How to Succeed with SAT Test Preparation

SAT test preparation improves your score and helps you get into the college of your choice. Different students have different learning styles. No matter how you approach the SAT, test preparation is crucial.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time
• Money
• Dedication
• Persistence
• SAT test preparation materials, such as practice tests, books, videos, and websites

1. 

   Sign up for an SAT test preparation course. These instructor-led workshops are intensive and expensive, but can greatly improve your score. Insider tips and tricks, plus repeated practice tests, are the hallmarks of these SAT prep courses.

2. 

   Hire a private SAT tutor. In your own home or at an SAT test preparation center, a tutor helps you concentrate on fixing your weaknesses. SAT tutors are more expensive per hour than test prep courses, but you may actually save money in the long run by focusing on your own needs rather than the needs of other students in a class.

3. 

   Create your own SAT test preparation course. Begin with the Official Guide and a general SAT test prep book. Take all the practice tests under simulated test conditions, then supplement your reading with workbooks on specific subjects.

4. 

   For more information on SAT test preparation, check out Resources below or the section on this page titled More Articles Like This.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for a teacher or tutor who has scored extremely high on a recent SAT test, rather than one who merely knows the subject matter. For example, a college undergrad with a perfect 2400 score is a better choice than a university math or English professor who hasn't taken the test in years.
• You can retake the test to improve your score.
• Money is NOT the key to good SAT test preparation. If you are a highly motivated self-learner, you may not need to spend a fortune on private teachers and classes. Books, practice tests, and websites provide sufficient material for you to create your own SAT test preparation course. But you will need to master the material without the prompting or guidance of an SAT tutor.
• Start early. Give yourself at least two months of daily practice.

Resources

• The Official SAT Study Guide by The College Board
• Cracking the SAT by Princeton Review
• Barron's SAT
• Kaplan SAT Premier Program
• Gruber's Complete SAT Guide
• The Grammar Guy (free online SAT test preparation)

[labellefleur100]

on 2/14/2009 As a teacher in high school, the key to the SAT's is practice and learning certain tricks especially how to narrow down your choices! Great advice! 5*

[02SmithA]

on 1/28/2009 Good advice... procrastination is a good way to do poorly on these tests.. .cramming can really hurt you...

[TalkTime]

on 1/24/2009 Excellent advice!