SAT Overview: Tips and Tricks

PSAT + Beginning steps of the SAT:

As someone who had never taken the SAT before, I always heard so many mixed opinions on how you are supposed to study, what you are supposed to bring, and what is the easiest way to get a good score. It was always very confusing with these tips coming from a variety of people, so I took the best tips and tricks from CollegeBoard websites, people I know, and other great resources to hopefully help you do better on your SAT Exam. For many juniors and sophomores, college seems like a distant reality, but it is closer than it may seem. Most of the time the first step in the college process is the SAT, which is a “Scholastic Aptitude Test” that tests your knowledge from your high school experience. This test is a very good way to gauge your understanding of topics and help prepare for future academics in college. Try your best on this because it can be very beneficial when applying to college.

This is the first year that the SAT is on the computer and other digital devices, so here is some more information about this new SAT exam and some tips and tricks for it.

SAT Overview:

1. Two Sections – Reading & Writing / Math (each section has two modules)
2. Total time – 2 hours and 14 minutes
3. Grading scale of 400 – 1600
4. Computer Based – Bluebook App for SAT
5. Reading & Writing = 64 minutes (two 32-minute modules) – 54 questions
6. 10 minute Break between Reading & Writing / Math
7. Math = 70 minutes (two 35-minute modules) – 44 questions
8. All of the questions are Multiple Choice
9. Module 1: mix of easy, medium, and hard – Depending on how you do, Module 2 will be easier or harder

Studying Tips:

• Khan Academy is a very good resource to learn some of the skills that are tested during the SAT
• Brush up on Math and Reading & Writing Skills
• Math topics that can be covered – Number and Operations; Algebra and Functions; Geometry and Measurement, Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability
• Reading & Writing topics that can be covered – Punctuation/Boundaries, Transitions, Verbs, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Completions, and Research/Purpose
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions to teachers, guidance counselors, or friends about the SAT
• Get familiar with using the computer for the SAT and Desmos as a calculator

Test Day Tips:

• Don’t study for hours the day before the exam (only light review)
• Go to bed before 11:00 P.M. (Preferably between 9:00 – 10:00PM)
• Charge your test-day device/computer
• Check your calculator batteries before your exam – replace if necessary
• Eat a BIG breakfast!
• ALWAYS arrive early to where you are taking your SAT
• Bring your Picture ID, test admission slip, calculator, charged device with charging cable, small snacks for break or after test, water, and layered clothing depending on the season

Test Taking Tips:

• Come in with a game plan on what you are going to try to do during the test
• Desmos is a very useful tool when trying to solve questions (YouTube videos can be very helpful in giving directions on how to use it)
• Don’t fixate on one question for two long – Reading & Writing: 70 seconds / Math: 95 seconds
• Always TRY to answer all of the questions, a wrong answer does not decrease your score
• If you are panicking, take a second to relax, and remember that you can do this!

Good luck to everyone taking the SAT! You are going to do great!