#sat study tips

Take a diagnostic test

There are many SAT books out there with countless SAT practice tests, but in my opinion the College Board practice tests most closely mimic the types of problems on the actual SAT. Try taking a test and correcting it to see where you need the most work, and to get a feel for the layout of the SAT. Then, you can go on to use books from companies like Princeton Review or Applerouth for more practice.

Set a goal

If you have some idea of the colleges you want to go to, do some research to figure out what the average SAT scores are for students who were admitted. Aim for a score in the upper 25th percentile of those students. 

Learn what you don’t know

Many books will walk you through the steps necessary to complete various types of problems. Go through those carefully, and practice the types of problems you recently learned in order to get accustomed to them.

Practice, practice, practice

The best thing to do once you are familiar with all of the types of problems is practice. Try setting a schedule for yourself, whether it’s doing ten problems a day or one reading and one math section per day. Be sure to check every problem and understand what you got wrong. At frequent intervals, take full-length tests and time yourself within the constraints of the actual test. Check your answers and track your progress.  Kahn Academy is also a great resource for online practice problems.

Basic math formulas to know

·      You are provided with a list of geometry formulas—familiarize yourself with them and be sure you know what they mean

·      Review your times tables up to 12x12 (flashcards)

·      Right triangles—multiples of:

o   3, 4, 5

o   5, 12, 13

o   8, 15, 17

o   7, 24, 25

·      Powers: squares up to 20, cubes up to 10, fourths up to 5, powers of 2 up to 2^10

·      Quadratic forms—standard: y = ax^2 + bx + c, vertex: y = a(x – h)^2 + k

·       Quadratic formula: x=​2a​​−b±√​b​2​​−4ac​​​​​

·      Exponential standard form: y = ab^x

·      Equation of a circle: (x – h)^2 + ( y – k )^2 = r^2

·      Other formulas to know 

Reading and Writing Strategies

·      Although there is no longer a vocab section on the SAT, it is still a good idea to do some vocab practice, especially if you feel you don’t have as strong of a vocabulary as you would like to. Consider buying flashcards or using these online ones https://sat.magoosh.com/flashcards/vocabulary

·      Khan Academy describes a five-step active reading method called SQ3R: “Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review.” Read more about it here 

·      Familiarize yourself with basic grammar rules and standard conventions:

o   tenses (a sentence that changes tenses partway through will likely be incorrect)

o   run-on sentences

o   modifiers

o   subject-verb agreement

o   transitions

o   punctuation

o   find more here

Essay strategies

·      The essay is no longer required in the new SAT, but it is a good choice for someone if you are applying to colleges that require an essay, or if you want to show extra dedication or academic prowess. It is generally highly recommended to opt in for the essay.

·      You will be evaluated with sub-scores out of 4 for three categories: reading, analysis and writing.

·      Read sample essays and pay attention to patterns—what did higher-scoring essays do more of? (https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sample-questions/essay/1)

·      Begin by reading the prompt or the passage carefully and construct a thesis

·      Outline your essay. Be sure all body paragraphs address your thesis.

·      Longer essays generally score higher, but try to make it as dense as possible. It will be obvious if you are using a lot of “filler” sentences and ideas.

·      Leave enough time to edit. Although it’s handwritten, that shouldn’t stop you from going back to make changes. 

Some other useful resources

·      Find a tutor in your area or enroll in an SAT class

·      This explanation of all the different areas of the test from College Board 

·      SAT practice strategies, problems, videos and explanations from Khan Academy 

·      Princeton Review book of 11 different practice tests 

·      Find flashcards for various topics on Quizlet

·      Read a lot from reputable journals or periodicals such as the New York Times 

On the day of the test

Getting ready for the SAT can be exciting and easy, thanks to Digital SAT Preparation Online and SAT Prep Course Online. These cool tools help you prepare for the test in a modern and fun way.

Why Digital SAT Preparation Online:

No more boring books! Digital SAT Preparation Online lets you study on your computer or tablet whenever you want. It's like having a helpful friend right there with you.

Top Reasons to Choose Digital SAT Prep:

Study Anytime, Anywhere: With digital SAT prep, you can pick when and where you want to study. No need to rush to a class – everything you need is online and ready for you.

Fun Learning Stuff: Digital SAT prep is fun and interactive. You get to watch videos, take quizzes, and enjoy lessons that keep you interested and help you remember things better.

See How You're Doing: Digital SAT Prep Course Online keeps track of how well you're doing. It's like having a smart friend who knows your strengths and weaknesses. This helps you study better.

Your Guide through the SAT Prep Course Online:

Let's talk about finding your way through the SAT Prep Course Online. It's like having a map to help you navigate the twists and turns of getting ready for the big test. Here's how you can make the most of it:

Learning Everything You Need: The SAT covers different subjects – reading, writing, math with and without a calculator, and an optional essay. A good SAT prep course online makes sure you've got all the info and practice you need for each part.

Perfecting with Practice: Doing practice tests is like rehearsing for a big performance. SAT Prep Course Online gives you lots of these tests, so you can practice until you feel super confident. It's not just about getting the answers right; it's also about getting better at managing your time during the real test.

Guidance from Experts: Some SAT prep courses online have awesome teachers who guide you through the tricky parts. They share smart tips and tricks to help you do your best. It's like having a friendly coach by your side, cheering you on as you tackle each challenge.