How to Study for the SAT

Though many colleges today place less emphasis on Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores than applicants realize, the exam is still an important tool used to measure a student's academic potential. Here's how to prepare for this all-important adolescent milestone.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• SAT Study Guides
• College Catalogs
• College Guides
• Dictionaries
• Stress Relief Products
• Calculators
• Timers
• High-energy Snacks
• Pencils
• Index Cards
• Oxford English Dictionary On CD-ROM
• SAT Softwares

1. Decide when you'll take the test, and register by the appropriate deadline. Leave plenty of time to study.

2. Focus on learning the test as much as the content. The SAT is a multiple-choice exam in which each correct answer adds points to your score and each incorrect answer subtracts from it.

3. Obtain copies of earlier tests from the College Board, a test-preparation company or a bookstore. Practice taking the test to become comfortable with it.

4. Review class notes in language arts and math. Within those subject areas, concentrate on reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and usage, geometry, algebra and arithmetic.

5. Practice by giving yourself timed mini-tests. Don't spend too much time on any one question, since each is worth an equal amount. If you finish before the time is up, go back and work on any questions you skipped the first time around, or review your answers if you completed the test.

6. Study all you want until the night before the test. Then knock off and get a good night's rest.

Tips & Warnings

• Leaving a question blank neither adds nor subtracts anything. If you can eliminate two answers as definitely wrong, guess between the remaining two choices. If you are completely lost on a given question, skip it.

• If you are unhappy with your scores, consider an SAT preparatory course such as those offered by Kaplan or Princeton Review.