Hey there! I'm thinking about giving the July SAT a shot. I'm fairly confident in my academic skills, but I haven't done any test-specific prep yet. Any ideas on how to get started? Thanks in advance!
Preparing for the SAT can seem daunting, but with a structured study plan and the right resources, you can definitely boost your scores. Here's a general guideline to help you prepare:
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Exam: First, it's important to understand the format of the SAT. As of spring 2024, the SAT is fully digital and consists of a Reading and Writing section and a Math section, with multiple-choice questions in each. The Reading and Writing section has two 32-minute modules, and the Math section has two 35-minute modules. So familiarizing yourself with the structure and timing can help you feel more confident and prepared going into the exam.
2. Take a Diagnostic Test: Begin with taking a full-length practice test. Since the SAT is now digital, College Board's Bluebook app is a useful tool for taking digital SAT practice tests as it mirrors the digital testing interface. This will help you gauge your strengths and weaknesses, and identify where to focus your study efforts.
3. Create a Study Schedule: Based on your diagnostic test results, create a study schedule that allocates time for each subject. Ideally, this should allow for more time with the areas you struggle in. A structured study schedule can be a game-changer when it comes to SAT prep.
4. Use Quality Study Materials: High-quality study materials are vital in your preparation. Big test prep companies like Kaplan and The Princeton Review offer various SAT prep books. If you're looking for online options, Khan Academy has a great partnership with College Board and can provide tailored practice questions based on your performance.
5. Practice Regularly: Practicing regularly is key. Use online resources like Khan Academy to run through more questions and topics. Again, I recommend you take the full-length practice tests on the Bluebook app to simulate test-day conditions.
6. Review Your Mistakes: Don't just take practice tests; review your mistakes after each one. This step is crucial. Understanding why you got a question wrong will prevent you from making the same mistake in the future.
7. Rest and Relax: Lastly, the day before the test, take some time to rest and relax. Getting a good night's sleep and eating a healthy breakfast can positively influence your performance.
Good luck with your preparation!
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