Are you planning to take the SAT exam to fulfill your dream to study in the USA? And now you are looking for some helpful tips to leverage your preparations? Then you have come to the right place!
While there are no fixed techniques and rules for preparing for the exam, you can take notes of some common yet effective tips and tricks. And to help you with that, we have compiled a list of six beneficial tips that will help you ace your SAT exam!
Before jumping to the main part, let us brush up on the basics to give you a better understanding of the topic.
What is SAT?
The SAT, which stands for Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized test used for university and college admissions in the USA. It is often stated as one of the most competitive examinations worldwide, created and administered by the College Board.
The purpose of the SAT is to evaluate the skills and knowledge of high school students and how much they are prepared to adapt to the real world. It also serves as a common data point for universities and colleges to compare all applicants for admission.
The SAT consists of two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, with an optional essay. It is 3 hours long, and if you opt for the essay, the test will be 3 hours and 50 minutes. Students looking to enroll in a particular subject like Mathematics, History, Literature, Sciences, and Foreign Languages can take the SAT subject tests.
Start your Preparation Early
We recommend you should start preparing for your SAT as early as you can. Make sure you register for the test at a time appropriate for you and allow you to dedicate two-three months to study well for the test.
SAT is conducted five times a year in most countries in March, May, August, October, and December. If you can only study for the exam in the summer, select the exam date in October or December. The key is choosing a date that gives you ample time to study before the test without hindering your other life events and activities.
Determine your Ideal Score
Generally, a score of 1400 and above out of 1600 is considered an ideal SAT score. However, in some colleges and universities, you may have to score 1550+ to improve your chances of getting in. And this brings us to the part of how important it is for you to plan your ideal SAT score for specific colleges you are aiming at.
Look up the average SAT score of your desired college or university, and then set a goal for yourself to prepare accordingly. Your SAT score is only one aspect of your college application besides others, such as your high school GPA, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, the classes you took, and personal essays. If your GPA is low, then you must aspire for a high score at any cost.
Practice is the Key
We all have heard the quote, “Practice makes a man perfect,” and indeed you too should! Analyze your weak and strong areas and accordingly work on them. The more you practice your concepts, the better you will learn them.
It is essential to attempt mock tests before the main exam to get more comfortable answering correctly the types of questions that appear on the SAT. Moreover, Students who take these practice tests have a better chance of attaining a high score on the SAT.
For instance, if you plan to devote three months of study, take a practice test every month and compare your result from the last. If you see any improvement, then it means you are on the right track. If you don’t, you need to figure out where you’re getting wrong and rectify it. Repeat the process until you stop making mistakes and witness significant growth. This experience will provide you with a sense of time, and you’ll gain an idea of what the SAT exam is like.
Develop a Reading Habit
Read editorials, scientific studies, or essays and summarize them to prepare for the Reading Test. Try to pay close attention to how the writer constructs their argument and underlying message in the article. It will also prepare you for writing the essay if you choose to attempt it. Furthermore, to save and utilize your time better on the exam day, familiarize yourself with the instructions for each test section, as it is almost the same for every SAT exam.
Keep Track of your Time
It is necessary to keep track of the time when taking the SAT as it allows you to give your best. Each question must not take more than one minute to answer.
In case you get stuck on a question for more than 45 seconds, it is advisable to choose the suitable option as your answer and move on to the next question. There are no penalties for marking the wrong answers in the SAT exam. This allows you to attempt maximum or even all questions with a chance of selecting the correct answer.
Stay Calm and Avoid Taking Stress
We know it sounds vague as to why would anyone waste their crucial study time right before the SAT? But understand you must not stress and stay relaxed and calm before your exam.
Studying at the last minute can lower your confidence, heighten your anxiety, and wear you out completely. Instead, you should indulge in a calm and enjoyable activity like watching a favorite movie, practicing meditation, or spending time with your friends to put yourself in a good mood.
So while staying at your student housing in Houston or student housing in Dallas, don’t forget to take a break the night before the test and eat a nutritious diet, drink plenty of water, and get a good sleep.
We hope you find all the tips and strategies covered in the guide relevant and valuable. While you are preparing hard for the exam sitting inside your student housing in Chicago or New York, don’t forget to organize your supplies and documents in advance. The more you do to feel prepared, the more you’ll concentrate on success while taking the SAT.
All the best!
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