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SAT Preparation Tips

Written by  Rachit Agrawal

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read

SAT Preparation Tips

Written by  Rachit Agrawal

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read

SAT Preparation Tips

Scholastic Assessment Test, commonly referred to as SAT is a test to evaluate the students on the basis of their written, verbal and mathematical skills. The candidates who wish to pursue their undergraduate degree, particularly from the US or Canada, are required to appear in SAT. The candidate is evaluated in the subject areas of Literature, History, Mathematics, Sciences, and Foreign Languages. 

SAT is an exam most popular for studying undergraduate courses in the US and Canada. It is a written exam conducted by the College Board. Almost all the US colleges and universities require the SAT for admission to the undergraduate courses. There are many schools that offer a scholarship for SAT-based on the SAT results of the candidates. 

There are two types of SAT which a student can opt for according to his/her aspirations for the undergraduate degree. SAT 1 is a general test that has been developed to evaluate the written, verbal and mathematical skills of the candidates. SAT 2 is a subject-focused test that evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in a particular subject.

SAT Exam study tips

Is it very much essential for the students to know where to start preparing? There are lots and lots of things to study apart from the stuff that is available in the study materials. So, in addition to your preparation, there are so many things to learn for cracking the SAT. Some of the most important study tips are discussed below.

  • Since SAT questions will be a bit difficult to analyze, start practicing reading nonfiction. It will be useful for easier and faster analysis of the questions.
  • The verbal section relies fully on grammar. So start brushing up your grammar.
  • In the SAT exam, you won’t be allowed to use a calculator for the first 25 minutes. So start practicing mental math and learn some easier math tricks.
  • Start taking some practice tests, since it helps you get practiced with the model of the question paper. Also, analyze the mistakes you are repetitively committing and start focusing on it. 
  • Don’t rush up with your preparations. Instead, spend a constant time regularly for the preparation and take tests continuously on the topics you have learned so that you would not forget easily.
  • Along with these, choose the best study material which helps you get a high score.

SAT Exam reading tips

The reading tips will help you with reading tough and critical questions in the SAT exam. First, start searching for the words that give positive or negative meaning in the passage.

This helps you in getting a clear idea of removing the other three options and picking up the right one. The most important reading tips will be discussed below.

  • First, quickly go through the passage. This helps you get the important points so that you can easily guess the answers.
  • It is important to read the intro paragraphs in every question. Without reading the first passage, you would not be able to get a clear idea about what the passage is going to tell.
  • Start searching for direct evidence in the passage, so that you can guess the answers quickly.
  • While reading a passage, get interested in it. Without interest, one cannot get a clear context of any passage.
  • Always look for the context. Not everything will be clearly given in a question. Focus on the strong adjectives that will help you get the exact meaning of the passage.

SAT Math Tips

The SAT exam contains the math part as its 3rd and 4th sections. For the first 25 minutes, the students are not allowed to use the calculator and for the next 55 minutes, calculators can be used. SAT math consists of four content areas:

  • Heart of Algebra
  • Problem Solving
  • Data Analysis
  • Passport to Advanced Math

Additional Topics in Math

There are some math tips for easily cracking the math part. The most important SAT math tips are,

  • It is useless to take so many tests if you are not focusing on the portions you are weak on, especially on the math part.
  • Solve and find out the corrections according to your knowledge without directly looking for the answers. Because the math part involves more practising.
  • Find out and underline the key points and data of the questions. It is necessary for finding the answers quickly and correctly.
  • Always memorize the formulas of the topics while practising. 
  • It is most important to have the formulas in your mind for the correct prediction of the answers. Without knowing the formulas, one cannot even proceed a single step for getting the answer.

