The SAT is a standardized test that is used for college admissions across the United States. After the Covid pandemic, many schools offered test optional admissions. However, an increasing number of schools are going back to requiring an SAT or ACT score from applicants, so here are some ways to prepare.
Understand the SAT Structure
The SAT includes a section for reading comprehension, as well as a section for writing and language, which is more generally a test of grammar and vocabulary. The test also includes two math sections, and you will have access to a calculator for only one of them. There is also an optional essay that is not typically required by colleges. The SAT has about 98 questions total, but there are some operational and pre test questions, which may not affect your score. The allowed time for the test is 134 minutes, so it is super important to pace yourself and practice time management.
Set a Goal Score
Researching the recommended SAT score for the colleges that you are interested in can help you determine your target score. Remember some colleges consider your “super score,” which is a combination of your best reading and math scores across different exam dates.
Keep in mind that colleges’ reported scores from recent years may only reflect students who chose to submit their test scores, so the overall spread may be skewed towards higher scores. Do not let your research deter you from certain schools, standardized test scores are often only a small part of your overall application.
Once you have a target number in mind, take practice tests to gauge how you are scoring. Try to improve your score with each test by studying the topics that consistently need improvement.
Create a Study Structure
Determine how long you have before your test and how much availability you have in your schedule for studying. You can begin to create a personalized plan from studying that fits your schedule. Below is an example of a general study plan.
- Week 1-3 can be the preparation phase, focus your studying on the key concepts in each section.
- Week 4-6 can be the practice stage, it is recommended to take at least 3-4 practice SAT tests before taking the actual exam because it will help you understand the time limits and be able to pace yourself when answering questions.
- During the final week before the exam, you should be focused on studying concepts that you struggled with in the practice exams. It is recommended to not try to learn new topics in the final week and to just reinforce concepts that you already know.
Use Prep Materials
There are many resources available to help you prepare for the SAT, including many free options to make preparation more accessible for everyone.
Books are a great resource to prepare for the SAT, and many offer very comprehensive explanations of need-to-know topics. The college board Official SAT Study Guide is a highly recommended resource for the exam. It is available for purchase on the College Board website and Amazon. However, you can also find free study materials at your local library.
Keep in mind that the SAT will be digital, so it can be beneficial to prepare with online resources. The College Board website (linked here) has countless resources and study plans available, although some may require a fee to access. Khan Academy is also a great online resource that offers digital lessons and practice tests.
Tutors can be expensive, but they can also be a big help for those who need personalized support in preparing for the SAT. If you are looking for a tutor be sure to consider high school students who have scored high on the SAT or teachers across the district. Some companies also offer group lessons, which may be a more affordable option.
Consider Time Management Strategies
When you sit down to take the actual SAT, remember these time management strategies to ensure that you are able to allot your time efficiently.
On the reading section, you can quickly skim questions before reading the passages so you know what answers to look for. If you get stuck on a question, try to eliminate answer choices and choose between the ones that are left. Do not spend too much time on any one question. Force yourself to choose and answer and move on because you can always mark the question and revisit it if you have extra time. Make sure that you provide an answer for every question, and if you have to guess, try to keep your answer choice consistent.
Keep in mind that some math questions are free response rather than multiple choice, so consider answering those first because it is more difficult to guess on those questions. Try not to get discouraged by tough questions, and remember that certain questions are designed to be more difficult than others.
Be Aware of SAT Registration and Deadlines
Wakeland High School offers juniors the opportunity to take the SAT for free on March 4, 2025. It is very beneficial to be as prepared as possible for the free exam because you can save yourself the stress and cost of having to retake it.
However, the SAT is typically offered every month at nearby locations. If you are planning to take the SAT outside of school the next registration deadline is February 10, 2025. Signing up to take the SAT outside of school gives you another opportunity to improve your score, but it can be expensive to continually take the exam.
Prioritize Yourself
Preparing for the SAT can be an incredibly difficult experience that is often more stressful than the test itself. Make sure to prioritize self care during this time. Try to get plenty of sleep the night before the test and make sure to eat a healthy breakfast in the morning. Most importantly, stay calm. It can be easy to overthink the outcome of the SAT and feel like this test will have a profound impact on your future. Remember that you are so much more than your score, and do not let your mental health suffer because of a test.
Use these tips to help yourself manage your preparation and test strategy. You can also reach out to counselors, teachers, friends, or a trusted adult for support. You can do this!
