Maximize your SAT scores with our top studying tips and tricks. Ace the test and get into your dream college.

Top 5 SAT studying tips and tricks

A high SAT score can open doors to prestigious universities and scholarships, while a low score can limit opportunities on college applications. Therefore, it is essential to have effective study strategies that will maximize your chances of success. In this article, we will discuss the top five SAT studying test prep tips and tricks that will help you prepare for the exam and boost your scores, as well as what to expect when it comes to the exam itself.

About the SAT

The SAT is a standardized test administered by the College Board to assess college readiness for high school students. It consists of four sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math questions (with and with no calculator), and an optional essay, and is an important part of the college admissions process. The test is full of grid-in and multiple-choice questions, and each section has a set amount of time to complete, so you should familiarize yourself with the format and structure of each section and know the time constraints for each in advance.

When you should start studying for the SAT

The SAT test is not a test you can cram for the night before. It requires weeks, if not months, of preparation to truly feel confident and prepared. Begin studying as early as possible, ideally in the summer before your senior year of high school.

What to expect the night before and day of the SAT

The night before the test, make sure to get enough sleep. On the test day, make sure to show up early and bring your admission ticket and any required materials, such as your ID, calculator, extra pencils, and test booklet, to the test center. Answer questions confidently and aim for the correct answer instead of guessing.

Top SAT studying hacks

For many students, the SAT can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and mindset, anyone can succeed. Here are some top SAT prep tips and tricks to help you achieve your best score:

1. Create an SAT study schedule

Creating a study plan will help you maximize your preparation and stay organized by setting goals for what you want to accomplish each day and week and sticking to your plan. Make sure you have a good balance of reviewing content and practicing test-taking strategies.

Also, allocate time to study each section of the test regularly to improve your skills and build confidence. It's important to focus on each section of the SAT and understand the types of questions asked. The SAT is a timed test, so you can even set timers to ensure you have enough time to complete all the SAT questions on test day because you’ll be accustomed to it.

2. Prep with popular SAT programs

Utilizing practice exams is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the SAT. The College Board, which administers the SAT, provides official practice tests that mimic the real exam, and you can take advantage of these practice tests or SAT prep books to get a feel for the test format and types of questions you will encounter from grid-in math questions to the reading and writing sections.

In addition to the resources you’ll find on the College Board website, there are many online programs available that can help you prepare for the SAT, such as Khan Academy, PrepScholar, and The Princeton Review, which offer practice tests, video lessons, and personalized coaching to help you succeed with SAT studying. You can practice the easy questions first and then turn your focus to areas of weakness. Use your practice test results to identify areas where you need improvement, and spend more time studying those subjects.

3. Memorize formulas

The Math test section is a significant part of the SAT, and memorizing formulas can help you solve problems faster. Review and memorize key formulas, such as the Pythagorean theorem, quadratic equation, and distance formula, to save time during the test.

4. Use text to speech when studying

If you're a visual or auditory learner, using text to speech software can help you absorb information more efficiently. With text to speech tools like Speechify, you can listen to study materials while commuting or doing other activities, which can help you maximize your study time. Additionally, research has shown that hearing information can be a more effective way of retaining it than reading alone.

5. Use the study methods you already know

Many of the study strategies you’re already familiar with through regular tests at school also apply to the SAT. For example, test takers can try the following to master the reading section, math section, and new SAT essay.

• Process of Elimination — Use the process of elimination to eliminate wrong answers and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.
• Don’t second guess — Trust your instincts and don’t second-guess yourself. Often, your first instinct is the correct answer.
• Practice grammar rules — When it comes to the writing section, make sure you’re following English grammar rules such as subject-verb agreement and proper use of pronouns, commas, and apostrophes.
• Ensure reading comprehension — To ensure reading comprehension pay attention to connotation and context to understand the meaning of a passage. Also, underline important details and answer questions based on evidence from the section.
• Read carefully — Read the instructions thoroughly to ensure you’re choosing the correct answer choices.
• Work backward — If you are having trouble with a question, try working backward from the answer choices.
• Make an educated guess — If you have no idea what the correct answer is, it's better to make an educated guess than to leave the question unanswered. Use any knowledge or information you have to make an informed guess and eliminate any answer choices that are clearly incorrect.

Boost your SAT studying with Speechify

The SAT exam covers a vast range of topics, and studying all of the material can be a time-consuming task, but Speechify can convert any digital or physical study materials into spoken words, which can help you consume content more quickly and efficiently. By listening to SAT study materials as they are read aloud, you can reinforce your memory of the content and better understand the material. Speechify offers customization features such as voice selection and speed control, allowing you to tailor the reading experience to your preferences. While Speechify is great for any student, it is also a particularly helpful tool for students with learning differences, such as dyslexia or ADHD, as it eliminates reading struggles and make studying more simple and accessible. Try Speechify for free today to see how it can level up your SAT studying.

FAQ

How do I find my SAT test date?

To find your SAT test date, go to the College Board website, click on the "SAT" tab at the top of the page, tap the "Register" button, create an account, and click on "Register for the SAT" under the "My SAT" section. There you will see your test date and location options.

Alternatively, you can also check with your high school counselor or SAT coordinator to find out the dates and locations of upcoming SAT tests in your area.

How is the reading test on the SAT?

The reading test consists of 52 multiple-choice questions that are based on five reading passages, each of which is approximately 500-750 words in length.

How is the SAT writing test?

The SAT writing test, also known as the Writing and Language Test, is designed to measure a student's ability to understand and improve written passages. The test consists of 44 multiple-choice questions, which are based on four passages that are approximately 400-450 words in length each.

Can I study for the SAT at the last minute?

It's important to note that last minute studying may not be effective and may lead to incorrect answers. Instead, students should take practice tests and study for several months leading up to the SAT.

What are the top SAT strategies?

The top 5 SAT study strategies are outlined in this article.