SAT Prep | How to Use This Guide
When should I start studying?
Make the best use of your time by making good use of our study schedule (located in the front of this book). The schedule is based on a ten-week program, but can be shortened to five weeks if you are starting late.
It is never too early to start preparing for the SAT. Time is your ally here. The sooner you begin, the more time you can commit to performing better. It takes time to learn the test materials. It takes time to learn the SAT’s format. It takes time to familiarize yourself with the test. Make the most of your time to master the essentials necessary to achieve a higher score.
Where do I begin?
Start with our subject reviews and the test-taking tips and strategies. Then take the diagnostic test to determine your weaknesses. Go back and focus your study on those areas. Reviewing the areas you did well on can help you improve your success on those types of questions. Repeated study of the review material helps build and reinforce your basic skills. After you have reviewed sufficiently, take the practice tests to familiarize yourself with the SAT’s brand-new format.
I started too late. What do I do now?
You know that last-minute cramming is not the best way to prepare for the SAT but for whatever reason, you’re just starting now and the test is right around the corner. Maybe you simply forgot . . . maybe you just procrastinate when it comes to these things. This book can still help you pass.
You won’t master the SAT this way but you may get a good enough score to get into your college of choice (see Appendix B for advice on getting into the right college for you). First, take the Diagnostic Test to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. Review the areas where you are weak. If you have time after this, review those areas you are strong in. Review the test-taking tips in this chapter, then take a practice exam. Grade yourself and see where you did well and where you did poorly. Review your weak areas again. Then take another practice exam. Repeat if time permits. With skill and effort (and a little luck), this crash course may help. While we find this last method to be the least desirable, we realize that not everyone can give themselves enough time to do it the right way. Of course, if you score poorly, you can always register for the next exam. Just remember to plan so you do that one right.
What should I expect?
Remember that your results may vary, but with enough time and preparation with this study guide, you are well on your way to mastering the SAT.
