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What are some tips I can use to get a high SAT score?
I was told to get into Yale or Princeton (the 2 university’s I plan to get into) have the requirements of having an SAT score of 1500 or higher.
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Phoenix’s Answer
Hi Shreya!
This is a great question! Standardized test scores can be an important stat on your application so it is definitely worth spending some time thinking about strategies for getting a good score. That being said, SAT and ACT scores will not make or break a student's chances of getting into a good school in most cases, so make sure you are putting just as much attention into building a well-rounded application for yourself (classes, activities, jobs, etc.). I did well on my SAT and ACT and I was fortunate enough to get into a great school, and the biggest contributor to achieving a good score in my experience is practice.
SAT and ACT classes are a great option if you are able to take them. They will teach you valuable strategies for taking the test and you will learn to anticipate certain types of questions and be better prepared to answer them. If you can not or do not want to take classes, then practice books are the way to go. I bought Princeton Review books for the SAT and the ACT and studied them front to back. If you put in the same time and effort with the books, you will learn many of the same skills that you would get from classes. If you rely on practice books, make sure to use a few (2-3) of the full-length practice tests to take them under testing conditions (timed, scored, with minimal breaks and no outside resources). The books are also available from most libraries!
I personally did not take a prep class and relied heavily on the practice books. Either option will prepare you well as long as you get lots of practice!
This is a great question! Standardized test scores can be an important stat on your application so it is definitely worth spending some time thinking about strategies for getting a good score. That being said, SAT and ACT scores will not make or break a student's chances of getting into a good school in most cases, so make sure you are putting just as much attention into building a well-rounded application for yourself (classes, activities, jobs, etc.). I did well on my SAT and ACT and I was fortunate enough to get into a great school, and the biggest contributor to achieving a good score in my experience is practice.
SAT and ACT classes are a great option if you are able to take them. They will teach you valuable strategies for taking the test and you will learn to anticipate certain types of questions and be better prepared to answer them. If you can not or do not want to take classes, then practice books are the way to go. I bought Princeton Review books for the SAT and the ACT and studied them front to back. If you put in the same time and effort with the books, you will learn many of the same skills that you would get from classes. If you rely on practice books, make sure to use a few (2-3) of the full-length practice tests to take them under testing conditions (timed, scored, with minimal breaks and no outside resources). The books are also available from most libraries!
I personally did not take a prep class and relied heavily on the practice books. Either option will prepare you well as long as you get lots of practice!
Updated
Xiaojie Johan’s Answer
Hello Shreya,
One way you can get a high SAT score is to take a SAT prep classes and there are many that are offered, but also learn mathematics and English at a high enough level to score well on the sections. Focus on practicing the test for many hours and taking lots of practice tests. The P-SATs that you take in high school will help to gauge your readiness to take the SATs. Take it more than one time, optimally 3-4 times.
Also, Princeton or Yale care more than just SAT scores to get into either school.
Best of luck!
One way you can get a high SAT score is to take a SAT prep classes and there are many that are offered, but also learn mathematics and English at a high enough level to score well on the sections. Focus on practicing the test for many hours and taking lots of practice tests. The P-SATs that you take in high school will help to gauge your readiness to take the SATs. Take it more than one time, optimally 3-4 times.
Also, Princeton or Yale care more than just SAT scores to get into either school.
Best of luck!
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Shreya,
It's been a long while since I was in school, so you need to check further on what I'm about to say: It used to be that the ACT test did not penalize one for guessing, but, the SAT did. IF this is still true, it is in your best interest to take the ACT rather than the SAT, UNLESS there's another reason why you need to take the SAT. With a quick look at both schools, it appears they accept the ACT.
Before I get into how to make the best "educated" guess, I want to say this. There's no substitute for studying, eating right, exercise, and getting a good night's sleep!
Now, about guessing. When taking a test that only counts the number of correct responses but does not take off points for wrong responses (most classroom exams! and the ACT): If you run out of time before getting to the end of the exam, right before you run out of time, quickly mark the SAME letter for all remaining unanswered questions. Let's use "B" today. Just based on odds, about 20% of those will be correct answers. I like to go with B, C, or D. How to decide? Pick the letter before even walking in the room! One less thing to stress about. Use that same letter to answer any questions that you cannot narrow down the answer. Removes the stress - answer it and move on. Also saves time!
If you do have a chance of narrowing down the answer, of course, you want to do that. But now what? Let's say your "letter of the day" for all unknown questions is "B", and now you have a question where the correct answer is B or E. Yup! go with B! But, suppose the correct answer is A or E? In that case, I always have in my mind, I will go with the answer furthest to the left (or right). Again, reduces the stress and lost time. Just pick A and move on. BUT, make sure you truly narrow down the answer as best as possible first!
