How to Prepare for the SAT
Most high school students would agree that there is no three-letter word that causes more anxiety than the SAT.
The SAT is an assessment of the skills that you have learned in high school, which is meant to evaluate your readiness for college. Many view it as being more of an aptitude test of your academic ability. There are many ways to prepare for the SAT, but it all depends on which form of preparation suits you best.
For those with a tighter budget, Khan Academy is now working alongside the College Board to generate free SAT practice for students. With its close connections to the College Board, you are sure to get the best results without spending any money. For those who have a bigger budget and prefer one-on-one training, there are many learning centers and private tutors that offer more in depth, individualized tutoring that can accommodate your needs.
If money is tight, but you learn better through one-on-one training, CPHS has a free SAT boot camp that allows you to gain the tools needed to do well on the SAT. Many online resources are also there to help, as well as a variety of SAT preparation books that give both tips and practice for the test. Magoosh, an online SAT preparatory program, mentions 10 ways to improve your score daily.
The first way is by reading a lot of nonfiction passages such as news articles, educational magazines, and historical speeches or letters. This is an important tip, as a large chunk of the reading section on the SAT is based upon your ability to read and analyze nonfiction texts. The second way is to practice doing mental math. By doing so, you will save a lot of time on the math portion of the test. The third way is by brushing up on grammar. Understanding basic grammar rules is not only important for the SAT, but also for everyday writing and communicating.
Other ways to prepare for the SAT include finding SAT prep materials that can be practiced everyday and taking as many practice tests as possible. The more practice you do, the more familiar you will become with the test itself. It is also a good idea to avoid cramming at the last minute because this results in stress, and stress could mean a lower score, so start early. Another test tip is to understand the importance of pinpointing your weaknesses and working on them. Be sure to make a habit of using your free time wisely and sneaking in some SAT prep even if it is for only five minutes. You can also gather a group of friends or find a study partner. A study partner works best when both of you are committed to getting work done, so if you do choose to study with a partner, choose a person who will take the preparation as seriously as you do. The final way to improve your score is to practice everyday. Your SAT score will only increase with consistent time and effort is put in. Good luck and enjoy your race to achieving a higher score!
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