Maanya’s Top 5 SAT Study Tips
With the start of the 2024-2025 SAT season, students around the world are rushing to cram some last-minute reviewing with the hopes of achieving high scores. Many students might be wondering, though, how to effectively prepare for this infamous exam. Your usual study routine for those weekly science quizzes won't cut it this time, so we've put together a simple, five-step guide to help you study and prepare for your SAT.
Review the test structure: Being familiar with how the SAT is structured can save you precious time reading instructions on the day of the test itself and save you from any unwanted surprises. Look at the breakdown for the reading, writing, and math sections to see how long you have per section and when the breaks are. Also make yourself familiar with what kinds of questions will be in each section, this will help you pace yourself and discover weaker areas to focus on when you’re studying. Here is CollegeBoard’s breakdown of the SAT and how it’s structured.
Create a study schedule (and stick to it!): Although this may sound obvious, many students overlook the importance of a consistent study routine to prepare them for the grueling exam. Keep in mind that the SAT assesses your stamina as much as your knowledge. SAT prep experts recommend 20-50 hours of studying in the 1-2 months leading up to the exam; setting aside even 20-30 minutes every day leading up to the exam will improve both your endurance and accuracy.
Find study materials that work for YOU: Take advantage of the numerous SAT prep materials available and use the ones that work best for you. If textbooks aren’t for you, don't worry—there are plenty of other ways to get ready for the test. YouTube videos that feature practice problems can help you understand why the correct answer is right, which is often challenging for many students. If you learn best in more of a classroom environment, consider taking SAT prep classes offered by your school or online. There are also numerous apps to help you prepare for your upcoming exam, these apps often feature daily practice questions to keep you involved with the material. Give each method a try and see which one helps you learn most effectively.
Review weaker areas: The most common mistake students make is reviewing questions and subjects they've already mastered. Ensure you're using your time wisely by practicing areas in which you're less confident. A helpful method for identifying areas that need improvement is to take Khan Academy's Diagnostic Test. This full-length test enables you to pinpoint areas requiring more practice and generates a study plan based on the results.
Take several practice tests: Nothing will prepare you better for the exam than going through full-length practice tests. Many practice tests and questions are available for free on Khan Academy, an official partner of SAT and CollegeBoard. These tests not only give you an idea of how much time you'll need for each question but also provide a good estimate of your score. Aim to take at least 2-3 practice tests before your actual exam day. You can find these tests for free online or in the official SAT workbook.
Remember that while studying effectively is a choice you must actively make, the SAT doesn’t define your entire high school and college career. Many colleges are now adopting a more comprehensive approach to evaluating applications, taking some of the pressure off standardized test scores. However, if you do choose to take the SAT, then follow these study tips to maximize your study time and give it your best.