Does this make sense? Let me know if you have questions!
I cannot address how to guess if the test takes off a fraction of a point for every wrong answer. Sorry!
It's been a long while since I was in school, so you need to check further on what I'm about to say: It used to be that the ACT test did not penalize one for guessing, but, the SAT did. IF this is still true, it is in your best interest to take the ACT rather than the SAT, UNLESS there's another reason why you need to take the SAT. With a quick look at both schools, it appears they accept the ACT.
Before I get into how to make the best "educated" guess, I want to say this. There's no substitute for studying, eating right, exercise, and getting a good night's sleep!
Now, about guessing. When taking a test that only counts the number of correct responses but does not take off points for wrong responses (most classroom exams! and the ACT): If you run out of time before getting to the end of the exam, right before you run out of time, quickly mark the SAME letter for all remaining unanswered questions. Let's use "B" today. Just based on odds, about 20% of those will be correct answers. I like to go with B, C, or D. How to decide? Pick the letter before even walking in the room! One less thing to stress about. Use that same letter to answer any questions that you cannot narrow down the answer. Removes the stress - answer it and move on. Also saves time!
If you do have a chance of narrowing down the answer, of course, you want to do that. But now what? Let's say your "letter of the day" for all unknown questions is "B", and now you have a question where the correct answer is B or E. Yup! go with B! But, suppose the correct answer is A or E? In that case, I always have in my mind, I will go with the answer furthest to the left (or right). Again, reduces the stress and lost time. Just pick A and move on. BUT, make sure you truly narrow down the answer as best as possible first!
Does this make sense? Let me know if you have questions!
I cannot address how to guess if the test takes off a fraction of a point for every wrong answer. Sorry!
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Shreya - There is no official standardized score minimum at Princeton, per the FAQs https://admission.princeton.edu/faqs#:~:text=Are%20standardized%20tests%20(SAT%2FACT,cycles%3B%20this%20includes%20transfer%20applicants.
Further, submitting test scores at all is optional through 2025. This is from the Princeton Admissions website - "we are extending our test optional policy for first-year and transfer applicants for the next three admission cycles (that is, for applications due in the falls of 2023, 2024, and 2025). Students who opt to apply to Princeton without an ACT or SAT score will not be at a disadvantage in our process." - https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/standardized-testing
Yale states flatly that there is no minimum score - "No. Standardized tests are just one component of a student’s application and are viewed within the context of the student’s entire file." - https://admissions.yale.edu/faq/standardized-testing.
Further (same site) - "Yale has extended its test-optional policy to the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. You will need to make the decision yourself as to whether you would like to send us your scores. The admissions office will not be able to assist you with that decision. For applicants without scores, the Admissions Committee places greater weight on other parts of the application, such as high school transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays. Competitive candidates with or without scores are those whose applications clearly demonstrate a high degree of academic preparedness, a consistent record of scholastic success, and genuine intellectual curiosity. is also test optional (for the fourth year) for the next admissions cycle but only commits to a year at a time."
I went to Princeton and loved it, but my children went to different places and loved them, too. It is great to aim high, but I would encourage you to explore other places, including campus visits. With admission rates of 10% or less, schools like Princeton and Yale end up declining even some qualified students.
Good luck!
Further, submitting test scores at all is optional through 2025. This is from the Princeton Admissions website - "we are extending our test optional policy for first-year and transfer applicants for the next three admission cycles (that is, for applications due in the falls of 2023, 2024, and 2025). Students who opt to apply to Princeton without an ACT or SAT score will not be at a disadvantage in our process." - https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/standardized-testing
Yale states flatly that there is no minimum score - "No. Standardized tests are just one component of a student’s application and are viewed within the context of the student’s entire file." - https://admissions.yale.edu/faq/standardized-testing.
Further (same site) - "Yale has extended its test-optional policy to the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. You will need to make the decision yourself as to whether you would like to send us your scores. The admissions office will not be able to assist you with that decision. For applicants without scores, the Admissions Committee places greater weight on other parts of the application, such as high school transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays. Competitive candidates with or without scores are those whose applications clearly demonstrate a high degree of academic preparedness, a consistent record of scholastic success, and genuine intellectual curiosity. is also test optional (for the fourth year) for the next admissions cycle but only commits to a year at a time."
I went to Princeton and loved it, but my children went to different places and loved them, too. It is great to aim high, but I would encourage you to explore other places, including campus visits. With admission rates of 10% or less, schools like Princeton and Yale end up declining even some qualified students.
Good luck!
Updated
Mahi’s Answer
Princeton Review and Kaplan Prep have courses you can take. You just need to do a lot of practice.