Since the doomed year we remember as 2020, many schools have changed their policy regarding the coveted SAT. The Scholastic Aptitude Test, or the “SAT,” is one of the standardized tests that you can take to apply to college. It used to be that students had to take a standardized test to apply to college, but since 2020, many colleges have adopted a test optional policy, allowing students to submit or withhold their scores. I got lucky in the fact that I am submitting applications in the last year that most schools are test optional. Unfortunately for all the upcoming classes, they will most likely have to submit their scores. Fortunately for them, I’m here to help make this test a little less scary.
The Digital SAT is a monster of a test with four sections, two math and two reading. You start the test with 32 minutes to complete 27 questions in the first reading section, followed immediately after with another 27 questions in 32 minutes. There is no break in between the two reading sections, just 64 straight minutes of English. Between the reading and math you get a 10 minute break. Use the time to relax. Don’t focus on any difficult questions from the last section, just let it go and move forward with confidence into the math. The math is made up of two 35 minute sections to complete with 22 questions in each. You get a bit more time per question, so use it wisely. The test totals to 2 hours and 24 minutes (including the 10 minute break) which both seems like too long and too short to complete all of this. But there’s plenty of ways you can prepare.
I have taken three SATs during my senior year and I have found a lot of ways to prepare.
- Take the practice tests. Bluebook (the application which runs the digital SAT) offers six different practice tests you can take. TAKE THEM. Do not go into your test blindly. Taking the practice test gives you a good idea of the timing and the type of questions you will see. They also give detailed reports on what subjects you did well in or what you struggled in. It helps give you a better idea of what specifically you should study.
- Practice specific topics. Khan Academy offers a great, free, SAT prep course. You can pick and choose what topics you want to practice. If a practice test reports your weakness in geometry, work specifically in that question. I highly recommend the Khan Academy practice.
- Space out your studying. Don’t try to cram all the information in the night before. Designate about 30 minutes a day for it for about a month leading up to your test. Leave the last few days before the test to relax and mentally prepare rather than studying.
- Take a Prep course. Now this is a step I didn’t do, but many of my friends swear by it. Having a specific time dedicated for intense SAT work helped boost their scores by 100 points.
At the end of the day, study how you study best. What works for me might not work for you and that’s okay. Just remember that this test doesn’t define you. If you don’t reach your target score, don’t let it get to you. It’s just a number. If a college really wants you, the score won’t matter. Just do your best and don’t let it get you down.
