For many students, the SAT is a necessary step in the college application process. Many colleges require students to submit scores from the ACT or SATs as part of the admissions process. One of the main challenges students face with the SAT is figuring out how to best prepare and study for the SAT.
Many students will use different strategies and have different focuses when it comes to preparing for the SAT and there is no one size fits all approach to studying for the SAT. What works for your classmates or friends may not work for you, which is why it’s important to start early and develop your study schedule well ahead of time.
What is the SAT, and why do we need to take the SAT?
The SAT, originally known as the “scholastic aptitude test,” is an entrance exam used by many colleges and universities to determine admission decisions. The SAT was created to measure a student’s readiness for higher education and provide colleges with data that can be used to compare all applicants.
Colleges and universities review SAT or ACT scores, along with high school GPAs, transcripts, letters of recommendation, extracurriculars, and more to determine their admissions decisions. The importance of standardized test scores varies from school to school, and generally, the higher you score on the SAT or ACT, the better your chances are of being admitted.
What is on the SAT?
There are two main components to the SAT, with an optional essay section. There is the evidence-based reading and writing section and the math section.
The evidence-based reading and writing section will cover the following content areas: Words in context (vocabulary), analyzing and interpreting different types of sources, and command of evidence.
The math section covers the following areas: problem-solving and data analysis, algebra, and advanced math questions.
How long is the SAT?
The SAT is three hours long, and the optional essay section is an additional 50 minutes (not including breaks).
How is the SAT scored?
The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, with each section of the test scored on a 200 to 800 point scale. Your total score is the sum of the score of each section. The highest possible score is 1600. There is no penalty for guessing, so don’t leave any answers blank!
When should I take the SAT?
Many high school students decide to take standardized tests during the spring of their junior year or the fall of their senior year. It’s critical that you leave time to retake the tests if you need to raise your score before submitting your college applications. Students tend to prepare for the SAT three to six months before their test date.
Tips on how to study for the SAT
Create a set of goals and determine your strengths/weaknesses early on.
- Set goals for yourself. Think about how you would like to prepare and study, as well your SAT goals, and what resources you’ll use to prepare.
- Take a diagnostic test. Before you begin developing your study plan and reviewing, you should take a practice exam to help you get a sense of how close you are to your SAT goal.
- Start your test prep early and create a schedule. Remember to incorporate check points and practice tests throughout your study plan. Taking practice tests every so often will help you identify which areas you still need to improve and will also help you become familiar with the test format.
Stay focused by sticking to a study schedule and creating a space optimized for studying.
- Identify weaknesses. After you take your diagnostic test, use the results to figure out what areas you’ll need to focus on and how you should designate your study time.
- Create a study schedule and routine early on. Cramming for the SAT (or for any exam) is not a good way to prepare, not to mention very stressful! Set up reoccurring times throughout the week solely dedicated to preparing for the SAT.
- Set up a study space that will help keep you focused. Remove temptations by removing them from your study space. Put your phone on silent or turn it off during study sessions. Better yet, put it in a different room!
- Incorporate rewards and breaks. Remember to be kind to yourself during the study process and to give yourself breaks. Try taking a break every 20 minutes during long study sessions. During your breaks, find ways to reward yourself with either a snack or something else you enjoy!
Try different ways to review the materials.
- Look for online resources. Search for videos on Youtube or Khan Academy to help you study or understand concepts.
- Take notes while you review. Putting the material in your own words will help your comprehension.
- Join a study group or teach the concepts to someone else. Teaching someone else helps you review what you know and identify any gaps in your knowledge.
- Organize your notes and study material in a way that makes it interesting. Studying for the SAT may be a boring task, so it’s important that you think of ways to keep you motivated and engaged throughout your study process.
Make sure you understand the material and test format.
- Review your mistakes. It’s critical that you review your mistakes because you could come across a similar question on the real test. Take time to go through questions you miss and understand where you went wrong.
- Learn how to use your time wisely. Each section of the test is timed, and there may be instances where you can’t complete the whole section. Learn your limits and know when it’s time to give up or skip a difficult problem.
- Memorize math formulas. By knowing the formulas, you’ll be more prepared and save time on the test.
- Take full practice tests. The best way to prepare for the test is to practice. Try taking practice tests or parts of the exam in a testing environment, under the time constraints of the real test.
How GoPeer can help
Studying for the SAT can be frustrating and challenging, but there are many ways you can prepare. One way you can prepare is by getting a tutor to help you review topics and material that will appear on the test.
GoPeer is the easiest way to find your next tutor! GoPeer pairs K-12 students with qualified college students from top universities for 1-to-1 lessons.
Students and tutors communicate through GoPeer’s secure online classroom, using tools like real-time face-to-face video conferencing, photo/document sharing, and a virtual whiteboard/notepad to collaborate or edit essays.
Not only can a near-peer mentor provide personalized, up-to-date academic guidance, but also he or she can do so with the empathy that only someone who has recently been in the student’s shoes can provide.
