How to Prepare for the SAT's

Written by: Aiden Raymond (28’) & Mark Schloesser (28’)

The SAT is a major exam that most high school students take in order to gain admittance into college. It tests reading, writing, and math skills that students have gained throughout their time in high school. A good SAT score can earn you scholarships and acceptance into the best universities, so it is important to prepare thoroughly for this test. Knowing the test, making a study schedule, and doing practice tests regularly will make you more confident and skilled on the day of the test.

First, to get ready for the SAT, students need to know the structure of the exam. The SAT’s are divided into two main parts: Reading & Writing, and Math. In these two sections, most questions are multiple choice while in Math there are some multiple choice and fill in the blank questions. Understanding the types of questions and their order helps you to calm down and perform better. It also allows students to become familiar with the timing of each section. Practicing under time restrictions trains students to work at a sufficient pace. Students should review common skills the SAT focuses on such as grammar rules, analysis, vocabulary, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. 

In addition, learning test-taking strategies can help students improve their scores. Students should practice pacing themselves so they do not spend too much time on one difficult question. If a question seems too hard, it is often better to skip it and come back later. Using the process of elimination can also improve chances of choosing the correct answer, even if students are unsure. Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, students should never leave a question blank.

Planning a study schedule is another important step. The usual advice is to start studying two or three months before the test. Regular study sessions are good for helping students learn properly and preventing them from getting stressed the night before the exam. Short, consistent study sessions are often more effective than cramming for long hours. Studying for 30–45 minutes a day can help students stay focused and avoid burnout. Setting small goals, such as mastering one grammar rule or one math topic per session, can make studying feel more manageable. Regular practice reinforces memories and increases the stamina needed for teaching tests.

Using authorized SAT practice tests is another great way to get ready. The College Board, which is the group that conducts the SAT, gives out free online full length practice tests. These practice tests are designed to closely match the real exam and give students an opportunity to get used to the structure and the time limits. After taking a practice test, students should analyze their results in order to know which areas are strong and which need more work. This allows students to focus their studying on the skills they need most. 

Since the SAT is now taken digitally, students should also practice taking the assessment on a computer. Being comfortable reading on a screen, scrolling through passages, and using the built-in calculator and tools can help students work more efficiently on test day. Practicing in a digital format can reduce stress and prevent surprises during the real exam.

Finally, taking care of physical and mental health is an important part of SAT preparation. Getting enough sleep, eating a good breakfast, and staying hydrated can help students stay focused and think clearly. Managing stress through exercise, deep breathing, or short breaks during studying can also improve performance.

In conclusion, preparing for the SAT takes time, effort, and smart strategies. By understanding the test, following a consistent study schedule, using official practice tests, and taking care of their mental and physical health, students can walk into test day feeling confident and ready to succeed.