Hello friends, I'm in the prep phase for my SAT's and the pressure is real. Hoping to not just pass, but really excel. Could use your study tips, resources, test day advice, basically anything helpful! Also, is it a good idea to retake the test to try and improve a decent score?
It sounds like you're motivated to put in the solid preparation that can lead to a great SAT score. Here are a few tips on how to approach your study and the test day itself:
1. Start Early and Consistent: Begin your study as early as possible to allow ample time to familiarize yourself with the test format and the type of questions you will encounter. Consistency is key. Create a study plan where you dedicate time each day rather than cramming a week or two before.
2. Use Resources: Consider using prep books. However, take advantage of the free online resources available, like the College Board's SAT practice and Khan Academy, which offer a myriad of problems and full-length practice tests.
3. Understand Your Mistakes: When you review your practice tests, make sure to understand why you answered questions incorrectly. It's more important to understand your mistakes than to simply do many practice problems.
4. Test Day Strategy: On the actual test day, make sure to take it easy the day before and get a good night's sleep. Pack your bag the night before including snacks and water.
Regarding retaking the SAT, it depends on your initial score and the schools you're planning to apply to. Many schools superscore the SAT, which means they'll take your highest score from each section across all test attempts. That said, if your score is already in the middle 50% or higher for your target schools, the potential increase from retaking might not have a big impact on your chances.
However, each retake requires time and energy, and at some point, it might be more beneficial to focus on other parts of your application, like your essays or extracurriculars. If you're unsure, you may want to consider speaking to a counselor or mentor before making a decision. Good luck with your preparation!
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