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How to prepare for SAT? [5 simple steps]

Written by Aditi

Updated on: 23 Dec 2024

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To prepare well for your SAT test, you must know your exam date, recognize your areas of improvement, set a target score, plan your lessons around it, understand the exam format, and practice a lot of mock tests.

The SAT scores are important in a student’s life. The scores are one of the defining factors for the college admissions departments to accept or reject the applicant. With stakes being high on the test scores, it certainly cannot be taken lightly. 

According to data from the SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report, in 2022, More than 1.7 million high school students took the SAT! Meanwhile, 1.3 million high school students took the ACT Test.

Here’s how you can prepare for SAT in 5 simple steps:

What is the best way to Prepare for SAT?

You can prepare for your SAT exam in 5 simple yet strategic steps that are discussed below: 

Step 1: Know your exam date

Mark your exam date. Even if it’s a tentative exam date, mark it and calculate how much time you have to prepare for the test. This calculation is the most important as it will set a base for further study planning before the test day draws closer. Also, get an idea of the location of your test center.

Step 2: Identify your challenges

To begin with, an effective study plan can only be created by knowing where you stand currently. Begin by administering an assessment to evaluate your current strengths and weaknesses. What are the areas that need more time and attention than others? It’s best to get help from a test-prep tutor for this assessment.

This can be done using official SAT practice tests to assess their performance in each section. Analyze the results to identify areas that require the most improvement. A practice test is the best way to get a feel of the SAT in advance.

Step 3: Set a target score and plan around it

Set your target score and plan your preparation around it. Set specific score goals for each section of the SAT or ACT. Break the goals into smaller milestones to track progress effectively. Create a study plan that outlines the timeline, study sessions, and resources to be used.

Step 4: Understand the exam format and practice

Allocating dedicated study sessions for content review in each section would inculcate regular practice and familiarization. Resources such as textbooks, online materials, and practice questions reinforce understanding. Focus on key concepts, strategies, and question formats unique to the SAT. Bookmark the College Board website to keep an eye on changes. Rigorously taking practice tests can help you understand the test format, especially in the digital SAT.

Step 5: Attempt Mock tests 

A crucial factor is administering full-length mock tests periodically to simulate the exam experience. This would help the student analyze the results to identify areas of improvement and develop even better target strategies. Full-length practice tests are recommended.

Your test-prep tutor has a big role to play here. Each time you pick an incorrect answer during SAT preparation tests, ask the SAT tutor to review the correct answer with detailed explanations. Track progress, adjusting study plans as needed, time management, and stress reduction techniques are the way to go. Practice regularly – there’s no other way around it.

The study plan should be tailored to meet the student’s unique needs, and the tutor should be able to adapt to it as necessary based on their progress and feedback.

Bonus tip to prepare for the SAT

Here’s a bonus tip for you! As you see preparing for the SAT requires a lot of assessment, strategic planning, instruction, and reviewing previous year’s question papers, you must get help from an SAT test-prep tutor. Wiingy provides excellent private and affordable SAT test prep with online tutors. Book a free trial now!

Key takeaways

Success on the SAT requires dedication, consistent effort, and effective guidance. Investing in a tutor can significantly enhance a student’s confidence, knowledge, and overall performance on these crucial exams. 

For these reasons, students who wish to get SAT prep assistance should create a study plan to achieve all the objectives. Free practice tests are also available online.

So, whether students aim to improve their scores or for a top-tier university, consider partnering with a tutor who can provide the expertise and support needed to achieve their goals.

Other useful reads

What is SAT? 

Digital SAT

SAT Test dates 

How long is the SAT?

How many questions are on the SAT?

When do SAT scores come out?

SAT score guide

When should you take the SAT?

How many times can you take the SAT?

Do I need an SAT and ACT tutor?

What does SAT stand for?

Device use in digital SAT

How much does the SAT cost?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a tutor worth it for SAT or ACT?

Whether or not a tutor is worth it for the SAT depends on a number of factors, including:
Your current SAT score and your target score
How much time you have to prepare for the SAT
Your learning style
Your budget
If you have a low SAT score and you are aiming for a high score, then a tutor can be a great way to help you achieve your goal. A tutor can help you identify weaknesses, develop a personalized study plan, and teach test-taking strategies.
If you have limited time to prepare for the SAT, then a tutor can also be a good option. A tutor can help you focus your studies on the most important topics and maximize your time.
However, it is important to note that a tutor does not guarantee success. You still need to be willing to work hard and study regularly.

How long should I study for the SAT to get a 1500?

The number of hours of tutoring recommended for the SAT depends on a number of factors, including your current SAT score, your target score, and how quickly you learn.
If you have a low SAT score and are aiming for a high score, you may need to meet with your tutor for several hours per week. However, if you have a high SAT score and are looking to improve your score slightly, you may only need to meet with your tutor for a few hours per month.
A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 10 hours of tutoring per month. However, depending on your individual needs, you may need more or less tutoring.

How much can you improve SAT with tutoring?

The amount that you can improve your SAT score with tutoring depends on a number of factors, including your current SAT score, your target score, and how much time you have to prepare for the SAT.
Studies have shown that students who receive tutoring can improve their SAT scores by an average of 100 points. However, some students may improve their scores by more or less depending on their individual needs.
If you are serious about improving your SAT score, then tutoring can be a great way to help you achieve your goal. However, it is important to note that a tutor does not guarantee success. You still need to be willing to work hard and study regularly.

References

  1. SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15 2023, from https://reports.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/2022-total-group-sat-suite-of-assessments-annual-report.pdf

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Aditi

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