1. Read lots of nonfiction outside of class
The SAT is very heavy on reading—you’ll have five long, dense passages one after another in an hour. It’s not that the questions are difficult. Indeed, they are pretty straightforward. But it’s the reading part that is tough, because your brain will likely run out of energy sometime during the section (hopefully not during the first passage!).
To prevent this from happening, do lots of nonfiction reading when preparing for the SAT. The reason is four of the five passages you’ll see will be nonfiction. High school reading curriculum tends to lean mostly towards fiction. To counterbalance that—and prepare for SAT reading in general—pick up a magazine (Time for the newbies, The New Yorker for the more ambitious) or a newspaper (The New York Times is excellent all around).
Since your “reading brain” won’t sprout overnight, this is an area in which you’ll want to get a jump start. So hit the books (er, online magazines) now.
2. Learn how to do mental math
One of the two Math sections on the SAT will not allow you to use a calculator. However, you don’t have to get stuck doing equations with only a no. 2 pencil.
Prepare for SAT Math by using your brain as your “mental calculator.” You’ll save a lot of time on test day if you know the answer to, say, 3 × 13 right off the bat.
3. Brush up on grammar
Almost half of the Verbal section is made up of grammar questions. While many have to do with “big picture” essay questions, others rely on basic grammar. You might dread the thought of learning grammar, but it is one of the easiest topics to improve on when preparing for the SAT.
4. Use the best SAT prep methods
There are lots of study materials out there. Not all are created equal; in fact some will hurt your score by providing you with questions that aren’t representative of the actual test. One on one tutoring can really help in the following areas:
SAT Reading practice
SAT Writing and Language practice
SAT Math practice
SAT Question Tips
5. Try some mixed practice tests
There are essentially three different parts to the SAT test: Math, Reading, and Writing and Language. Often when students prep they think, Hey, I’ll just do a bunch of math tonight. Studies have shown that it is much more beneficial to do practice sessions in which you do, say, 35 minutes of Math practice and 35 minutes of Writing and Language practice. This will mimic what you’ll do on test day, switching from section to section.
6. Don’t cram!
Cramming is a bad idea. While you are doing it, it feels like you are retaining so much information. But within a week much of that information vanishes. (Cramming is much like trying to build a skyscraper from a deck of cards.)
Instead, you should make sure to prep at least a few times a week and review what you’ve learned. You’ll find it is easier for you to learn when you are re-exposed to information you recently attempted to learn.
And there is no need to do more than three hours total prep on a day; you’ll start to get diminishing returns. You’ll also want to take a break in between all that studying to let the information sink in. So break up studying throughout the week, and break it up throughout the day.
7. Figure out, and work on, your weaknesses
You’ll naturally be good at some things on the SAT, and it’s good to maintain that edge by practicing those concepts from time to time. But it is better to figure out where you struggle. Take a diagnostic test to see which areas you need to work on when preparing for the SAT.
8. Sneak in SAT prep during “dead time”
Many of us have certain parts of the day where we are just, well, sort of hanging out. Maybe we’re waiting for a friend, the bus, or an annoying commercial break to end. Well, don’t be a victim of waiting; use these easy ideas!
Review vocabulary flashcards on your phone
Practice your mental math (quick, what’s 5 × 16?)
Look at practice tests and practice questions
9. Find an SAT study partner
Don’t go at it alone. Find a partner (or two!) and keep each other accountable when preparing for the SAT. Share strategies, resources, and SAT study tips. Test each other, compete against each other, and, most importantly, commiserate with each other. The SAT is a rite of passage, full of its ups and downs. It is best not to go at it alone.
10. Prepare for SAT test day using a checklist
For details on the checklist, see our next Blog!
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2019-2020 MOCK ACT/SAT TEST DATES
VIENNA, VA AREA:
Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 7/27/2019, 10/12/2019, 1/18/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
SAT - 8/3/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/30/2019, 2/15/2020, 5/23/2020
WARRENTON, VA AREA:
Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 7/20/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/9/2019, 1/11/2020, 3/21/2020, 5/9/2020
SAT - 7/27/2019, 9/21/2019, 11/16/2019, 1/25/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
RICHMOND, VA AREA:
Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 7/27/2019, 10/12/2019, 1/18/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
SAT - 8/3/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/30/2019, 2/15/2020, 5/23/2020
CHARLOTTE, NC AREA:
Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 7/20/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/9/2019, 1/11/2020, 3/21/2020, 5/9/2020
SAT - 7/27/2019, 9/21/2019, 11/16/2019, 1/25/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
RALEIGH NC AREA:
ACT - TBA
SAT - TBA
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