Top 5 SAT Study Tips to Improve Your Score
If you’re preparing for the SAT, you’ve probably realized that achieving a top score takes more than just practice – it requires strategy, discipline, and a focused approach. As experienced tutors who’ve seen students improve drastically, we’re sharing our top five study tips to help you maximize your SAT score.
1. Set a Study Schedule and Stick to It
Consistency is key when it comes to test prep. Set a realistic study schedule and commit to it. Ideally, you should start your prep at least 4-6 months before the test date, with 2-3 hours per week dedicated to focused study. Breaking your study time into smaller, manageable sessions can keep you engaged and prevent burnout.
*Pro tip: Use a calendar or study planner to map out your weekly goals, making sure to balance time between different sections of the test.
2. Focus on Your Weakest Areas First
It’s tempting to practice the areas where you feel strongest, but the biggest gains often come from improving your weakest areas. Spend time analyzing your practice test results to pinpoint specific question types and topics that need extra attention. Whether it’s improving your reading speed for the SAT Reading section or mastering trigonometry for the SAT Math section, tackling your weaknesses early on will boost your confidence.
*Pro tip: If you struggle with math, for instance, dedicate two study sessions per week to drilling math problems until you see progress. With consistent effort, these areas can turn into strengths.
3. Practice With Official SAT Questions
Not all practice materials are created equal. For the most realistic prep experience, use official SAT practice questions. These are closest to what you’ll see on test day and will give you a better sense of timing and question difficulty. Make sure to work through full-length practice tests under timed conditions, which will help you build the stamina and pacing needed for test day.
*Pro tip: Take at least 3-4 full-length timed practice tests in the weeks leading up to your test date. Review each test carefully to understand every mistake and improve on them.
4. Learn Time Management Skills
Time is one of the biggest challenges on both the SAT. Each section has strict time limits, and learning to manage your time effectively can prevent you from leaving questions blank or feeling rushed. Practice keeping an eye on the clock and pacing yourself, especially on reading sections where timing can be especially challenging.
*Pro tip: For reading passages, try skimming the passage for key points first and then diving into the questions. For math, start with the easier questions and save the harder ones for later if you can.
5. Master Test-Taking Strategies
Knowing the content is crucial, but so is understanding how to approach each question type strategically. For example, on the SAT, some multiple-choice answers can be eliminated quickly with logical reasoning, while others require process-of-elimination techniques to help speed up your problem-solving. Practice these strategies with each study session to ensure they become second nature.
*Pro tip: If you’re unsure of an answer, eliminate the most unlikely choices first. Then make an educated guess rather than leaving it blank – the SAT does not penalize wrong answers, so guessing is always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Improving your SAT score is within reach if you approach your study sessions with strategy and consistency. Remember, effective test prep is a marathon, not a sprint. If you need personalized help with your prep, consider working with an experienced tutor who can guide you through the nuances of the test and help you stay on track.
At One Percent Prep, we have years of experience helping students achieve their best scores through proven techniques and personalized strategies. Reach out to us for one-on-one guidance, and let’s work together to help you reach your goal score!
By following these five tips, you’ll be on the path to a higher SAT score. Happy studying, and best of luck!
