This upcoming Wednesday is SAT day for Juniors here at Watkins Mill. Hopefully, everyone taking this assessment has already begun to study. If not, don’t worry. Here are some quick yet effective SAT study hacks to help you boost your score.
1.) Prioritize High-Impact Sections.
If you’ve never taken the SAT, it’s good to know that not all parts of that big Princeton review need to be covered. Knowing what part to ACTUALLY study can be really helpful. An important thing to know about this is that if you struggle with a particular area, don’t waste your last hours trying to be perfect at everything. Instead, concentrate on your weaker sections to maximize your score.
2.) Master the process of Elimination.
If you’re unsure about questions, don’t waste time overanalyzing them or skip them ( you don’t lose points for not answering a question). Instead, apply the process of elimination. Get rid of obviously incorrect answers, then narrow down your answers. On a multiple-choice question, this increases your chances of getting it right and makes it easier for you to pick an answer. If you’re between two, go with your gut (You’re smarter than you think!).
3) Review Grammar Key and Math Formulas the Night Before.
The Writing and Language section tests your understanding of grammar rules. The math section tests your knowledge of applying mathematical equations to “real-world” problems. Reviewing the basics the night before ensures that it stays in your short-term memory until the morning of the quiz.
4) Sleep is a MUST.
It may sound counterproductive when you’re running short on time, but getting a good night’s sleep before the exam is crucial. Studies show that a good night of sleep improves memory retention, concentration, and overall cognitive function. Sacrificing sleep to study until the last minute can work against you on test day. So, instead of pulling an all-nighter, go to bed early.
5) Move your Bones!
Many students overlook this key factor when preparing for tests. It turns out that moving your body before and during the test could improve your score. Movement boosts cognitive function, reduces stress and anxiety, and helps maintain focus during the test. So, before the test and during the break, do a few jumping jacks or a walk to the bathroom.
While it’s always good to study in advance, if you are one of those last-minute students, I have linked some different resources that have helped me with my SAT studies below this article.
From one junior to another: keep calm, follow these tips, and you’ll be ready to take this SAT—no matter how much time is left.
Links for last-minute studying:
