Best last-minute SAT strategies

SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is an examination conducted by the College Board. It is an exam that tests high school students’ capability to secure admission to an undergraduate course in US colleges and universities. As the exam date gets close, students start looking for last-minute SAT strategies for reading, writing, and more.

If you are a student studying a few days before the exam, then you must spend most of your remaining time carefully. Let us learn in-depth about the last-minute SAT strategies that can help you succeed.

Top relevant SAT test strategies

It goes without saying that aspirants must start studying for SAT months before the exam day. It is also crucial to remember a few SAT strategies to attain a good score on the test.

Below we have listed some tested last-minute SAT strategies that students can follow before the test –

• Utilize the time left to master your weak topics: You must know where you lack and devise a strategy to solve a particular question type. Take a glance at your previous practice tests, isolate the sections that are yet problematic, and deal with them. By addressing your weaknesses, you will have both the knowledge and strategy to resolve them on the day of your exam. Even if you do this for one section of the test, your total score will increase significantly.
• Go to bed early and get plenty of sleep: Getting an eight-hour sleep will give your brain more time to relax and enter a deep, resting state. If not eight, then you must get a sound sleep of at least seven hours and no less. Sleeping for this long assures memory retention and helps avoid sleepiness during the exam.
• Eat something before you step out for the exam: It is vital to give your body an adequate amount of energy to be focused. When it comes to eating right, you must stick to foods high in protein, like eggs. Foods that are highly rich in protein release sustainable energy and keep you alert before and during the test.
• Follow your usual routine: If you typically drink coffee before school, then having your regular cup before the examination would be good. But, if it is not part of your routine, then don’t have it on your exam day. You do not want to feel sick before the test. Similarly, you should be cautious of energy drinks or any unprescribed medicine.
• Pack up everything you need: Being prepared in the early hours is another excellent SAT strategy. You must pack all your belongings one night before the test. It avoids the situation of you forgetting something in the morning hustle of leaving for the test. Ensure that you have the following things in your bag before the test –

1. Admission ticket (print your admission ticket from the official website of the College Board)
2. Photo ID (driving license, school ID, passport, or learner’s permit)
3. Calculator (put in new batteries one night before the exam)
4. Bring regular, non-mechanical pencils and ensure that they are sharpened.
5. Here are some additional things you can choose to carry –

• Watch: Examination halls generally have a wall clock, but sometimes they might not have one, or it may not be working. So, it is a good idea to wear your watch.
• Snack: You will get a couple of breaks between the test. So, it is good to bring some snacks to keep up your energy.
• Small drink: You must bring a water bottle or a bottle of your favorite drink if there is no drinking facility.
• Jacket: It is best to dress in layers on the exam day as the exam room could be hot or cold. For the right comfort, wear a jacket on that day.

Must-know SAT strategies to follow during the test

During the test, you must keep in mind the following SAT test-taking strategies –

• Skip the question: If there is a tricky question, then try not to spend much time answering or solving it. If you have already spent a few minutes reading and thinking and still don’t know how to answer, then it is best to skip it. Circle the question you have skipped and return to it at the end. It is one of the best SAT strategies you can apply during the exam and save time.
• Guess whenever possible: Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, you can make a smart choice as far as your understanding and learning can help you. Although a complete guess, there is a chance you will get it right and earn your point. If you have skipped any question and have some time left, then go back to it and make a smart guess. Just keep in mind that leaving any question unanswered assures zero points whatsoever. So, take the chance, as you have the advantage of no negative marking for wrong attempts.
• Always recheck answers: Take some time at the end of every section to recheck your attempted answers. Any careless mistake can cost your score. It is better to revise your answers and correct your mistakes. During this time, you can also ensure you have filled the answer sheet correctly and marked the skipped questions.
• Use evidence in your essay: This is among the finest strategies for SAT reading section. If you are considering taking the essay part of the new SAT, then you must read the passage and assess the author’s argument. Use direct evidence that you can find in the passage to support your facts and showcase the authority of your analysis.

As you read the passage, highlight the sentences you think may come to use in your essay. It will help you better explain the way the author builds an argument.

Key takeaways

All the SAT strategies we discussed may determine your test performance. If you are studying shortly before the test, then you can adhere to the aforementioned SAT test-taking strategies –

• You must not leave any questions unattempted
• You must not forget to carry any essential item in the examination.
• Getting plenty of rest before the test helps your mind to relax.
• It is best to mark the question you cannot answer and go through it later once you are done with other questions.

Reach out to us to learn more about SAT test strategies.

If you liked the blog, then check out the next one: Improve your IELTS exam score with these tips | Syllabus, tricks & more!

Frequently asked questions

Q: What particular SAT strategies can help you achieve a score of 1300+?

You must manage your time carefully to score better on SAT. Check out all the relevant topics and go through them. Also, learn formulas and practice every kind of question to avoid blunders or silly mistakes in the test.

Q: How much time is enough to prepare for SAT?

Generally, preparing for the test takes about 5 to 12 weeks. But, you should practice sufficient full-length papers before giving the actual test.

Q: What is the registration fee for SAT? 

For SAT, the registration fee is $55, and for SAT with essay, it is $68. In addition, students taking SAT outside the United States need to pay $49 along with the registration fee.