SAT Writing Tips

It is important to follow some writing tips as you follow for reading and for math. It is useless that you prepare well, read the questions well unless you write well in the exam. So it is important to have some writing tips in your mind while performing in the exam. Some of the most important writing tips are,

  •  In the SAT exam, you will be answering multiple-choice questions and also the essay questions.
  • The SAT writing session focuses more on grammar. So the students should have known the grammar rules well for providing the correct answers to the question.
  • You should be more careful while choosing the NO CHANGE option. It is very much less than a 25% chance of being NO CHANGE as the answer. So you should check your answers twice or thrice before confirming.
  • Go through the paragraph well before attempting the rhetoric questions.
  • Be careful while answering the multiple-choice questions. Sometimes, more than one answer may appear as correct. In that case, choose the most accurate one.

SAT Essay Tips

The SAT Essay is a 650 to 700-word passage. 50 minutes are allotted to complete the essay. The SAT essay is used to evaluate how effectively one can read and grasp a passage and write an essay using their own words from that passage.

That is your score will be allotted based on the reading, analyzing and also for the writing skills. So you should be very careful while writing the essay. Some of the SAT Essay tips are,

  • You should be very careful in your spelling and punctuation while answering the essay question.
  • Your handwriting should be in the correct size and should also be clear for the one who is reading.
  • Read the passage and understand the author’s point of view clearly before answering. Take some 10 to 15 minutes time to analyze the passage and then start answering.
  • Don’t just completely stick to the author’s views. Try to explain your own views and using your own examples. 
  • Quotes can also be used to highlight important points.

SAT Test Day Tips

Apart from all preparations and practices, you should stay cool while attempting the exam. You should not get nervous. For that everything should be planned and organized well. Pack the things you need for the exam on the night before the exam. The tips to be followed on the day of the exam include,

  • Don’t forget to take these things: Admission ticket, Photo ID, pencils, erasers, and a calculator. 
  • Don’t spend much time on the questions that you have no idea about. Just skip them and come back to those if you have time in the end.
  • Instead of completely skipping the questions, just encircle the answer according to your guess. By using this you will not be leaving any questions unanswered.
  • If you have extra time, use it wisely by checking your answers again and again. By doing so, you can eliminate the careless mistakes you have done.
  • Stay calm during the exam. Don’t be nervous at any point in time. Don’t lose your hope if you are skipping some questions. You can get an idea at any point in time during the exam only if you are able to think without any tension.

SAT Preparation Books

If you are an aspirant of studying abroad for your undergraduate degree, you will be required to appear in the SAT exam in order to prove your written, verbal and mathematical skills. But don’t worry about how to prepare for this standardized exam because we are here for you with SAT preparation books which will help you to prepare for the exam and get brilliant scores in every field. Go through the below list and start preparing for the exam with the top-quality material.

  1. The Official SAT Study Guide edition - The College Board
  2. Barron's SAT, 29th Edition with Bonus Online Tests - Barron's
  3. SAT Prep Black Book: The Most Effective SAT Strategies Ever Published - Mike Barrett
  4. SAT Prep: 2 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online – Kaplan
  5. 500+ Practice Questions for the New SAT – Princeton
  6. McGraw-Hill Education SAT - McGraw-Hill
  7. Boot Camp for Your Brain: A No-Nonsense Guide to the SAT - M. Denmark Manning
  8. Gruber's Complete New SAT Guide - Gary Gruber
  9. The Critical Reader, 3rd Edition - Erica L. Meltzer
  10. KALLIS' Redesigned SAT Pattern Strategy + 6 Full-Length Practice Tests - KALLIS 
  11. Dr. Steve Warner's 500 New SAT Math Problems
  12. Dr. Jang's SAT 800 Math Workbook for the New SAT, 2019 Edition
  13. PWN The SAT: Math Guide, 4th Edition
  14. The Critical Reader: The Complete Guide to SAT Reading, 3rd Edition
  15. The Critical Reader: The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar, 4th Edition

Best Books For SAT Preparation

SAT is a test in which just by doing well in your English and Mathematics class will not help. You will need to prepare in all the subjects by giving equal importance to each topic. If you are concerned about your preparation for the SAT, you are in the right place! Check out our reviewed list of best books for SAT preparation and get ready to make the most of your time in SAT preparation by preparing from the recommended books.

