Standardized Testing

I took the SAT in 2022 & 2023, while it was still a "paper" test. As of the 2023-2024 academic year, the SAT is an online test with slightly different sections. Please keep that in mind while reviewing this website!

Studying for the SAT

I began studying in my sophomore year, while I was preparing for the PSAT (and working towards National Merit Awards). Over the course of about 8 months, I completed about one practice test per week. I also spent time working with a tutor, in both group and individual settings. After taking the SAT the first time in my late junior year, I took a break from studying (as, in full honesty, I was beginning to burn out on SAT studying).

I took my SAT twice, and for about two months prior to the second time I took it (in August of my senior year), I returned to taking weekly practice tests.

This process worked for me, but I found the personalized tutoring workload to be too much. I would suggest that you take a baseline practice test about 6 months prior to your test. Then, study on your own for about two months (aiming to complete one practice test per week). If your score does not improve as much as you wish for it to, look into tutoring; there are multiple programs and resources for free personalized tutoring available, and I suggest you start looking for some through your high school. 

Should I Submit my SAT Score?

With more and more schools becoming test-optional, this is an increasingly popular question. Here are some resources to help you decide!