparing for university, the SAT is one of the most important exams you’ll take. The key to achieve high score on SAT isn’t just studying hard, but studying smart. We have curated this guide of practical SAT test tips that you can apply quickly and effectively. You can integrate and adjust these tips to your personalized studying strategy!
Table of Contents
- SAT Practice Test and Review Mistakes
- Find the Best SAT Prep Resources
- Join SAT Prep Course
- Study with an SAT Group
- Focus on Your Weakest SAT Sections
- Read SAT Instructions on Test Day
- Answer Easy SAT Questions First
- Use Elimination Strategies on SAT Questions
- Make Educated Guess on the SAT
- Manage Your Time on the SAT
- Retake the SAT to Improve Your Score
- Avoid SAT Answer Pattern
- Stay Healthy and Mentally-Prepared Before the SAT
Understand SAT Format and Structure
Knowing the types of the questions, timing, and scoring will help you form an effective study strategy. This is half the battle. When you understand how the SAT works, you’ll be more confident during the test.
You have 134 minutes or 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete the questions on the SAT, which is divided into the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math sections. Understanding the types of questions you’ll face in each section and how long you’ll have to complete them can provide useful context as you prepare to study.
| Number of Questions | Time Span | Focus | |
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) | 54 | 64 minutes | Comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, reasoning, making connections between texts, text revision, and grammar |
| Math | 44 | 70 minutes | Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, problem-solving, and data analysis |
SAT Practice Test and Review Mistakes
Don’t wait until test day to find out your weak spots. Take free online SAT practice and review your mistakes in detail. You need to pay attention to, how you manage time, how you read and understand the questions. Identifying your mistakes helps your improvement process.
Find the Best SAT Prep Resources
If you’re a self-taught, SAT prep books and digital resources are everywhere. You can find learning material on the College Board official website partners. Choose ones that offers trusted sources.
Join SAT Prep Course
Besides learning material, consider enrolling in a structured SAT course. A good SAT prep course prepares you with personalized feedback, simulated testing environment, and expert instructors. It is worth the money if you’re aiming for top university or scholarship. Also, if you can make sure you can commit to the learning process.
Study with an SAT Group
Joining a study group with friends is recommended, especially if you need motivational and encouraging environment. You tend to be more responsible in your preparation, and you also receive more support and discussion buddies. This also helps reduce stress while preparing for the SAT.
Focus on Your Weakest SAT Sections
You’ll gain more by improving your weak areas than by redoing what you already know. If reading is difficult, practice through tougher articles and time yourself. For math, revisit important topics like algebra and geometry, then practice solving math problems. For writing, make flashcards and read opinion pieces or news.
Read SAT Instructions on Test Day
Even if you’ve practiced a lot, don’t rush through instruction on the exam. Sometimes, the instruction gives subtle clues on how to approach or interpret a question.
Answer Easy SAT Questions First
Start with the questions you’re most confident about. Mark the harder ones and come back later. This strategy saves time and helps build momentum while you’re working on the test.
Use Elimination Strategies on SAT Questions
If you’re unsure about an answer, narrow down the options by eliminating clearly wrong choices. With only one correct answer per question, this technique lift up your odds of guessing correctly.
Make Educated Guess on the SAT
SAT scoring doesn’t penalize wrong answer, so never leave a question blank or unanswered. When in doubt, make an informed guess based on logic and context, not random guessing.
Manage Your Time on the SAT
Time can slip away fast during the SAT. Before test day practice with a timer, know how many minutes you have per section, and leave spare time at the end to review marked questions.
Retake the SAT to Improve Your Score
You can take the SAT as many times as you need to improve your score. Many students choose to take the SAT at least once. Some students improve their score on their second or third attempt.
Avoid SAT Answer Pattern
Do not assume there’s a pattern in multiple-choice answers. Each question can have an answer A, B, C, or D. You may get 10 As in a row, or not get an A at all in any set of answers. Make reliable guessing.
Stay Healthy and Mentally-Prepared Before the SAT
A healthy lifestyle and a stable mental state can contribute to better cognitive function. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, and manage stress to ensure you’re in optimal shape to study and take exams.
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