  1. The Official SAT Study Guide edition - The College Board
  2. Barron's SAT, 29th Edition with Bonus Online Tests - Barron's
  3. SAT Prep Black Book: The Most Effective SAT Strategies Ever Published - Mike Barrett
  4. SAT Prep: 2 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online – Kaplan
  5. 500+ Practice Questions for the New SAT – Princeton

SAT Preparation Online

SAT, being a standardized exam required for admission in various universities and colleges for undergraduate courses specifically in the US and Canada, is one of the challenging tests when it comes to preparation. Preparing seriously and from the top resources and courses is very important to have an idea of how the actual SAT is taken. If you are already involved in school, you might feel it to be a challenging task to prepare for the exam along with your school studies. In such a situation, preparing for the SAT exam online will be one of the best sources which will save your time and energy to go out and take tuitions. We have compiled the best online sources for SAT which will help you enhance your skills while sitting at home.

  1. Khan Academy–SAT Test Prep

Price: Free

  1. The Princeton Review–SAT Prep

Price: $99, $1099, or $3000

  1. PrepScholar–New SAT Prep Online Course

Price: $600, $895, or $995-$6995

  1. ePrep–SAT Courses

Price: $129, $249, $299, $399, or $599

  1. CollegeVine–Online SAT Tutoring Program

Price: $1,000–$2,400

  1. Magoosh–Online Prep for the New SAT

Price: $79, $89, or $99

  1. Kaplan–SAT Prep

Price: $599, $899, $1399, $1599, or $2599-$5699

  1. Private Prep–SAT

Price: $125-$175/hour depending on tutor experience

  1. Kranse Institute–SAT Prep Expert

Price: $599

  1. Testive–SAT

Price: $800, $350/month, or $550/month

SAT Preparation Online Free

Preparing seriously and from the top resources and courses is very important to have an idea how the actual SAT is taken. Preparing for the SAT exam online will be one of the best sources which will save your time and energy to go out and take tuitions. If you aspire to study abroad and do not want to put money in your preparation, the best option would be to prepare for the SAT exam online from the free sources we have compiled below:

  1. CollegeBoard.org
  2. Khan Academy
  3. Test Prep Review
  4. The Princeton Review
  5. McGraw-Hill 
  6. Kaplan
  7. TestPrepPractice.net
  8. Varsity Tutors
  9. SparkNotes SAT Prep
  10. Powerscore.com

SAT Practice Questions

Practice makes a man perfect! You will have to practice in order to build a perfection in yourself. If you aspire to clear the SAT exam for your undergraduate degree admission, you will have to practice which will be the best way to simulate the test day. Approved by the College Board itself, we are compiling the top questions for practice for the SAT exam. 

Q1) If x k − 1 3 = and k = 3, what is the value of x? 

  1. A) 2 B) 4 C) 9 D) 10

Q2) On Saturday afternoon, Armand sent m text messages each hour for 5 hours, and Tyrone sent p text messages each hour for 4 hours. Which of the following represents the total number of messages sent by Armand and Tyrone on Saturday afternoon? 

  1. A) 9mp B) 20mp C) 5 +4 m p D) 4 +5 m p

Q3) For i = −1 , what is the sum (7 + 3 ) + (−8 + 9 ) i i ? 

  1. A) −1 + 12i B) −1 − 6i C) 15 + 12i D) 15 − 6i

Q4) Kathy is a repair technician for a phone company. Each week, she receives a batch of phones that need repairs. The number of phones that she has left to fix at the end of each day can be estimated with the equation P d = 108 − 23 , where P is the number of phones left and d is the number of days she has worked that week. What is the meaning of the value 108 in this equation? 

  1. A) Kathy will complete the repairs within 108 days. B) Kathy starts each week with 108 phones to fix. C) Kathy repairs phones at a rate of 108 per hour. D) Kathy repairs phones at a rate of 108 per day.

Q5) ( −3 +5 ) − (− +3 −3 ) 2 2 2 2 22 Which of the following is equivalent to the expression above? 

