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Duke University
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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
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| 800 verbal
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800

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Cramming Tips for the SAT?

Not gonna lie, I'm a little bit guilty of procrastination and my SAT test is coming up really soon. I know cramming isn't the ideal approach, but I have no choice now. What are some effective tips for cramming to at least improve my chances of getting a decent score?

2 years ago

First of all, don't panic! It's natural to feel a bit stressed, but you can still make use of the time you have left. Here are some tips for cramming effectively for the SAT:

1. Prioritize your weak areas: Identify the sections or topics where you struggle the most or where you have the most room for improvement. Allocate more time to practice and review those specific areas.

2. Take a practice test: If you haven't already, take a full-length practice test to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. This will give you a baseline score to work from and a better understanding of the test format. The Bluebook™ app and College Board's website offer official practice tests to get started.

3. Make a study schedule: Allocate specific blocks of time for each section of the test (Reading, Writing, and Math) and stick to the schedule. Be disciplined about your time management, as it will help you maximize efficiency during your cramming sessions.

4. Focus on test-taking strategies: Learn some strategies that could help you save time and answer questions effectively. For example, in the reading section, try first skimming through the passage to grasp the main idea and structure. In the math section, try solving problems through process of elimination or back-solving using the answer choices.

5. Use targeted resources: Use resources that zero-in on your weaknesses, such as Khan Academy, College Board's study materials, or other subject-specific online guides, YouTube videos, and discussion forums where people share tips and insights.

6. Don't neglect the easy points: Make sure you've got the basic grammatical rules, vocabulary, and math formulas down. It's important to pick up the easier points by ensuring you're familiar with the foundational knowledge necessary for each section.

7. Review your mistakes: As you complete practice problems or tests, take the time to review your mistakes and understand where you went wrong. This will give you a better understanding of any recurring patterns and help you avoid repeating the same mistakes on test day.

8. Manage stress and get rest: Finally, ensure you manage your stress levels and get enough rest leading up to the test. A well-rested and focused mind will have a better chance of performing well on test day.

Remember, there's no perfect solution for cramming. Ideally, consistent preparation over an extended period of time would have been better. Nonetheless, give it your best shot and learn from this experience for any future tests or commitments! Good luck!

2 years ago

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