How do I begin prepping for the SAT?
I’m currently a sophomore in high school and I really want to buckle down and prepare for the SAT so I can take it early and then focus on my junior year classes.
After doing some initial research, I noticed that many people suggest that typical textbooks with practice SAT questions aren’t very useful. I would love to hear from someone who has taken the SAT and done well—what study strategies and resources worked for you? Your insights would be greatly appreciated!
It’s great that you’re starting to think about the SAT early! Here are some steps and resources that can help you create an effective study system:
Understand the SAT Format: Familiarize yourself with the SAT structure—how many sections there are, the types of questions, and the timing. Knowing what to expect will make studying easier.
Set a Study Schedule: Create a realistic study plan that you can stick to. Aim for consistent, daily study sessions rather than cramming. Breaking your study time into focused segments (like 30-45 minutes) with breaks in between can be really effective.
Use Official Resources: The College Board, which administers the SAT, provides free official practice materials. Visit their website and check out the Official SAT Study Guide and the Khan Academy SAT practice program. The Khan Academy is particularly good because it offers personalized practice based on your initial diagnostic test results.
Practice Tests: Taking full-length practice tests will help you get used to the pacing of the exam. Try to simulate test conditions (timed and in a quiet environment). After each test, make sure to review your answers—understanding your mistakes is key to improvement.
Focused Review: Identify your weak areas from the practice tests and focus your study sessions on those topics. Use supplemental resources, like specific math or writing workbooks or online platforms like Magoosh or PrepScholar, which provide tailored study plans and practice questions.
Study Groups: If possible, form a study group with friends or classmates also preparing for the SAT. Working together can help keep you motivated and allow you to discuss difficult concepts.
Stay Balanced: Since you’re planning to focus on your classes in junior year, remember to find a healthy balance between SAT prep and school work. Schedule some downtime to avoid burnout.
Mindset and Test-Taking Strategies: Besides content knowledge, develop strategies for handling different question types and managing your time on the test. Practice eliminating obviously wrong answers and guess strategically when you have to.
By starting early, using official materials, and being consistent, you’ll set yourself up for success on the SAT. Good luck!