Taking The SAT: Tips To Pass The Test

If you are gearing up to take the SAT, you may be a bit nervous. This is okay and expected. Try your best and you should do well. With that said, there are steps that you can take before and during the test to improve your scores. Most are fairly easy. What are they? Continue reading on to find out.

Familiarize yourself with the SAT outline, layout, and directions. Of course, each multiple choice question or student produced mathematics question will have specific directions. However, the SAT follows a very strict layout. Know this layout and the generalized directions. You can do this by reviewing purchased printed study guides, researching the SAT online, or by taking practice tests. These practice tests are available on the Official SAT website, operated by the College Board. You want to review each heading for directions on the day of the test, but since you know what to expect, a quick skim should do.

Try to answer each test question in order. Some recommend going through the test and answering the easy questions first. This can work for some, but it can get confusing too. It is best to work in the order of the test questions. If you do skip a few questions, mark these on your book. Be sure to go back and finish all skipped questions before the end of the tests. Don’t forget about the test answer grid sheet. Do not let a skipped question mess up the rest of your answers.

Make an educated guess with multiple choice questions if you do not know the answer. For some, this is better than skipping the question altogether. A good approach is to eliminate the wrong answers first. Even if you automatically eliminate only two multiple choice answers, guessing should be easier and more accurate.

Refer to the mathematics guide for the SAT Reasoning Test. Most students are concerned about the math portion of the SAT. If you are one of those individuals, you should enjoy hearing that common formulas are written in your test book. Although you do not need to memorize these formulas, it is your job to know which formulas to use. If you saved your old math notes or have access to a textbook, review these formulas and their uses ahead of time.

A good percentage of the SAT Reasoning Test is multiple choice answers. Even in the mathematics sections where you, the student, produce your own answer, the answer grid is used. You will need to bring two number two pencils and an eraser for this portion of the test. Make your marks very carefully. In 2005, there was a problem with scoring. Although it had to do with moist papers, you can see there is room for error. Eliminate this room. Make sure the grading machines can properly score your test. Mark each answer clearly, completely erase marks if you change your mind, and eliminate any stray marks.

Do not change your answers unless you are sure. If you take your time, you will get the correct answer the first time. If there is still time remaining in each section, review your answers at your own will. However, know that is the time when many students second guess themselves. Don’t change your answer unless you are sure you are making the right decision. Most of the time, your first answer will be correct, so do not let a “what if,” scenario ruin your good score.

Keep an eye on the clock, but don’t rush. The SAT is composed of mini-tests. Each of these sections are timed. Not all SAT testing rooms have a clock, so you may wish to bring a quiet watch that does have an alarm. At the start of each timed section, you will know how much time you have and when the session ends. Do not rush, but always keep an eye on the clock. Most students finish each section before the timed deadline. So, do not rush unless you notice you are falling behind schedule.

In short, there are many ways to prepare for the SAT, especially the day of the test. Most importantly, come prepared, take your time, eliminate the wrong answers first if you have problems, make sure your answer grid is clearly marked, and move at a steady not rushed pace. By taking these steps, you should see success on your next SAT.