What You Need to Know About Creating a Study Plan for the SAT
Making a Study Plan for the SAT
The idea that studying for the SAT is impossible is one of the most widespread misconceptions.
The SAT is actually a rather predictable examination because it is a standardized exam.
Every version of the test will have the same format, question categories, and overall frequency of information tested, even if no two SATs are alike.
To put it briefly, it is totally feasible to prepare for the SAT, and those who want to do well should give themselves plenty of time to do so!
To help them prepare for the SAT, we advise all of our students to create a study plan. However, this does not imply scheduling a few haphazard hours one week before the test.
A successful SAT study strategy is practical, thorough, and astute. We give you the advice you need to create such a plan in this post.
What Does SAT Study Mean?
There are similarities between preparing for the SAT and a typical high school exam. Flashcards, note-taking, targeted study sessions, and consistent practice are all important components of effective SAT preparation. One of New York City's Best SAT Tuition Classes is Masterclass Space. Naturally, the SAT is a very different beast from the exams kids take in a typical high school classroom.
The SAT and high school exams generally differ in three significant ways:
Content Duration and Strategy
Most students are unaware of how important strategy is on the SAT. The first part of the test, Evidence-Based Reading, actually doesn't require any prior understanding of the subject.
Strategy and a student's ability to swiftly navigate through thick, complicated reading material are key factors in success on this section.
The astute test-taker can also benefit from some techniques on the other SAT sections, such as math, which is the subject with the most substance.
To ace a classroom exam, high school pupils hardly ever need to practice a strategy!
Standard English and math subjects, including algebra, arithmetic, advanced math, geometry, and English conventions and rhetorical skills, will be assessed in the SAT. On the SAT, however, this well-known material frequently surfaces in unexpected ways.
Identifying the questions on the SAT can be half the battle!
Finally, the SAT takes more than three hours to complete. This exam requires students to use their brains for an extended period of time. Because of this, preparing for the test both mentally and physically is frequently a key component of successful SAT study.
Although each student's approach is unique, preparing for the SAT often entails the following:
- Timed exercise (to increase endurance)
- Evaluation and implementation of content
- Learning and applying strategies
- Drills and practice tests are used to regularly review progress.
You can prepare for the SAT independently.
However, students have the best chance of keeping themselves accountable for their studies and achieving that competitive score when they work with professionals through master classes or private tutoring.
Getting ready for the SAT
The first step is to register for the SAT, regardless of whether you've decided to prepare for it on your own or with expert assistance.
By doing this, you can set a healthy course and goal for your test preparation. After all, you are essentially required to attend Test Day after you have enrolled!
How far in advance should you register for the SAT?
This depends on when you begin preparing for the SAT. For instance, you might not have much time to take the test before the deadline for college applications if you're a senior in high school.
On the other hand, you can have a lot of possibilities if you're a junior in high school.
Generally speaking, we advise students to give themselves at least three months to prepare for the SAT. Two formal testing dates, which often translate into four to six months of consistent preparation (with a healthy few months between testing dates), are the most efficient preparation.
The College Board advises students to take the SAT twice: once in their junior year (usually in the spring) and again in their senior year (usually in the fall).
What are our recommendations? We think that between August and March of their junior year, students should think about taking the SAT or ACT for the first time.
More information regarding various ACT and SAT plans, along with eight things to think about when registering, may be found in another post.
For the time being, try to choose an SAT date that is at least three months out from the day you start preparing. Although you can register several months ahead of time if you'd like, SAT registration typically closes one month before the test.
How to Create a Study Plan for the SAT
It's time to create a productive study strategy after registering for your SAT. Here are some suggestions we have for doing so.
Be Aware of Your Test Date
This one is obvious. Register today to cross something off your list, even if your exam date is still many months away!
Keep in mind the deadlines for college applications. There is a severe deadline for last-minute SAT takers at many American colleges and universities.
The SAT may be offered by some students' schools on specific dates. To find out if this applies to your high school, speak with the guidance counselor.
Do a Diagnostic Test
The importance of taking a diagnostic SAT practice test cannot be overstated!
By doing this, students are introduced to the elements that distinguish the SAT from other exams:
Content Strategy for Duration
Additionally, it creates a baseline score for each area, which helps students understand what is in the way of their ideal result.
Reports on diagnostic scores might also point up important tactics, content areas that need improvement, and scheduling concerns.
Ten free official SAT practice exams are available here. Answer sheets and comprehensive proctoring guidelines are also included.
When creating a study plan, you can also consult your PSAT score report. The PSAT is fifteen minutes and fifteen questions shorter than the SAT, which is the only distinction between the two tests.
Choose Your Study Aids & Resources
Efficient materials are necessary for efficient SAT preparation. Before you start studying, take some time to put together the SAT study resources that will ensure your success!
