Senior shares advice on studying for the SAT

As students tour college campuses and apply for scholarships, the SAT plays a vital role in determining their admission and readiness for college. Taken as a paper test, the exam is required to apply for colleges.

In 2016, the SAT developed a new grading system. In 2018, 2.1 million students took the test, and the average score was 1068 out of 1600. Only 47% of the test scores met the college readiness goal ranges. 

The test is created by the CollegeBoard. Through their website, you register for the SAT, receive your scores, and can access practice tests.

The SAT focuses solely on evidence-based reading, writing and math. There is an optional essay section you can take for an additional fee. The test costs about $46 without the essay and $60 with. The essay tacks on an additional 50 minutes to the already three-hour-long test.

The following tweet encourages using Khan Academy to prepare for the test to earn potential scholarships.

#Seniors: This month, you can earn #OpportunityScholarships by:
? practicing for the SAT on @khanacademy
? strengthening your college list
? improving your SAT scorehttps://t.co/n4cU4cYwo5 pic.twitter.com/bZ5P3WTIMU

— The College Board (@CollegeBoard) September 9, 2019

Preparation for the SAT, can vary from student to student. Some do little to no preparation and go in to take the test. Others study for months with a tutor or at SAT preparation centers. 

For me personally, I did a few different things. I have taken it twice now and I am going to be taking it one more time. I tend to struggle more on the math areas of the test, so much of my preparation is based around that.

I tried multiple things to prepare. Months before I took it the first time I began attending an expensive college planning center that had SAT tutoring. It was overpriced and the services and tutors were not very good and lacked social skills. I often felt they were more unhelpful than beneficial. I noticed them as confused about a problem as I was. My whole “intelligence” for them was what my binder said I could and couldn’t do. I eventually stopped attending after two months or so.

I then avoided “preparing” as much as I could. I would do a few Khan Academy sessions a week, but that was it. I took the SAT for the first time in June. I definitely could’ve been more prepared.

I took the SAT for the second time recently in August. I prepared two or three times a week with a tutor, to help increase my math scores. I prepared on my own for the language portion. I ordered the SAT College Board practice test booklet, and worked my way through different sections of each test. Some people find tutoring to be very helpful and a good way to increase your scores, and I really liked my tutor, but I did not see much of an increase in my performance on the test.

Khan Academy has a great SAT preparation program. I have utilized it minimally, but lots of people find it very helpful. This study method was recommended to me by many friends, academic advisors, and tutors. It is helpful if you are diligent about doing it every day or every other day. This is a good way to get familiarized with the type of questions you will be asked on the test, for both language and math. 

The night before the test, professionals recommend that you pack your bag with everything you need or might want. Pencils, calculator, snacks, wallet, admission ticket, water bottle and a sweatshirt are all recommended. You should get a good night’s rest. They encourage a healthy breakfast and heading out for the test early. On most admission tickets they advise you to arrive by 7:45 a.m. so that they can start you on your test as close to 8 a.m. as possible.

The following podcast shares academic adviser Evangelina Tello’s tips for the SAT.

Do what you know helps YOU prepare the best for a big test. Don’t get discouraged if you have to take it a few times, I’m taking it for my third time soon! Relax and just do your best. Happy test-taking!

Sign-ups recently closed for the Oct. 5 test date, but you can still sign up for the Nov. 2 date, without a late fee, until Oct. 3. Late registration with a penalty is Oct. 15.

Kaplan offers free on-line practice tests and tutors who can help students in person! Additionally, The Princeton Review also provides practice material and online help, testing.

For more college-related articles, read Seniors: Applications, tests, deadlines. Oh my! and College Corner: SAT & ACT registration details.

This author can be reached via twitter @toryntriplitt and via email: Toryn Triplitt.