How To Slay Your SAT
Many students preparing for the SAT are nervous and the main reason is they might not know where to start. In this article, I’ll provide you comprehensive details on how to get a head start.
Know The Test
The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to take admissions. Prior to your preparation, you should know what type of questions are asked and how much time is allowed to complete the test.
Reading Part
To complete the SAT reading part in time, skim through the paragraphs with some tweaks. Notice the contrast words (however, rather etc.) and words that indicate positive and negative connotations which will help you answer questions with options you have no idea about.
To get the context of the writing, scan through the introductory and concluding paragraph as well as opening and closing sentences of body paragraphs. Your next step is to read and notice what type of questions are asked.
Then DIVE INTO as it is the most interesting writing you have ever read. While reading, underline those sentences which you feel might help to answer the questions. Use the elimination method if similar options confuse you because there is only one right option.
Math Part
The best way to score well in the math part is practice, practice, and practice. If you think that you are weak in some particular section of math (e.g. geometry), try to fill those gaps. There are no rocket-science questions, you only need to have good basics in math.
Memorize formulas that will help to manage time. A consequential tip is to eliminate the fear that you can not solve a math problem even if your past record is not good enough. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!
Writing Part
This section of the SAT is tricky as there is a standard and specific approach to grammar. Unlike your regular English tests, intuition is not recommended in this section. You should definitely check out the grammar rules to get an idea of the approach. Keep in mind that less than 25% of SAT questions have NO CHANGE as the correct answer. Hence it is likely that you are missing some detail if most of your answers are NO CHANGE. Moreover, if two or more options are grammatically correct, then choose the more concise option with respect to the context.
Essay Part
The essay section of SAT is optional and its’ pattern has changed in the recent years, the graders are looking at how good you grasp the authors’ point of view and elaborate it in your own words.
Take your time to read and understand the paragraph. I would recommend spending at least 15 minutes and make sure you fully understand what the author wanted to convey.
When writing your essay, make good use of direct quotes from the paragraph and support your argument with specific arguments rather than your opinions.
Important Tips
Time Is The Key: Every person who has given the SAT will definitely vouch that time management is the key to slay SAT. Do not waste time on difficult questions, solve easy ones first.
Build Stamina: You have to build stamina to take a test of around 4 hours without losing interest and concentration.
Stay Calm: The best advice to take is to relax one day before SAT. Go to park or binge-watch Netflix and believe in your preparation.
Make a Check-list: Make a checklist which includes SAT ticket, photo ID, stationery, calculator, and some snacks. I also recommend wearing a wristwatch.
Material Resources
The best lectures and materials to prepare for SAT are given on Khan Academy which is now official partners of College Board. Here is the link to make your study plan most effective.
“Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.” (Bill Bradley)
