If you want to further your education and attend college, you will likely find yourself taking the SAT. Many colleges and universities use this test to determine enrollment eligibility. Although these institutions do not base their sole decision on standardized test scores, like the SAT, it does have an impact.
Since you now know the importance of and the benefits of taking the SAT are you ready? After scheduling your test and making payment, you wait for the date to arrive. During that time, you may want to study or brush up on some materials. The SAT is composed of three different sections. They are writing, critical reading, and mathematics. If you are also taking the optional SAT Subject Tests, formerly known as SAT II, you will be testing your knowledge in a specific area, such as mathematics, science, history, or language.
The best way to prepare for the SAT by studying is to start early. Cramming at the last minute does not do any good. You want to refresh your memory overtime. Start at least one week before your exam. At a slow and steady pace, your mind will be able to remember more. Despite what you may believe, you may cover more ground by taking it slow and steady when you start early.
Speaking of studying, what should you study? One of the best approaches is to review your notes. This is ideal for the SAT Subject Tests and the English and mathematics section on the traditional SAT. Go through your notes and review proper grammar, common math equations, and so forth. The SAT covers a wide range of material. At the very least, read your notes from your junior year and the beginning of your senior year.
Reviewing school notes is a good way to study for the SAT, but some people need to do more. If you remember things better by writing it down, recopy your notes. Yes, this may seem like busy work, but it may increase your memorization.
If you want to write down important information, but don’t want to recopy your entire school year of notes, you can opt for a more simple approach. You can also make flashcards to study for the SAT subject tests, vocabulary, and grammar. Write the question on the front and the answer on the back. If you want to start from scratch, by not knowing the answer, ask a friend or parent to make the flashcards.
Many students do better studying alone, but others like the company of another person. If you choose a study friend, ensure that person is someone who you can stay on task with. Opting for your best friend may be a bad idea. Have your study buddy quiz you or develop practice questions. This approach is ideal for the SAT essay on the writing section. Write a few essays and have someone you know grade them. Have them be on the lookout for spelling and grammar errors, sentence structure errors, and so forth.
As previously stated, a good way to study for the SAT is to review your old school notes. These notes will come in handy with the SAT Subject Tests, as you are focusing on one particular topic. If you did not save your notes, speak to your teachers at school. Some will let your borrow textbooks to review and flip through.
Another unique approach is to sit in on a class. If taking the SAT exam during the school year, pay attention in all your classes. If you are taking the test your senior year of classes, you may be taking “easy,” classes. Most students fulfill most of their graduation requirements before senior year. In that case, ask your former teachers to sit in on classes during your study periods. Yes, you already know the information covered in classes, but consider it a refresher course.
Finally, look for SAT study or review classes offered locally. In fact, your school district may hold a course right onsite. If not, look for courses offered at other nearby schools, vocational centers, and colleges. You may need to pay a small fee, but it will be well worth it.
