The SAT is a dreaded test that almost all hopeful students who intend to enter college undergo. Despite the hype surrounding these tests and their alleged difficulty, if you follow these simple steps and consider the tips below, you will be able to prepare for the test. It's not that hard - calm down and make sure you know the information you need on the test day.
Steps
Step 1. Don't worry
There are two things that will help you get a good score and the most important is to stay calm. The other is preparation. Reading, understanding and answering questions is more difficult if you feel panic or anxious. Keep a cool head. Slow down a little. You'll be able to finish when you don't spend too much time on each particular question!
Step 2. Find out about the test
The SAT is a standardized test: it means that all test takers take the same test under the same conditions, which makes it possible to compare their scores equally. If you can identify these types of questions, you are one step away from the score you want (or need).
Step 3. Practice and put what you learn into practice
When you try to pass the SAT, there is nothing better than the real situation, practicing with the test. The first time you take a test like the SAT will be the most difficult, because it will be the ONLY moment when you don't know what to expect. Try to practice the test in an environment that closely resembles the exam site. A library can do. It will prepare you for the other side of the test - concentrating for over three hours in an environment where you are uncomfortable, while, around you, other people cough, sneeze and tap their pencils.
Step 4. Prepare over time
Spending about half an hour every other day for a period of 4 - 5 months is reasonable. Organize your study time between math, grammar and vocabulary. Study thoroughly for each section using specific SAT test supports. There are many different aids available - you can find books and practice tests at the SAT test preparation center. There was also a New York Times article on a lesser-known method of increasing the SAT score: you can use calculator-specific programs while tackling the math part of the test, or they work as useful refresher as verbal instructional cards.
Step 5. Practice reading with short non-fiction articles to prepare for the reading section
The Economist magazine is a great source of articles that are just the right length. Try reading some of them every day.
Step 6. Learn from your mistakes
After taking a practice test, you should review your answers for about the same amount of time you spent on the test. Try to remember why you chose a certain answer. See if you notice a recurring pattern. There is almost always one.
Step 7. Read the question before writing the answers
Reading the question and deciding what you think the answer is BEFORE you even see the possible options will almost always help you choose the right answer. Don't look at the possible choices until you have an idea of what the answer should be. Four of the answers are designed to mislead you.
Step 8. Don't think too hard about the question
In the verbal sections, you should be positively certain of the answer - don't try to make too many interpretations of how the answer might fit. If you have an idea of what you are looking for before starting your search, there is a good chance that you will find it. Only one answer fits like a glove.
Step 9. Delete as many answers as you can
If any of the answers seem "completely wrong" to you, then cross them out. By ignoring the questions that you are sure are wrong, you can increase the chances of selecting a correct answer. This is especially useful if you are going to guess a question.
Step 10. Identify the problems you may encounter during the test
Do you have difficulty with difficult algebra questions? Don't know some of the darker grammar rules? Apply yourself to these areas more than others. It is recommended to study the difficult topics at least twice as much as the easier ones. First try to understand the concepts, then put them into practice with problems and questions. While memorization can be useful, particularly with vocabulary, that's not all. Understanding goes far beyond memorization.
Step 11. Get familiar with the calculator as soon as possible
On the day of the test you certainly can't afford to waste precious minutes to understand how the calculator works!
Step 12. Remember that each question is worth the same amount of points and that the questions get progressively more difficult
If you are not strong in math, focus well on the first 15 - 20 questions instead of wasting time on the really difficult ones, as you would probably do them less well anyway.
Step 13. When doing a math problem, remember to ask yourself:
"What's the question?" Many math questions try to fool you with word games Make sure you understand exactly what the question is asking.
Step 14. Sleep well and have a good breakfast
Don't sabotage yourself so you have an excuse when you go wrong. You don't want to have regrets. If you put yourself in the order of ideas to be successful, it is much more likely that you will have it.
Step 15. Try not to be nervous on the day of the exam
It can be difficult, but you have to repeat to yourself: "It's just a test and I have prepared myself on everything I could. I will be successful!" If you trust yourself, quite simply, you will succeed better.
Step 16. If allowed during the test, bring water to hydrate
Being well hydrated can mean the difference between failure and success
Advice
- Going to bed early, around 8pm, before the test will help you a lot.
- Bring a snack with you. Most tests allow for a pause in the exam between the different sections, and you'll work better if you aren't focused on how hungry or thirsty you are.
- Read articles and tips to help you successfully pass the essay writing portion of the SAT.
- Don't let anyone or anything else distract you during the test! Just focus on your work.
- Make sure you understand the method to use and why it works and makes logical sense.
- If you have problems with understanding the text, try to make a simple and literal reasoning: do not get confused and do not focus on the small pieces of the passage. Know that the logic is often obvious.
- Remember to go to the toilet before the test. Worry can cause you to want to pee.
- Download the applications that help you with studying for the SAT. They usually ask you a question every day.
- Try to sleep well.
- If you can't find the answer to one question, skip to the next one. When you get to the end, try searching for the answer.
Warnings
- Remember: Sometimes teachers make aptitude tests seem difficult and scary so you can study more. Don't stress yourself out. After all, you have prepared yourself well and have all the resources you need to be successful.
- Never sacrifice sleep to study more! Does not work. When you sleep, your body sends information to memory. If you sacrifice sleep to study, then you will remember less. You can't slog for the SAT!
