With SAT season is in full swing, here are some tips to prep for a smooth sailing testing day

    For most high schoolers, preparing for the SAT can seem very overwhelming. While this 3 and a half hour test has become optional for many colleges, it is still a rite of passage for juniors and seniors to benchmark themselves and their readiness for college. Students should remember that the SAT exam is an indicator of aptitude, not intelligence. Here are some tips on how you can prepare for the all-important test:

1. Don’t Procrastinate

Practice makes progress. While it might be tempting to put off SAT prep, the best way to get better is to do practice tests. Setting aside as little as 20 minutes a day consistently can be the difference between an okay score and a great one. 

2. Test Prep Tools

There are many resources available for students to get ready for the SAT exam including Khan Academy’s SAT Practice, Princeton Review Books, and local SAT prep classes. Some schools also provide SAT prep classes, Potomac Falls being one of them. Test preparation tools are a great way for students to get ready for the SAT exam and learn tips and tricks to help them improve their scores.

3. Timing is Key

Each section of the SAT has a time limit ranging from 25 minutes to 65 minutes. Keeping an eye on the clock is very important because students should try to attempt every question. If you get stuck on a question, skip it and come back to it at the end if you have time. Doing practice sections strictly adhering to allocated time can help students establish a sustainable pace to complete as many questions as possible.

4. Answer Every Question

The SAT does not penalize students for wrong answers, so you should try to answer every question. If you don’t understand a question, try eliminating as many options as possible before making an educated guess. However, if you are unable to eliminate any of the answers, go with your first instinct and move on to the next question. 

5. Practice Tests are Good Benchmarks

One week before your SAT, do a full length test simulating as closely as possible the same testing conditions. Taking a full length test can provide students with a realistic sense of how long the test is and can help track your energy levels. 

6. Take a Break the Night Before

The night before your SAT exam can be very stressful. Last minute cramming can result in additional anxiety, so the best thing to do before a big test is to relax and do things that take your mind off the next day.

7. You Can Retake the Exam Multiple Times

If your SAT score is lower than you expected, don’t beat yourself up over it. You can retake the SAT as many times as you’d like. Another option is to consider the ACT, which may align more closely with your strengths.