Eleanor scored an impressive 680 on the SAT, a score that puts her in the top 25% of test takers nationwide. So, what’s her secret?
In this article, we’ll share Eleanor’s tips and strategies for preparing for the SAT—tips that will help you get a high score, too.
Why is the SAT Important?
The SAT is a standardized test taken by high school students in the United States to determine their readiness for college. It is used by colleges and universities in making admissions decisions. According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, students who score in the top 25% on the SAT are more likely to graduate from college and have higher incomes.
How to Prepare for the SAT
There are a number of ways to prepare for the SAT, including taking practice tests, studying vocabulary, and practicing math problems. Eleanor used a variety of methods to prepare for the test, including taking SAT prep courses, working with a tutor, and using practice materials.
Tips for Preparing for the SAT
Here are some tips for preparing for the SAT:
- Take practice tests. Practice tests are a great way to get familiar with the format of the SAT and to identify areas where you need to improve. There are a number of free practice tests available online, including the official SAT practice test from the College Board.
- Study vocabulary. The SAT includes a vocabulary section that tests your knowledge of words and their meanings. To improve your vocabulary, you can read books, magazines, and newspapers. You can also use vocabulary apps or websites to learn new words.
- Practice math problems. The SAT includes a math section that tests your skills in algebra, geometry, and other areas. To practice math problems, you can use textbooks, online resources, or work with a tutor.
- Use study materials. There are a number of SAT study materials available, including books, online courses, and tutoring services. These materials can provide you with additional practice questions and tips for preparing for the test.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing for the SAT:
- Don’t cram. Try to study for the SAT over a period of several months. Cramming at the last minute will not help you perform your best on test day.
- Don’t guess on answers. If you don’t know the answer to a question, skip it and come back to it later. Guessing on answers will lower your score.
- Don’t get discouraged. The SAT is a challenging test, but it is possible to get a good score with the proper preparation. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t score as high as you want on your first practice test. Just keep practicing and you will improve your score.
What to Do On Test Day
On test day, it is important to stay calm and focused. Here are some tips for doing your best on test day:
- Get a good night’s sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep will help you stay alert and focused during the test.
- Eat a healthy breakfast. Eating a healthy breakfast will give you the energy you need to perform your best.
- Arrive at the test center early. Arriving at the test center early will give you time to relax and get ready for the test.
- Listen to the instructions carefully. The test administrator will give you instructions before the test begins. Listen carefully to the instructions so that you know what to expect.
- Pace yourself. The SAT is a timed test, but it is important to pace yourself so that you have enough time to answer all of the questions.
- Check your work. When you have finished the test, take a few minutes to check your work. This will help you identify any errors that you may have made.
After the SAT
After you have taken the SAT, check the College Board website to view your score. Your score will be available online about two weeks after the test date. If you are not satisfied with your score, you can retake the SAT up to six times.
Conclusion
The SAT is an important test, but it is not the only factor that colleges and universities consider when making admissions decisions. However, a strong SAT score can help you improve your chances of getting into the college of your choice.
By following the tips in this article, you can prepare for the SAT and earn a high score. So, what are you waiting for? Start preparing today!
Here are 4 additional resources for SAT prep:
- College Board SAT Prep: Official SAT practice materials and resources from the College Board.
- Khan Academy SAT Prep: Free online SAT prep courses and practice materials from Khan Academy.
- The Princeton Review SAT Prep: Paid SAT prep courses and practice materials from The Princeton Review.
- Kaplan SAT Prep: Paid SAT prep courses and practice materials from Kaplan.
