6 weeks, 6 strategies: SAT

We’re 6 weeks out from the next SAT test. Are you prepared? Follow these 6 strategies to help you get the best results you can.

1. Make a plan and write it down. When will you register? When will you take your picture? When will you send it? Which calculator can you use? Do you have one? Are your study days and times written in your planner? How long is the drive to your testing center? Think about as many details as you can and write down the dates and ways you will prepare for them. Make a master checklist, as well. Your detailed plan can help you feel in control and on top of the SAT, reducing your stress, minimizing test anxiety, and increasing your overall confidence.
2. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. There are four areas of the SAT you should be familiar with: reading, writing, math, and the essay. What’s your strongest area? Can you practice this area enough to get an extra five questions right? You’ll be surprised how much that can boost your score. What’s your weak area, and how do you plan to change that? There are great, free resources online and at the library. Or get professional help. Either way, you need to know what you need help with.
3. The math section. Check out the free videos on the GetMathFast YouTube channel. Carefully read the answers and explanations section of the SAT test prep book (this is one of my favorites– you see the steps to follow and learn some time saving shortcuts). Find a topic you need to improve on and complete as many practice problems as you can until you get them all right. Math requires following steps over and over and over until they’re stuck in your head.
4. The writing section. Very few students think they need to work on the writing section, but very few SAT test takers get a fantastic score in this section. Review commas, semicolons, and apostrophes. Focus on the subtle differences between transition words. Complete at least one practice test for the writing section before you take the real deal. The writing section is included in your Reading score. Don’t skip this step.
5. The reading section. For students who perform poorly in reading, speed and comprehension are the usual suspects. Read as many sample passages as you can– in fact, read the same passage over and over again until you increase your speed. Our brains read and comprehend in chunks, not in individual words or letters. The more “chunks” of information your brain can recognize and interpret, the faster you’ll read and the more you can comprehend.
6. The essay. Sure, it’s optional, but why not try it? Many colleges are more concerned with the essay you write for them than the one you write for the SAT. Plus, you can never go wrong by improving your writing skills. There are sample essays and sample writing prompts online at collegeboard.org. Read sample essays. Write your own. Put it away for three days. Read it, edit it, and start over. Write another sample essay. Put it away for three days. Read it and edit. Start over.