There are so many ways that high school students prepare for the SATs . When you start thinking about colleges, test prep for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are a big part of the application process.
Whether you decide to prep for weeks or months before taking the SATs, these ten tips will help you go into your test date feeling confident.
1. Start preparing early
When it comes to an ideal time frame to start prepping for the SAT, it depends on you.
If you like to get started early and ramp up over several months, consider prepping six months in advance.
If you think three months is enough time, then you might feel good about developing a SAT study guide with several weeks to practice questions.
Some students take one month to hone in on their highest priority practice areas and take SAT practice tests.
Wherever you land on this time scale, make sure it fits your own learning style and comfort level.
2. Learn where your skills are at early on
Don’t wait until the last minute to learn where your skills are. Khan Academy has a great resource where you can take a free diagnostic test that shows you where your top skills are and where you might need to focus more attention.
When you diagnose your skills early — it’s recommended to do so six months in advance — even if your study schedule will be less than that, this starting place gives you an idea of where you may need extra practice.
3. Take multiple complete practice tests
Get ready to put some solid time in for practice tests! All SAT prep courses and SAT prep books strongly recommend full-length practice tests to set you up for success in getting a good SAT score. Bookend your tests into your study plan. Take an official SAT practice test at the beginning of your studying and then again closer to your test date.
Most high school students can use practice tests posted on the official College Board website. These are great resources and as close to the real SAT test as you can get.
Taking a full-length practice test gives you a sense of when your brain starts to get tired during a 3-4 hour test. Is it in the writing section, reading section, or math section? It’s like running a marathon. This way, you can mentally prepare for the length and be comfortable with the test structure to prep more efficiently.
Also, take at least one written practice test, since this is how the SAT test will be administered.
4. Set a high SAT score goal
When you set out to achieve something, like dominating a standardized test, it’s always a good idea to start with a goal in mind.
Determine what your target SAT score is — you can use your practice tests to help you come up with this ideal score. Now you have a north star to work towards achieving with your SAT preparation. You got this!
5. Create a study plan
Since there is no one-size-fits-all study plan, the goal is to find a study schedule that works best for you. When you go off to college it’s important to have practice with creating an organized study schedule.
What’s your learning style? How can you balance studying with all you have going on senior year? Try to break up all the material into smaller chunks. Then set aside time each week to schedule your prep.
Take reading tests, practice sample questions, and take a prep class. Or maybe you want to include private tutoring in your study plan. If you need to focus more on the math section or the reading section, carve out time for that. The key is to create a plan that works for your learning style and help you stay consistent.
6. Learn and practice test-taking strategies
If you’re not the best test taker, that’s okay — you’re not alone. Practice testing is the best way to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that you will be asked to answer in the SAT. Also, more importantly, practice pacing yourself through the time-sensitive nature of the test.
Since you are allotted a certain amount of time for the exam (typically 3 hours), it’s important to allow yourself time to get comfortable with the format and categories you can expect through the SAT exam.
Other great test-taking techniques are answering the easy questions first, eliminating incorrect answers, not skipping questions, making educated guesses, and keeping track of time.
7. Familiarize yourself with each test section
You want to go into test day confident that you took time to familiarize yourself with the types of instructions you might see, and how each section of the test is conducted. It’s true that the sequencing and directions for each section stay consistent for every SAT.
For example, you can prep what the writing portion will ask you, so you understand the instructions going in and can focus on writing out your answer. Look at rubrics, apps, and SAT study guides that spell out how each test section is conducted to go in prepared.
8. Mix up SAT prep with general skill building
Remember that the college application process consists of more than just your SAT score. Your GPA and extracurricular activities from high school all play a part. Just like your college application, take a holistic approach to studying for the SATs. Mix in the following with the previous tips we discussed to enhance your critical reading skills:
- Practice reading and summarizing long articles or studies to prepare for the reading test.
- Pay attention to how an author constructs their argument in editorial articles to prepare for the optional essay.
- Practice reading and analyzing a piece of writing to pick up on specific details and context.
9. Pack what you need for test day
Okay, you’ve practiced, you’ve prepped, and now it’s test day! The last thing you want to do is stress about the things you need to bring with you on the day of. So make sure to pack your bag at least the day before (don’t save it for last-minute!) Here is everything to pack in your bag:
- Acceptable photo ID
- Approved calculator
- Two sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers
- Printed admission ticket
- Watch without an audible alarm (optional)
- Extra batteries (optional)
- Water bottle/snacks for the break (optional)
10. Rest before the test
It’s the night before the SATs, and you are feeling nervous, anxious, and excited to get it over with...but it’s important to relax and stay calm. Resting the night before testing is crucial.
Cramming at the last minute won’t help you the next day. At this point, it’s time to get a good night’s sleep the night before, eat a good breakfast in the morning, and throw in some positive affirmations. You are capable. You are strong. You are intelligent. You have done all you can to prepare, now it’s time to let go and give it your best!
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Ready to attack the SATs head-on, but still deciding what college is best for you? College Rover can help you research schools, programs, and more! You can even compare the average SAT scores of students attending each school. It’s the best way to narrow down schools and see which ones are the best fit for you. Start your search and find the best schools with College Rover.
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