Tips to Maximize SAT Success
by David H. N., PhD
The SAT is a long test that requires you to learn patterns in how questions are asked, and how answers are presented. The following strategies will help you prepare to get the most out of the effort that you put in.
Tip 1. Take the SAT More Than Once
Now that the University of California system no longer accepts SATs scores, there is no longer a concern that your best SAT score must come from one test day. Scores on the Common Application allow you to report a super score, which is a composite SAT score. The super score includes the best math score and the best reading score from across all of your SATs.
Thus, it is advantageous to take the SAT more than once. Rarely is it that your first SAT will be your best score. You should take it three times before settling in your best score. However, don’t take it more than once per semester.
Tip 2. Take at least Six Practice Tests Eight Weeks Out
There is a saying, “You’re not ready for the real SAT until you’ve taken six practice SATs within the eight weeks before the test day.” The reason is because the SAT is a test of your reflex in recognizing the patterns in its questions. Therefore, you need to sharpen these reflexes by taking many full length practice test, starting eight weeks out from the real test.
Tip 3. Visit the Test Site BEFORE the Test Day
We know how stressful it is to need the bathroom really badly, but not know where it is. Don’t let this happen to you on test day. Visit the test site before the test day to know where the closest bathrooms and classrooms are, and you will thank yourself later.
Tip 4. Do a Bootcamp to Prep for Your First Test
Doing well on the SAT requires knowing how to recognize the patterns in the questions and answers. If this is your first time taking the SAT, it is advisable that you do a boot camp that teaches you the many strategies for the math and reading sections.
Tip 5. Do 1-on-1 Tutoring for Your Second and Third Tests
If you have already seriously taken a group-based boot camp to prepare for the SAT, then one-on-one tutoring is a good idea so that the tutor can recognize your habits that result in wrong answers. Group-based courses don’t provide enough attention from the teacher to meet this need.
The above advice has worked well for the hundred of students that I’ve worked with over the past decade. Apply them so that you can maximize the results from the toil of your sweat and tears. You don’t have to like the SAT in order to get your best score.
