How Can I Ace the SATs?

For many high school juniors and seniors, the SAT is the most commonly used standardized test and measures knowledge in areas such as vocabulary, science, math and reasoning. Though some colleges have done away with minimum standardized test score requirements, many of the top 25 universities in the country still evaluate SAT results as part of their admissions criteria. If you are about to sit for the SAT, follow some tips to help maximize your chances for a good result.

Instructions

Test Review Prep Course Method

1. Find out what's on the SAT test by going online to the SAT website and learning the different subject areas that comprise the test. Research test dates and locations. SAT tests can be taken as many times as you want before you graduate from high school.

   Make a list in descending order of the subjects you feel most confident about to the ones in which you need more help.

2. Research test review courses such as the Princeton Review, and determine which program fits your budget and time commitment. Ask any prospective review course to provide references that you can contact to confirm the effectiveness of the programs that are offered.

3. Research private tutoring options. Decide if you prefer a private tutor who comes to your home, or if you want to use a tutoring center in your community. Visit the prospective tutor (or tutoring center) to determine if he can provide an individual program that will help improve the test subject areas in which you are weak.

Self Study

1. Purchase an SAT preparation book that provides test-taking strategies and sample questions for each subject area. Focus on your weaker subjects and memorize the strategies offered to do well in those areas.

2. Take two timed practice SAT tests every week in the two-month period prior to the official test date. Take one test without taking a break to approximate the actual test conditions. Take the second test by tackling only one section such as the verbal section. The following week you can take only the math section. Take all the tests somewhere quiet where distractions are at a minimum.

3. Review every wrong answer. Find out why you made a mistake and how to arrive at the correct response. Focus on improving in the subject areas in which you receive the lowest scores.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't take two timed tests a week, reduce it to one but start your SAT preparation three months before the actual test to give you the time to practice and drill.

• Choose Score Choice when taking the SAT test, which allows you to choose which SAT scores are sent to the universities where you're applying for admission.

• When you are taking the test and you don't know the right answer to a question, eliminate the ones you can determine are incorrect and then guess among the remaining choices.

• Know the time limits for each section.

• There is no penalty for leaving an answer blank, but if you guess incorrectly, points are deducted from your overall score.

References

• Sylvan Learning: Personalized Tutoring
• The College Board: SAT -- The Most Widely Used College Admission Exam
• Study Hacks: How To Ace The SAT: A No Nonsense System For STudents Looking to Score High; David Shenk; July 2008
• Careers and Colleges: SAT Strategies
• The College Board: Score Choice
• The College Board: SAT Taking Approaches

Resources

• FOX Business; How To Ace The SAT Without Breaking the Bank; Emily Driscoll; December 2010