SAT Test Preparation
While there is no single best method to approaching SAT Test preparation, there are many tried-and-true approaches and tips that can be very beneficial. Perhaps the first thing to understand is that there is no substitute for a good, well-rounded, high school education. Taking challenging and demanding courses across the fundamental subjects and a well as a well-rounded assortment of other subjects will provide an excellent foundation for doing well on the SAT Tests, as well as college and life in general.
Preparing for the SAT Reasoning Test
Perhaps one of the best ways to prepare for the SAT Reasoning Test is for an individual familiarize themselves with the test. This is done by reviewing and taking practice tests, allowing a student to become familiar with the test format and layout, test questions, and appropriate timing for completing the test in the allotted time. Individuals should strongly consider taking the PSAT/NMSQT as part of their preparation process for the SAT Reasoning Test.
When preparing for the essay on the SAT Reasoning Test, individuals should make sure that they completely understand the directions. They should review examples of good and bad essays, and they should practice writing a few essays asking for critiques from parents or teachers. Practicing writing essays can also help a student to become comfortable with completing the essay section in the allotted twenty-five minute time period.
When preparing for the math section of the SAT Reasoning Test, individuals should take time to review arithmetic, algebraic, and geometric concepts. Taking practice exams or completing practice problems to become familiar with the multiple-choice and student-produced response formats is also very beneficial.
Preparing for the SAT Subject Tests
Perhaps the best rule of thumb when preparing for the SAT Subject Tests is that a student should take a particular subject test very soon after completing relevant high school course work. Doing so will ensure that the content is fresh in the student's mind. Reviewing notes and text books from the relevant high school courses is also an excellent way of preparing for a subject test.
Similar to the SAT Reasoning Test, students preparing to take a subject test should familiarize themselves with the test that they are going to take. They should make sure that they understand the organization or format of the test, types of questions that will be on the test, as well as the instructions for the test.
SAT Test Taking Approaches
There are several common-sense rules of thumb when taking the test:
- The first, as has already been stated, is simply that a student should know what to expect by familiarizing themselves with the appropriate tests.
- Students should make sure that you have the right "equipment" - pencils, calculators and CD players for the appropriate Subject tests.
- Students should answer the easy questions first and them come back to "revisit" the more difficult questions.
- Students should try to "guess smart" by ruling out one or more answers as incorrect before they guess from the remaining answers.
- Students should not answer questions where they have no idea what the correct answer is.
- Students should use the test booklet for scratch work.
- Students should keep track of time.
Consider an SAT Test Preparation Course
There is some controversy around whether or not test preparation courses help individuals to score better on the SAT. There is, however, no controversy surrounding the importance of preparing to take the test. Individuals should take the time to familiarize themselves with the tests, their format, questions and question types, instructions, and timing. For individuals who are not comfortable accomplishing this in a self-directed mode, then a test preparation course would be very beneficial. It takes sacrifice and discipline to prepare for the SAT Tests. For many, a test preparation course makes the process much easier.
