Sep 7, 2008

SAT Prep | Studying for the SAT

A key area to optimize your study time is to choose the time and location that works best for you. You may decide to study a certain number of hours each morning or each evening. You may decide to dedicate all your free time to studying whether waiting in line, eating lunch, or riding on the bus. Once you have decided how and when to study, we advise that you stick to your decision. Be consistent and use your time wisely. Studying works best when you have a routine and adhere to it faithfully.

When you take the practice exams, create a testing environment as close to the actual testing conditions as possible. Turn off your TV, stereo, and other media machines that serve as distractions. Sit in a chair at a table in a quiet room. Taking the test in bed, in a car, or any other similar location only makes you that much less prepared to take the actual test. Time yourself when taking a practice exam. If possible, use a timer in order to measure out the time allotted for each exam section.

After you finish a practice exam, score your test and thoroughly review the provided explanations to the questions you answered incorrectly. Avoid overdoing it by reviewing so many questions that you cannot remember what the correct answer was. It is better to concentrate on one problem area at a time, giving yourself the time necessary to digest the review material until you are confident you understand what you are reading.

You are allowed to write in the actual SAT test booklets during the exam. To practice at this, consider writing in the margins of this book during practice exams.

Keep track of your practice exam scores and mark them on the Scoring Worksheet. By doing this, you will be better able to track your progress and identify general strengths and weaknesses in particular sections. You should carefully study the reviews that cover your weak areas as this will help build skills in those critical areas.