It’s Crunch Time: SAT Edition

Its+Crunch+Time%3A+SAT+Edition

Kaitlyn DiNapoli, Author


Attention Students!

It’s the weekend we’ve all been waiting for… SATS.

 

The 4 hour test is approaching quickly and if you haven’t already cracked open that 800 page Kaplan book, you’re probably not going to in the time frame from now to Saturday. But don’t panic & remain calm. The following are 8 ways you can prepare for the test if you don’t have a lot of time left:

 

  1. Make sure you’re familiar with the new format

One of the only things that stayed the same is the use of those awful No.2 pencils. Everything else is completely different.

  • Vocabulary: Don’t get too excited, vocabulary is still tested, but “SAT Words” were taken off from the test. The new test uses more everyday words and will ask you questions like “As used” or “Most nearly means.”
  • The Essay: With the new test the essay has changed a lot, it is now optional. If you do choose to write it, you will have 50 minutes to complete it because they’ve added in a reading portion. In the old SAT it was about student opinions. Now, it will ask you to read a passage and then provide an analysis of the author’s effective use of evidence.
  • English: Evidence-based Reading and Writing is added to the new SAT.
  • Math: The math section will now be focused on algebra, geometry, fundamentals and some advanced math.
  • Timing: On the new test you’ll have more time for each section, and there will be 16 fewer questions on the entire test.
  • Scoring: Your final score used to be out of 2400 but now is out of 1600 with 800 points for math and 800 for English. If you choose to write the essay, it will be graded separately.

 

  1. Know your calculator

Don’t forget your calculator at home! Bring it and be familiar with how to use it. There will be 1 section that you are not permitted to use your calculator and will have to rely on mental math, but it really does help for the other section.

 

  1. Don’t stress

Getting too wrapped up in test preparation can do more harm than good. Find ways to relax yourself before heading into the exam room.

 

4. Sleep and eat a healthy breakfast

I know everyone always says this, but they are not lying to you. Sleep is one of the biggest keys to doing well on not only the SAT, but any test. It has shown that it improves memory and your ability to concentrate. Also make sure to get 8 hours of sleep and no less than 6.

 

5. Make sure you answer every question

On the old test you used to lose a quarter of a point for wrong answers, but not anymore. Even if you don’t know an answer take a guess. You also have a better chance of getting the question right now because a 5th answer choice was taken off the multiple choice questions.

 

6. Pace yourself

Budgeting your time on the SAT is very important since you can’t go back to previous sections of the test.

On the reading portion: Read all of the questions first and go back and highlight. You can mark up the test booklet as much as you want so take advantage of that.

On the essay: Before you begin to write, spend a few minutes brainstorming ideas. Planning will help you to write a well-organized essay but don’t spend all your time on that part.

Math section: On the SAT math questions usually go in order of difficulty. As you progress in the test, don’t get too hung up on one question and waste all your time on it. Give it a minute and if you don’t know, take a guess and move on.

 

7. Don’t stop early

Fight the urge to close your test booklet before the session is over just so you can take a break. It’s going to be early in the morning and you will be exhausted, but you need endurance to survive the SAT. Remember to use all of the time provided to look over your answers and make sure they’re finalized.

 

8. Understand it’s a learning experience

Take your last minute cram session as a reminder for next time, to start preparing a little earlier. If you don’t want to invest in a SAT book there are plenty of free resources. Practice tests are available online, so be sure to utilize them. They will truly help to improve your score!

 

 

Good luck everyone!