  1. A) 4x y 2 2 B) 8 −6 xy y 2 2 C) 2 +2 x y xy 2 2 D) 2 +8 −6 x y xy y 2 22

Q6) A pediatrician uses the model above to estimate the height h of a boy, in inches, in terms of the boy’s age a, in years, between the ages of 2 and 5. Based on the model, what is the estimated increase, in inches, of a boy’s height each year? 

  1. A) 3 B) 5.7 C) 9.5 D) 14.3

Q7) If a b = 2, what is the value of b a 4 ? 

  1. A) 0 B) 1 C) 2 D) 4

Q8) 3 + 4 = −23 

       2 − = −19 

What is the solution (,) x y to the system of equations above? 

  1. A) (−5, −2) B) (3, −8) C) (4, −6) D) (9, −6)

Q9) A line in the xy-plane passes through the origin and has a slope of 1/ 7. Which of the following points lies on the line? 

  1. A) (0, 7) B) (1, 7) C) (7, 7) D) (14, 2)

Q10) If t > 0 and t −4=0 2, what is the value of t?

SAT preparation courses

The candidates who wish to pursue their undergraduate degree, particularly from the US or Canada, are required to appear in SAT. The candidate is evaluated in the subject areas of Literature, History, Mathematics, Sciences, and Foreign Languages. There are numerous courses available for the preparation of SAT. We have scrutinized best preparation courses for SAT in the below list:

  1. SAT & ACT Self-Paced - Princeton
  2. Private Tutoring - Princeton
  3. On-Demand College Essay Review - Princeton
  4. Free SAT Prep - College Board
  5. On-demand – Kaptest
  6. Live online - Kaptest
  7. Unlimited prep – Kaptest

When to start SAT preparation

SAT exam is one of the challenging exams for admission in undergraduate courses. The colleges for undergraduates generally open in June. So, it will be ideal to take your first SAT around September when you are in the eleventh standard. If you are not successful in the first take, you can anyways take a second chance in around April once the finals are over for the eleventh standard. For the first take of the SAT, you will need to give a longer period in preparation and it will be good if you start your preparations just after your board exams are over for the tenth standard. If you are a quick learner, you can start the preparation immediately after your classes for the eleventh standard start.

We recommend the following steps for when to start preparing for the SAT:

  1. Start taking a few SAT practice tests in order to know your level of understanding
  2. Set your target university or college and start preparing according to its score cut off
  3. If you are a quick learner, you can start the preparation immediately after your classes for the eleventh standard starts otherwise start preparing right after the completion of board exams for tenth
  4. Take your first SAT around September

SAT Preparation Time

It's really important to know how much time one needs to give for the preparation of SAT. You will need to figure out certain factors within yourself about how much time you have to spend preparing for the SAT in a day. You will need to figure out whether you will be able to put extra efforts and hard work along with the regular school studies. 

Figure out your total hours of study in a day

Here is a guide to figure out how much time will it take for you to fully prepare for SAT according to the Hours you can spend a day:

Hours per day

Months needed

1

2

3

1

5

2 weeks

10

1 week

Tips For SAT Preparation

SAT, being a standardized exam required for admission in various universities and colleges for undergraduate courses specifically in the US and Canada, is one of the challenging tests when it comes to preparation. Preparing seriously and from the top resources and courses is very important to have an idea of how the actual SAT is taken. If you are already involved in school, you might feel it to be a challenging task to prepare for the exam along with your school studies. 

Some tips we have scrutinized for the preparation of SAT:

  1. Thorough about the structure of the exam
  2. Set your target score
  3. Make a schedule
  4. Take regular practice tests
  5. Evaluate mistakes from practice tests
  6. Give your best in the SAT!

How To Prepare For The SAT – 11 Tips

Getting a high score in SAT is not an easy task and you will need to do a lot of hard work in order to pass the exam with flying colors. Also, preparing seriously and from the top resources and courses is very important to have an idea of how the actual SAT is taken. The first and foremost tip I want to give every student out there is to believe in yourself. You need to believe that you can absolutely achieve a high score on the SAT like any other student. 

