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How do I do well on the SAT?
I'm a junior and practically everyone I know has already started SAT prep. I'm going to sign up for a course and obviously take some practice tests, but besides that I'm not really sure how to study on my own without it consuming my life.
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7 answers
Updated
Mayson’s Answer
The secret to shining in any pursuit, especially the SAT, rests in regular practice, not just mastering the material but also the method. Think about setting aside a whole day for practice, maybe rising early on a Saturday and taking the test as though it were the actual thing. Engage someone else, such as a parent, to evaluate your work to guarantee impartial feedback. I discovered that participating in an SAT prep course was incredibly helpful during my preparation period. It gave me precious insights into what to expect and offered direction to handle those expectations. I was able to join these sessions after school twice a week through my high school. They were optional, so I could participate when I had the opportunity and not worry if I couldn't. Always remember that your value goes beyond your score, whether it's high or low, and have faith that everything will work out as it's meant to.
Updated
Gus’s Answer
A good recommendation is taking SAT prep courses that are well-established and provide key insights on test-taking strategies. The SAT requires technical knowledge, but the question-structure has been heavily analyzed by many of the SAT prep courses. You can check your local schools and community colleges, with many offering in-person classes. Good luck!
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Biplab’s Answer
I'd recommend either purchasing or seeing if a local library has SAT prep books that you can use that not only have practice tests but also explain the reasoning behind the answers provided.
It doesn't have to consume your life, but spending at least a couple of hours a week on it and perhaps some more focused study leading up to your exam date would be a good investment of time.
Taking the SAT was a stressful time in my life, but it did pass and it will pass for you. Good luck!
It doesn't have to consume your life, but spending at least a couple of hours a week on it and perhaps some more focused study leading up to your exam date would be a good investment of time.
Taking the SAT was a stressful time in my life, but it did pass and it will pass for you. Good luck!
Updated
Job’s Answer
Practice tests and study materials
Hey, do you have any suggestions on where to find good practice tests and study materials?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
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Chinedum’s Answer
To excel in your SAT without it taking over your life, consider implementing the following actionable strategies:
-Design a Study Plan
Create a study schedule that blends seamlessly with your daily routine:
Allocate 2-3 hours weekly for SAT preparation
Divide your study time into manageable 30-45 minute intervals
-Start with your weaker areas
-Engage in Practice Tests
Practice tests are vital for getting used to the exam pattern and enhancing your performance:
Begin with a diagnostic test to determine your initial score and areas needing improvement
Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to increase endurance
Use official College Board practice tests for the most realistic experience
-Use Free Resources
Leverage free SAT prep materials:
Khan Academy provides free official SAT prep in collaboration with College Board
College Board offers free full-length practice tests and study materials
Numerous test prep companies provide free practice questions and resources
-Concentrate on Key Skills
Instead of trying to cover everything, focus on crucial areas:
For Math: concentrate on algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis
For Reading: focus on information and ideas, craft and structure
For Writing: hone in on expression of ideas and standard English conventions
-Adopt Test-Taking Strategies
Master and apply effective techniques:
Develop time management skills for each section
Use the process of elimination for multiple-choice questions
Learn strategies for handling different types of questions
-Integrate SAT Prep into Everyday Life
Incorporate SAT prep into your daily routine:
Read articles from reputable sources to enhance reading comprehension
Exercise mental math in day-to-day situations
Use SAT vocabulary in your writing and conversations
Remember, consistency is vital. Regular, focused study sessions are more beneficial than irregular, last-minute studying. By adopting these strategies and keeping a balanced approach, you can boost your SAT performance without it taking over your life.
-Design a Study Plan
Create a study schedule that blends seamlessly with your daily routine:
Allocate 2-3 hours weekly for SAT preparation
Divide your study time into manageable 30-45 minute intervals
-Start with your weaker areas
-Engage in Practice Tests
Practice tests are vital for getting used to the exam pattern and enhancing your performance:
Begin with a diagnostic test to determine your initial score and areas needing improvement
Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to increase endurance
Use official College Board practice tests for the most realistic experience
-Use Free Resources
Leverage free SAT prep materials:
Khan Academy provides free official SAT prep in collaboration with College Board
College Board offers free full-length practice tests and study materials
Numerous test prep companies provide free practice questions and resources
-Concentrate on Key Skills
Instead of trying to cover everything, focus on crucial areas:
For Math: concentrate on algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis
For Reading: focus on information and ideas, craft and structure
For Writing: hone in on expression of ideas and standard English conventions
-Adopt Test-Taking Strategies
Master and apply effective techniques:
Develop time management skills for each section
Use the process of elimination for multiple-choice questions
Learn strategies for handling different types of questions
-Integrate SAT Prep into Everyday Life
Incorporate SAT prep into your daily routine:
Read articles from reputable sources to enhance reading comprehension
Exercise mental math in day-to-day situations
Use SAT vocabulary in your writing and conversations
Remember, consistency is vital. Regular, focused study sessions are more beneficial than irregular, last-minute studying. By adopting these strategies and keeping a balanced approach, you can boost your SAT performance without it taking over your life.
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Here is a trick that someone told me that worked really well - and will help in other parts of life too! See if you can get a free student subscription to the New York Times, and then read the Sunday Opinion section every Sunday. Someone told me (and they were right) that if you read this, you will be well prepared for the Verbal part of the SAT. The vocab they use, the analogies - if you can keep up with the NYT, you are in great shape for the Verbal part of the SAT.
My other advice - just keep doing practice tests.
Good luck!
My other advice - just keep doing practice tests.
Good luck!
Updated
Stavroula’s Answer
Hello! What you could do is experiment with different study habits. One, for example, would be to spend a certain number of minutes at a time studying one subject (e.g 45 mins), take a break in between (e.g 10-15 mins), and then go onto the next subject and repeat! Another one could be you study one subject each day in a set part of the day; do NOT spend all day studying because you’ll get burnt out and TAKE breaks! Make sure to have snacks and drink water too to keep your energy levels.