Standardized exams like the SAT can be intimidating, but with the right approach, they can be conquered. Having taken the SAT 4 times, I’ve honed a strategy that focuses on consistency, daily practice, learning from mistakes, and thorough review. These practices have not only improved my scores, but allowed me to get faster, more effective study sessions.

The number one tip is: Consistency is key. Rather than cramming all the material the night before, I’ve found that studying a little bit every day will almost always be better. This approach prevents burnout and better retention of information. Setting aside dedicated study time each day, even if it’s just for a few minutes, makes sure that you are engaged in what you are learning.

Moreover, I’ve learned the importance of learning from mistakes. It’s inevitable to encounter challenging questions or make errors during practice tests. Instead of getting demotivated by setbacks, I use them as learning opportunities. After each practice test, I always meticulously review the questions I got wrong or struggled with. I believe that this is the most important part of the process, and that the review of the practice test should take longer than the time it took to actually do the practice test.

Keeping track of mistakes is another crucial aspect of my strategy. I personally created a notebook for all of the questions I missed, categorizing them by topic. Since the SAT has a predetermined topic list that its questions are based off of by identifying patterns in my mistakes, I can prioritize areas that need improvement. This targeted approach allows me to focus my study efforts efficiently, rather than aimlessly reviewing material that I already know.

As mentioned previously, the real learning happens during the review process. I dedicate more time to reviewing practice tests than actually taking them. Going through each question that I got wrong and learning how to do it helps solidify my understanding of the material. For questions I answered correctly, I ensure that I understand the reasoning behind the correct answer. For incorrect answers, I delve into why I made the mistake and reinforce the correct approach.

Finally, I understand that studying for exams can be a pain. It gets boring studying problem after problem, which is why I value group study sessions. Not only does it allow for exchanging of ideas and concepts, it is also significantly more fun.

Overall, my approach to acing standardized exams revolves around consistency, daily practice, learning from mistakes, and thorough review. By using these strategies, I’ve been able to improve my scores on the SAT. I will carry these strategies with me throughout college, knowing that they are the keys to success.