For the majority of students, this entails hiring a private tutor or test-prep firm. If you go this route, the majority of employers will either offer their own SAT preparation materials or suggest specific ones.
Others might decide to do it themselves. (Self-study is feasible and successful, but only if you adhere to these guidelines.)
Flashcards can be essential for reviewing material such as grammatical rules and mathematical calculations. To improve comprehension, we also advise keeping track of assignments and practice exam mistakes while you study.
Decide on a Weekly Time
It takes continuous time and effort to prepare for the SAT effectively. Set aside time each week for practice and assignments, and approach your preparation as you would any high school course.
Choose the times of day that work best for your SAT preparation. For example, it would not be as advantageous to begin your SAT preparation on Wednesday nights at 10 p.m.
However, it might be more effective to practice on Saturday mornings, when you'll probably be taking the official exam.
Students who collaborate with private tutors have an edge in this situation because these partnerships frequently entail weekly meetings and assigned homework.
Take Practice Exams Frequently
The most reliable way for pupils to apply the concepts they have been learning on their own is through regular practice exams. Additionally, it can increase mental and physical endurance, which should not be undervalued on test day!
Fortunately, students can access a large number of practice exams via the College Board. It's also possible for other tutoring businesses to offer their own internal practice resources.
But since College Board practice exams provide the most representative SAT practice, taking them is essential. The most precise benchmarking is also offered by official practice exams.
Every three to four weeks before your official test date, we advise taking a practice exam.
Set Objectives
Realistic, precise, and doable objectives should be part of your SAT study strategy. Establish a target SAT score first.
Students can establish their target SAT score at the start of their studies with the use of a diagnostic SAT exam. Additionally, students can look out the average SAT scores of applicants who were accepted into the colleges they are interested in. Select the SAT score that best fits your goals and starting point because a "good" score might mean various things to different individuals!
To assist you in achieving this objective score, set smaller, more manageable goals throughout your practice. Here are a few instances:
- 100% accuracy on Math No-Calculator problems 1 through 10 on your upcoming practice exam
- In three minutes, actively read each attempted reading paragraph.
- Completing a timed Writing & Language practice with perfect grammar
- Making a strong plan for a practice SAT essay
Take Responsibility for Yourself
Committing to SAT preparation can be challenging, particularly when you have a hectic schedule. However, it is highly likely to be beneficial to hold yourself responsible for your SAT preparation.
- Establish Specific Objectives
Set a goal score before you take the SAT (or retake it). Setting a reasonable objective will be aided by taking into account the average SAT range of the universities on your list, including those where testing is optional, or the scholarship application requirements. Make use of tools to determine how your SAT score stacks up against the average for the institutions on your list.
- Make a plan and sign up
It's critical to determine when to take the SAT. Make sure the date you choose aligns with the deadline for your college applications and provides time for preparation. Recall that early registration is crucial because some exam dates are in high demand. If your school offers the SAT on a school day, you can also ask your counselor.
- Acquire Knowledge about PSAT-Related Evaluations
A sample of the actual SAT atmosphere can be seen on the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT. These assessments show a course for success and development and offer insights into areas that require work.
- Enroll in Difficult Courses
Taking the most difficult classes you can is one approach to prepare and do your best because the SAT focuses on the knowledge and abilities you acquire every day in the classroom. This can include any Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities you may have, as well as honors and advanced classes at your school. Your score report tells you which AP courses you're likely to do well in if you take a PSAT-related test.
- Make preparation and practice a priority.
The good news is that you can raise your SAT scores without paying for a SAT prep course or a private teacher. Free practice is the most effective method for preparing for the digital SAT. Make the most of your time by completing lengthy practice exams, adhering to specific practice recommendations, and consistently improving your abilities. Adapt your study strategies to your needs, areas of weakness, and test date.
Make use of the SAT Q&A Service
Most students who take the SAT in March, October, and May have access to the SAT Question and Answer Service. This service gives students the following when they take the SAT:
a duplicate of the SAT questions from that particular exam date
a summary of your responses to these queries
the right responses to these queries
examination of each question's nature and level of complexity
How can you make yourself responsible for your SAT preparation?
Create a study timetable for the group and study with a peer. Request a weekly check-in with your SAT preparation from a friend or mentor. Even better, develop that accountability from now until Test Day by working with a private tutor.
- A duplicate of the SAT questions from that particular exam date
- A summary of your responses to these queries
- The right responses to these queries
- Examination of each question's nature and level of complexity
Conclusion
To find out more about Princeton's Best SAT Tuition Classes, visit www.masterclassspace.com. One of New York City's Best SAT Tuition Classes is Masterclass Space.
