Hey everyone, I'm planning to take the SAT soon and could use some advice. How should I prepare and what should I keep in mind for the test day? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Sure, I'm glad you're seeking advice - it'll definitely help you be better prepared for the SAT! Here are some things you should consider:
1. Study Plan: Create a consistent study schedule and stick to it. What material you cover will depend on your strengths and weaknesses, but it could include reviewing high school math concepts, practicing reading comprehension, or drilling vocabulary. The Bluebook™ app offers practice questions that have a similar structure to the ones you will find on the actual test.
2. Practice Tests: Regularly take full-length practice tests. They help familiarize you with the test format and the types of questions asked. Plus, they're excellent for learning time management skills. Remember, you'll have about 71 seconds per question in the Reading and Writing sections and about 96 seconds per question in the Math sections.
3. Calculator use: Unlike the former version of the SAT, the current digital version allows the use of a calculator throughout the entire Math section. Make sure you're familiar with the calculator you plan to use on the day of the test.
4. Reviewing Mistakes: After each practice test, carefully review your mistakes. Understanding why you got a question wrong is key to avoiding similar errors in the future.
5. Prep Materials: Use high-quality preparation material. Avoid relying on outdated prep books since the SAT format changed in Spring 2024.
6. Rest & Health: Get a good night's sleep before the test day and eat a healthy breakfast. Also, remember to bring a water bottle and some snacks for the breaks during the test.
7. Know your Test Center: Make sure you know how to get to your test center and what the parking situation is like. Plan to arrive early so you have plenty of time to get settled.
8. At the Test: Bring a photo ID, your test registration printout, your calculator, and #2 pencils. Cellphones are not permitted in the testing area, but you can store it in a locker or leave it in your car.
Remember, the SAT is just one part of your application. Colleges use a holistic review process, meaning they consider many other factors like your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars - not just your SAT score. So don't stress too much, do your best, and good luck!
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.