The one week study guide for the SAT

October 5, 9:06 AMCollege Admissions ExaminerLauren Starkey

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Thousands of you are taking the SAT next Saturday. Here are three ideas for how best to spend your time getting ready:

1. Focus on strategy—not content. In other words, stop memorizing SAT words and reviewing geometry. With just days to go, you need to make certain you know what to expect. Read through the SAT preparation pages at www.collegeboard.com. Review the directions for each question type (if you don’t have to read them during the test, you’ll gain about 12 minutes to spend answering questions).

2. Do a few practice problems every day by either logging on to a website with practice problems (see the list of free practice sites at right) or using the College Board’s book. Think of it as stretching before the big game. Make sure you cover every type of question:

·         multiple choice math

·         grid-in math

·         passage-based reading

·         sentence completion

·         identifying sentence errors

·         improving sentences

·         improving paragraphs

·         essay planning (five minute outlines- see here for directions)

While practicing, you’ll also be reviewing the directions. Why is that important? There are typically 15 sets of directions on the SAT; if you read them all, you’ll lose about 10 minutes that could otherwise be spent answering questions and gaining points. Familiarity with the directions and question types saves time, and can help with test anxiety. You’ll be more confident and relaxed by knowing what you’ll be facing.

3. Take care of yourself. Get enough rest and eat well. Thinking while the clock is ticking for almost four hours is a workout! Treat it that way, and you’ll have the energy to do your best through the last section.

Use this week wisely, and you’ll be on your way to a higher score! 

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