11 Tips on how to prepare for SAT

  • Thorough about the structure of the exam

The structure of the SAT is as follows:

  • Reading Section- 52 questions; total time available 65 minutes
  • Writing and Language Section- 44 questions; total time available 35 minutes
  • Math Section (no calculator)- 20 questions; total time available 25 minutes
  • Math Section (calculator)- 38 questions; total time available 55 minutes
  • Essay (optional)- 1 question; total time available 50 minutes
  • Begin by registering

Registering early on the SAT website will allow you to take practice tests provided by the college board.

  • Understand Every Single Mistake You Make

You need to evaluate your mistakes from the practice tests you take every time else there won’t be any use of taking the regular tests.

  • Keep practicing from the best books for SAT 

Keep practicing from the best books for SAT we have provided for the aspirants.

  • Set your target score

Set your target university or college and start preparing according to its score cut off.

  • Practice on calculation

As SAT is an MCQ based exam, you will need to practice a lot on quick calculations in order to save your time.

  • Find out weakness

Figure out your weakness and give it more focus and time in order to overcome it,

  • Time management

You will need to practice the test papers in such a way that you complete the exam before time. This will give you confidence and time to recheck your answers.

  • Begin right after 10th

The best time to start preparing for the SAT will be right after your tenth standard exams are over. This will give you enough time to prepare and strategize how you will be going to crack the exam.

  • Do not over learn

One of the best tips is that never over learn or over practically anything. By doing that, you will start forgetting especially in the case of vocab. Never try to learn all the words as that may result in forgetting all the words.

  • Sit back and relax!

The last tip is that do not stress yourself and keep believing in yourself that you can do it. do not become anxious as it will decrease your confidence and affect the exam.

Options For How To Prepare For The SAT

Practice makes a man perfect! You will have to practice in order to build a perfection in yourself. If you aspire to clear the SAT exam for your undergraduate degree admission, you will have to practice which will be the best way to simulate the test day. That is the main trick for cracking any exam. 

We have compiled the best options for SAT preparation which will help you enhance your skills while sitting at home.

  1. Khan Academy–SAT Test Prep

Price: Free

  1. The Princeton Review–SAT Prep

Price: $99, $1099, or $3000

  1. PrepScholar–New SAT Prep Online Course

Price: $600, $895, or $995-$6995

  1. ePrep–SAT Courses

Price: $129, $249, $299, $399, or $599

  1. CollegeVine–Online SAT Tutoring Program

Price: $1,000–$2,400

  1. Magoosh–Online Prep for the New SAT

Price: $79, $89, or $99

  1. Kaplan–SAT Prep

Price: $599, $899, $1399, $1599, or $2599-$5699

  1. Private Prep–SAT

Price: $125-$175/hour depending on tutor experience

  1. Kranse Institute–SAT Prep Expert

Price: $599

  1. Testive–SAT

Price: $800, $350/month, or $550/month

Self-prep

SAT is an exam most popular for studying undergraduate courses in the US and Canada. It is a written exam conducted by the College Board. Almost all the US colleges and universities require the SAT for admission to the undergraduate courses. You will learn how to develop skills and strategies and ultimately earn a higher score while preparing for the SAT exam. Many students opt for self-preparation of the SAT exam

We have a list of resources you can use to study while preparing for the SAT by yourself:

