Since 1926, the SAT has been a staple of college admissions in the U.S. This test of aptitude and knowledge in reading, writing, and math has been an important factor in college applications for high school students, leading to some anxiety surrounding SAT test scores.
Not all higher education institutions require the SAT anymore, but many still do. As a high school student, you want to perform as well as possible to improve your college and scholarship applications. Here are some tips to calm anxiety and maximize your potential.
Why Take the SAT?
The SATs are standardized tests that assess math, evidence-based reading and writing. High school students typically take the SATs late in their junior year or early in their senior year, though the tests are available at testing centers several times a year.
There are two main components to the SATs: Evidence-based reading and writing, and math. The test sections are scored on a scale of 200 to 800, and the total SAT score is the sum of both sections. A 1600 is the highest possible score. Students can take the test multiple times and the highest score is what’s submitted to colleges and universities.
The SAT is a key factor in college admissions to many schools and scholarship opportunities. Some schools have adopted test-optional policies, but a strong SAT score can still help your application stand out. Colleges view the SATs as an indication of academic readiness, which strengthens your application.
It’s also a factor in merit-based scholarships that can help you save on tuition, so getting the highest test score possible can open up a lot of opportunities.
Effective SAT Preparation Strategies
Take a Free Practice SAT
Practice SATs are a crucial part of preparing for the test. These tests mimic the real thing and help you identify the areas of the test where you may be weak, so you know where to focus your study time. Practice tests also show you how you work under pressure – within a time constraint – to enhance your overall test-taking skills. There’s no limit to how many practice tests you can take.
Improve Your Vocabulary
SAT vocabulary workbooks help with a vital portion of the SATs – reading. Investing time in learning a few new words each day can build your confidence for test time, especially if your practice tests showed that you may not be strong in obscure vocabulary words.
It’s better to expand your vocabulary slowly, a few words at a time, than trying to cram a lot of words in at once. Come test time, you may find that you blank out on the words you’ve learned otherwise.
Develop Reading Comprehension
One significant aspect of the SATs is reading challenging excerpts to test your reading comprehension. It’s important to strengthen your reading skills over time to become a fast and effective reader. Ideally, you should read a few examples of SAT reading passages to sharpen your reading skills and answer the related questions.
Some students struggle with the reading portion of the SATs because of the time pressure and concentration. Build your skills by practicing reading the questions first to understand your focus and learn how to find relevant information quickly.
Practice Math Skills
Math can cause anxiety for a lot of students, but the key to being “good” at math is consistent practice. Use practice tests and SAT study materials to work through math problems repeatedly. The more you complete, the more you’ll learn your weaknesses and become more confident tackling math problems ahead of the test day.
Unlike math tests in high school, there is no credit for partial answers or showing your work. You will need to work in the margins to come to the answer, so running through practice tests can help you get used to this process.
Try Online SAT Prep
There are many options for online test prep beyond the resources from the College Board. For example, Khan Academy is an official partner of the College Board and offers free SAT prep classes and resources. You could also try professional SAT prep courses and tutoring for more hands-on, customized test practice.
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Try a Sophia course for free. Your free trial work is applied toward course credit when you become a member.
Use Test-Taking Strategies
The time constraint for SATs is a factor in test anxiety and allows little time to contemplate questions. There are some strategies you can use to help improve your score:
Start with Easy Questions
The worst mistake you could make is getting hung up on tough questions and missing out on the “easy wins.” Start by going through the test and answering the easy questions first. If you get stumped on any of them, move on and return to them later. The goal is to prioritize your answers by ones that are most likely to be correct, working from easiest to hardest.
Try Process of Elimination with Multiple Choice
Many questions on the SATs are multiple-choice questions. You won’t be penalized for a guess, so it’s always in your best interest to take a shot. Start by analyzing the question and eliminating the options you think are incorrect.
You should also pay attention to keywords that may indicate the wrong answers. For example, if a question asks “what is the capital of Germany?” with the options: A) Paris, B) Madrid, C) Rome, and D) Berlin, you can eliminate A, B, and C with confidence.
You can use a similar tactic with math questions you don’t know. Answering multiple-choice questions backwards allows you to put each answer option into the equation until you identify the correct answer.
Setting Realistic Score Improvement Goals
How much you can improve your SAT score depends on different factors, including your starting score, your strengths and weaknesses, and how effectively you study. Keep in mind that the higher you score already, the less dramatic your score improvement will be.
In general, for every 50 points you want to raise your score, you will need to get 4 or 5 more questions correct on the test. According to the College Board, the average SAT score improvement on a retake is about 40 points, so improving by 100 or more points could be more difficult – but not impossible with consistent practice.
Alternative Pathways and Considerations
The SAT isn’t the only standardized test that assesses college readiness for applications. Here are some alternative assessments:
ACT: The ACT is another widely accepted standardized test with a different format and scoring system than the SAT.
Test-optional colleges: Some colleges and universities now allow students to apply without standardized test scores.
AP exams: If you take AP courses in high school and complete the exams with high scores, these can stand out to colleges as an indication of your academic performance.
Should I Submit My SAT Scores?
With more colleges adopting test-optional policies, you may be wondering whether you should submit your SAT scores. You should submit your scores if:
Your score is within or above the school’s typical range for acceptance.
Your score strengthens your overall application.
You’re applying for scholarships that are based on academic performance and require test scores.
Understanding SAT Scoring and Preparation Time
What Is a “Good” SAT Score?
A good SAT score depends on your college goals and the standards of the individual school, but generally:
Mid-range colleges often require a range of 1200-1400
Other institutions may require a range of 1000-1200
Keep in mind that colleges and universities don’t often have “official” SAT scores they accept, since SATs are just one factor in a student’s overall application. It’s possible to have a lower score than the school usually accepts, but other desirable aspects of your application that appeal to admissions.
How Long Do You Need to Prepare for the SAT?
Preparation time for the SAT depends on your individual strengths and weaknesses and your score improvement goals. Here are some general guidelines:
2-3 months: This is ideal if you want moderate score improvements with regular study sessions.
3-6 months: This is recommended if you’re aiming for a significant score increase and mastery of all sections.
6+ months: This is ideal if you’re starting from a lower baseline, struggle with test anxiety, or are looking for top-tier scores.
Maximize Your SAT Performance
Improving your SAT score can be challenging and requires dedication, but consistent study habits and practice can go a long way toward building confidence, enhancing your skills, and positioning you for success on test day. Online courses from Sophia can help with your reading, writing, and math skills and enable you to enhance your learning journey on your own time. Explore our courses today!
