How to Study for the SAT Exam; The SAT exam is a critical step for those pursuing a college education, and getting good scores is a top priority. High SAT scores can mean the difference between getting into and not getting into your desired school. Preparing for this exam is essential, and it’s always a good idea to know how to do it correctly to avoid wasting time and effort.
- First and foremost, you must register for the SAT exam. To do so, go to the College Board’s website. You can register and create an account there.
When you register, you can select your preferred location and exam dates, so choose a location that isn’t too far away from you.
Also, when choosing a date for the test, consider how much time you will need to prepare. Try to familiarize yourself with the SAT and give yourself at least three months to study and practice.
If you don’t have that much time due to college deadlines, be prepared to put in some extra hours per week so that when the test comes around, you’ll be more than prepared.
2. You should also be aware of how the test will be organized and structured. The SAT is worth 1600 points, divided into two sections: 800 points for Math and 800 points for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (this is a Reading test and a Writing test).
You can’t get less than 400 points. There is also an optional essay section that is scored separately. It has three domains, each of which is scored out of eight points, for a total essay score of 24.
The test’s two main sections are made up of multiple-choice questions with four possible answers each. However, some of them in the math section are “grid-ins” or “student-produced responses,” which require you to calculate the answer and include, or grid it, in a special section of the scantron.
This chart will give some handy information about the order of the sections, the number of questions and the time you have for each of them.
| Section | Order | Number of Questions | Time (minutes) |
| Reading | 1 | 52 | 65 |
| Writing and Language | 2 | 44 | 35 |
| Math No-Calculator | 3 | 20 | 25 |
| Math Calculator | 4 | 38 | 55 |
| Essay (optional) | 5 | 1 | 50 |
| Total | 154 | 3 hours (3 hours 50 mins with essay) |
- One thing you should know about the SAT is that one of its objectives is to determine your skills in various areas, and one of the ways they do this is by using a specific style when asking these questions.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the wording and overall style. This is true for each section because they take a different approach to ask questions.
This means that the preparation required for the math section is entirely different from that required for the reading section, which is also distinct from the preparation required for the writing section.
4. Once you’re on the path to the test, you need to figure out which areas are your weakest and set a baseline. To do this, you should take a timed practice test that includes all sections.
You can find some of them on the College Board website for free. We recommend that you find a suitable place to do these practice tests and have all the materials you will need with you, just like you would on the real test.
You can then use scoring guidelines so that you can figure out your score and this will help you determine where you need to work on more.
Check to see what types of questions you answered best and fastest, and vice versa; also, pay attention to which questions you skipped and whether there is a pattern.
There are several guidelines for calculating subscores in various areas.
- Once you’ve determined your baseline from the first practice test, you can set your score goal.
Setting a realistic goal, for example, improving your score by 100 points in one month is doable; however, aiming for a 300-point increase in the same time period is much more difficult.
Remember that the more you want to improve, the more effort you must put forth.
6. A study schedule that you can follow and stick to is also an important part of SAT preparation. It’s a good idea to set aside specific blocks of time ahead of time to stay organized and avoid having other activities conflict with your SAT studying time.
- Okay, so you’ve decided on a goal and a study schedule that you intend to follow. It is now time to begin reviewing the test material. Begin learning any new material, and always go over what you already know.
Make a point of focusing on your areas of weakness while not dismissing the subjects you already know. Always keep an eye on them.
- Look for websites and books that specialize in practice tests and test strategies. These strategies include test time management, eliminating answers, and tips for specific sections. There is a wealth of information on the subject available on the internet and in libraries.
9 Extensive practice is required. You can do this in two parts: one focused on specific skills that need to be improved; this will most likely take up the majority of your study time. The other option is to go on a few complete test practice runs to work on your time management and stamina.
How to Study for the SAT Exam
