SAT Prep

Test-taking tips that helped me during the SAT

What I have noticed during testing, whether it be SATs or AP Exams, is that students don't really have trouble with the information at hand, but rather the material itself. This is why I recommend the following tips for getting the score that you want during exam season.

Understand the Format:

The SAT consists of four sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (No Calculator), and Math (Calculator). There's also an optional essay.

Knowing the format helps you manage your time and expectations during the test. This is also helpful for AP exams; specifically the writing section. Knowing what to expect whether you are being given an SAQ, FRQ, DBQ, or LEQ

Create a Study Schedule:

Set a timeline leading up to your test date, breaking down your study sessions into manageable chunks.

Include both review sessions and practice tests in your schedule to track your progress.

Focus on Weak Areas:

Take diagnostic tests to identify your weak points.

Allocate extra time to topics you find challenging while still reviewing your stronger areas to maintain them.

Practice Regularly:

Daily practice helps reinforce learning and build test-taking endurance.

Balance between timed practice and untimed review sessions to build both speed and accuracy.

Review Mistakes:

Keep a mistake log to note recurring errors and understand why they occur. Trying another problem that is similar to the one that you got wrong will also ensure that you have learned from your mistakes!

Develop Reading Techniques:

Learning to read faster is crucial for English sections of exams, especially timed ones. The best methods to use to shave off the time you take when over viewing passages is to skim through it as fast as you can and jot down everything that you grasped from it (main ideas, names, dates, certain words, etc.). This way you can have main ideas to reference for each question without having to read the text over and over again. If new information needs to be found, just read the passage but skip the parts you have already written down in your notes.