10 ACTIONABLE TIPS
TO ACE YOUR UPCOMING
SAT
If you’ve started thinking about college, chances are you’ve started thinking about the SAT. Whether you’re a senior, junior, or just trying to get ahead, it is never a bad idea to consider ways to ace your upcoming SAT.
While there is no quick fix to acing the exam, there are some tips and tricks that can help you feel prepared and ready. Alongside study, having a plan of action for when you take the test is crucial. Here are our top 10 tips to remember for the test day. Don’t worry; you got this!
Keep Your Cool
While nerves are normal, managing SAT day anxiety is crucial in keeping a level head. A great way to do this is to be as familiar as possible with the structure and timing of the test… that’s right, practice tests. The exam won’t feel as daunting if you’ve done practice tests under pressure before.
Have A Plan For Each Section
When you take your practice tests, you will realize that each section has its quirks. Becoming familiar with the structure of the Reading, Writing, and Language, and Maths tests will help you plan your exam strategy.
Know Your Strengths
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses; that’s just a fact. By identifying where you are strongest you can anticipate where you can get easy points, as well as plan where you’ll spend more time.
Don’t Do The Questions In Order
Do the easy questions first-you will build your confidence and leave more time for problem-solving the difficult questions.
Read Instructions Clearly
It seems simple, but a lot of contexts can be found in the questions! Make sure not to skip over important details.
Eliminate The Wrong Answers
With multiple-choice questions, the process of elimination is crucial. As long as you can cross out 3 wrong answers confidently, you will have the correct answer.
Memorize Grammar Rules
The SAT uses a standardized and specific set of grammatical rules. Become familiar with these, as the correct grammar is the basis for excellent writing.
Memorize Mathematical Formulas
While you will have access to formulas on test day if you forget, memorizing them is a great way to keep momentum and save time. You will probably commit many of them to memory during your study, but it can’t hurt to actively memorize the most common mathematical formulas.
Double Check Your Answers
Another simple trick – Double-checking is an important step to avoid silly mistakes. If you go back at the end of each section, you may catch errors you previously missed or suddenly have an answer come to you. This is crucial for quality control.
Prepare The Night Before
The night before the SAT, try to avoid cramming in the study. Instead, prepare your stationery and calculator, eat a proper meal, and get a full night’s sleep. Anything you haven’t studied by now is unlikely to stick, and it is more important to keep a clear and alert mind.
The Bottom Line
Preparing for college can be a daunting task for students who are still just on the verge of adulthood. It is important to help prepare them as early as possible to be ready and confident for what is to come.
