Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Effective SAT Test Tips and Tricks?

Hi guys! So I'm studying for the SAT and I feel like I need something extra to help me out. What are some tips and tricks you found helpful while taking the SAT to improve your scores?

9 months ago

Hi there! Preparing for the SAT can be a daunting task, but here are some tips and tricks that can help you improve your scores:

1. Familiarize yourself with the format: Since the SAT is now fully digital, practice using the digital format through resources like the Bluebook™ app, which provides a realistic test-taking experience. Getting used to the format can eliminate potential surprises on test day.

2. Break down complex questions: When you encounter a challenging question, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable pieces, some of which you may be able to solve independently, and then piece them back together to work towards a broader solution.

3. Use process of elimination: For multiple-choice questions, first eliminate any answer choices that are clearly incorrect, to increase the probability of selecting the correct answer.

4. Read critically: In the Reading and Writing sections, read the passages carefully and actively. Look for the main idea and supporting evidence while avoiding getting bogged down in the details.

5. Skip and return: If a question seems too difficult or time-consuming, skip it and return later if you have time. Make sure you have enough time to give every question your full attention, at least briefly.

6. Double-check your math: In the Math sections, double-check your calculations to minimize careless mistakes. Don't forget that you can now use a calculator on both math modules, so make sure you familiarize yourself with it during your practice!

7. Vocabulary in context: Instead of memorizing long lists of vocabulary words, focus on understanding words in context, so that you can not only better tackle questions related to vocabulary, but also better comprehend reading passages.

8. Time management: Practice working under timed conditions so you learn to pace yourself properly. Remember, for Reading and Writing, you have about 71 seconds per question, and for Math, you have 96 seconds per question. Stick to these timings while practicing.

9. Learn from your mistakes: Pay close attention to the questions you get wrong during your practice sessions. Analyze your mistakes so that you can understand why you made them and avoid the same errors in the future. If you're aiming for an especially high score, you may even want to analyze the questions you got correct, to make sure your overall process was sound and you didn't just accidentally arrive at the right answer.

10. Take care of yourself: Finally, don't forget the importance of a healthy lifestyle while studying for the SAT. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly to maintain good mental and physical health.

Remember, practice and perseverance are key when preparing for the SAT. Stick to a consistent study schedule, and you'll undoubtedly see improvements in your scores. And for further guidance on how to raise your score, I'd recommend checking out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/10-tips-to-improve-your-sat-score

Good luck!

9 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.