  1. Khan Academy–SAT Test Prep

Price: Free

  1. The Princeton Review–SAT Prep

Price: $99, $1099, or $3000

  1. PrepScholar–New SAT Prep Online Course

Price: $600, $895, or $995-$6995

  1. ePrep–SAT Courses

Price: $129, $249, $299, $399, or $599

  1. CollegeVine–Online SAT Tutoring Program

Price: $1,000–$2,400

  1. Magoosh–Online Prep for the New SAT

Price: $79, $89, or $99

  1. Kaplan–SAT Prep

Price: $599, $899, $1399, $1599, or $2599-$5699

  1. Private Prep–SAT

Price: $125-$175/hour depending on tutor experience

  1. Kranse Institute–SAT Prep Expert

Price: $599

  1. Testive–SAT

Price: $800, $350/month, or $550/month

Online Program

SAT, being a standardized exam required for admission in various universities and colleges for undergraduate courses specifically in the US and Canada, is one of the challenging tests when it comes to preparation. Preparing seriously and from the top resources and courses is very important to have an idea of how the actual SAT is taken. If you are already involved in school, you might feel it to be a challenging task to prepare for the exam along with your school studies. In such a situation, preparing for the SAT exam online will be one of the best sources which will save your time and energy to go out and take tuitions. We have compiled the best online sources for SAT which will help you enhance your skills while sitting at home.

  1. Khan Academy–SAT Test Prep

Price: Free

  1. The Princeton Review–SAT Prep

Price: $99, $1099, or $3000

  1. PrepScholar–New SAT Prep Online Course

Price: $600, $895, or $995-$6995

  1. ePrep–SAT Courses

Price: $129, $249, $299, $399, or $599

  1. CollegeVine–Online SAT Tutoring Program

Price: $1,000–$2,400

  1. Magoosh–Online Prep for the New SAT

Price: $79, $89, or $99

  1. Kaplan–SAT Prep

Price: $599, $899, $1399, $1599, or $2599-$5699

  1. Private Prep–SAT

Price: $125-$175/hour depending on tutor experience

  1. Kranse Institute–SAT Prep Expert

Price: $599

  1. Testive–SAT

Price: $800, $350/month, or $550/month

Prep Course

We know that almost all US colleges and universities require the SAT for admission to the undergraduate courses. Pursuing a Prep course for SAT will surely help you in improving your score once you have identified your weakness and strength in the subjects on the basis of which your score is evaluated. The best prep courses for SAT are compiled in the list below. Go through the list and start preparing to develop your skills to score high:

  1. Magoosh
  2. Princeton
  3. Kaplan
  4. PrepScholar
  5. ePrep
  6. Kranse

Private Tutor

SAT is an exam most popular for studying undergraduate courses in the US and Canada. It is a written exam conducted by the College Board. Almost all the US colleges and universities require the SAT for admission to the undergraduate courses. You will learn how to develop skills and strategies and ultimately earn a higher score while preparing for the SAT exam. There are many Private tutors available offering top-quality education for preparing for the SAT exam

  1. Princeton Review
  2. Kaptest
  3. Study point
  4. Miles mart tutoring
  5. KC Academy

FAQs

Q1) How do I prepare for SAT tutoring?

Preparing for SAT tutoring:

  1. Setting a target score
  2. Choosing the best resources and material
  3. Thorough about the structure of SAT
  4. Make a schedule
  5. Practice 

Q2) Is one month enough for SAT prep?

It’s really important to know how much time one needs to give for the preparation of SAT. You will need to figure out certain factors within yourself about how much time do you have to spend for the preparation of SAT in a day. You will need to figure out whether you will be able to put extra efforts and hard work along with the regular school studies. You can prepare for SAT in a month if you are a quick learner and you have full time to prepare.

Q3) How many times can you take the SAT?

You can take SAT as many times as you want regardless of anything. College board has not put any restriction on the number of times to have to take the exam.

Q4) What is the best online free platform for SAT prep?

Khan Academy is one of the best free online SAT preparing sources. You can enrol in the course for free and study unlimited times once enrolled. Preparing seriously and from the top resources and courses is very important to have an idea how the actual SAT is taken.

Q5) What is the best way to prepare for SAT test?

Practising regularly and according to the structure of the SAT exam is one of the best ways to prepare for the SAT test and will surely help an aspirant to score high in the exam.

About the Author & Expert

Avatar

Rachit Agrawal

author • MBA • 2 years

Rachit believes in the power of education and has studied from the top institutes of IIIT Allahabad, IIM Calcutta, and Francois Rabelias in France. He has worked as Software Developer with Microsoft and Adobe. Post his MBA, he worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group across multiple geographies US, South-East Asia and Europe.