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The SAT is a multiple-choice, computer-based test created and administered by the College Board. It is used by most colleges and universities especially in the US to make admissions decisions.

The SAT is a standardized test used to measure a high school graduate’s readiness for college, and provide colleges/universities with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. Overall, higher the score on the SAT the more options for various schools and programs will be available to you.

Therefore, it is absolutely essential for you to prepare well and with a clear insight of all the missteps to avoid during the SAT preparation process. This SAT prep guide is designed to help you understand and navigate through all of the various challenges that may be a part and parcel of your SAT journey.

SAT at a glance

Understanding the format of any test you plan to take is always the first step. Similarly, you must have a firm grasp over the format of the SAT, especially after the changes it went through in early 2024. The new SAT testing is completely digital with the test being administered on a computer. This inevitably influences both the types of questions you are set to encounter and the overall testing experience.

One of the biggest alterations that digitisation brings forth is the SAT test becoming adaptive in nature. The real time adaptiveness of the modules allows for the test to adapt to the student’s skill level with questions aligning with your previous answers. This truly re-defines the SAT experience by creating a more accurate interpretation of your proficiency in the various sections that comprises the test.

This switch from the classic pen and paper format to a computer based one elevates the text experience by offering features such as annotation tools, answer elimination, on-screen timer, flag and review, and navigation within a module, that help maximise your performance when utilised effectively.

However, these changes in the test design, segment, and administration are bound to introduce its own challenges and limitations as well. Let us take a look at some of the common mistakes that we might end up making in the SAT preparation process and also learn how to effectively avoid them.

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Mistakes to recognise and avoid during your SAT Preparation

Not getting help when necessary

SAT exam preparation can be an exhaustive process, especially when undertaken without proper guidance and thorough understanding of resources to tap onto. SAT training courses especially designed with expertise can be a boon during the early stages of test prep. With multiple free resources available online claiming ready and easy results one is bound to be confused and overwhelmed. Following a structured program is always beneficial when looking for concrete results.

Not following a Structured study plan

Having a methodical approach helps one tackle even the most tricky task at hand. Similarly, SAT preparation can come across as a hefty task with a lot of nuance and novelty but having a structured study plan definitely helps navigate this effectively. Having a roadmap to follow with proper marked out steps and milestones is imperative to a successful SAT score. A directionless approach may sometimes land but a purposeful, well co-ordinated, study plan will always amount to desired results. Formulating a structured study plan should aim at outlining specific goals, materials to cover, and a specific timeline to follow towards achieving your targeted score.

Not giving equal importance to both sections-Reading and Writing, and Math

SAT is designed in a manner that makes it mandatory for students to lay equal importance to both sections of the test. The grand total of 1600 is divided equally into 800 each owed to reading and writing, and maths respectively. Students might have personal preferences and inclinations towards one or the other but it is essential that a balanced approach is taken while preparing for the test to make the best of one’s abilities while not sidelining either section. SAT classes designed to maximise student’s personal interests and also develop weaker parts definitely play a vital role in bringing clarity, developing interest, resulting in an overall boost in performance.

Not following updated study material

The study materials are one of the most essential aspects of one’s SAT preparation. One of the major mistakes students make during SAT prep is not giving enough time to research and understand the various updates the SAT has gone through over the years. The deluge of resources available online or in the market in the form of question banks, study guides, etc can be misleading in several ways. Sourcing correct study materials can very understandably be an overwhelming task. Perhaps, getting enrolled in a SAT training course can lay the foundation for the student to get on track easier and faster without having to complicate the initialization process.

Not understanding and utilising the adaptive nature of the test

The adaptive nature of the SAT exam that has become a vital part of the process post complete digitisation is a boon rather than a bane. A clear understanding of this will essentially help one refine their performance and as a result their overall SAT score. The anxieties that come with a revelation that your approach and answer to every single question is being monitored is natural but that getting comfortable with the same can be beneficial. With correct preparation, guidance, and enough practice one can use this adaptability and ace the SAT with finesse and ease.

Not solving enough SAT practice tests

Practice tests are designed to give the students a real time feel and understanding of what to anticipate on the actual SAT exam thus making them an essential part of the process. There are several aspects that make the SAT what it is. Only considering it as a digital multiple choice test might do more harm than good. Practice tests provide the perfect opportunity for students to gain more clarity about the multiple layer design of the SAT. Tackling cutting- edge questions, keeping up with the time constraints, leveling with the adaptiveness, all while keeping your cool is a task that will require a lot of practice to perfect.

Not adhering to effective time management strategies

Time management is perhaps one of the most intimidating aspects of SAT preparation. Having to solve questions while racing against time and not letting it hamper your performance is definitely a hefty feat. It is pertinent to keep calm throughout the process and still keep up with the ticking clock. Designing and adhering to effective time management strategies have shown amazing results with the present nature of the test. Analysing your SAT practice tests then becomes very important not just to tally scores but also to get a comprehensive idea of how much time one is taking in solving a problem. If the analysis reflects time management issues then it is imperative that it be addressed before anything else.

Not utilising official college board resources

The College board is the body that conducts the SAT. Not utilising the resources provided by the College Board might be the biggest mistake a student can make in their SAT preparation journey. The materials laid down on the official test website are designed, structured, and put together by the actual creators of the SAT, therefore, they are the most authentic resources that one can tap onto. Utilising their guides and mock tests, along with post test insights should be a conscious choice in one’s test preparation process.

Not reviewing/analysing practice test reports

Taking practice tests/Mock tests are essential not just for the data that comes with question solving. It is an indispensable part of the process that students must sit down and analyse their test reports after solving the questions. Looking at our mistakes and dissecting them can be an intimidating process but participating in this practice will inevitably bring forth insights that help one boost their overall performance. Sometimes it can be helpful to have someone more experienced to guide you through the confusions. SAT classes and trainers often become a helpful resource during this process. Looking at a mistake and figuring out how to make it right are two different things and additional help might just be conducive here.

Not getting used to digital test taking-tools, strategies, navigation, etc.

The switch from a proper pen and paper test to a fully digitised test has taken the SAT to a whole new level. For students unfamiliar with digital test taking, this change can definitely hamper test performance. Incorporating digital test taking into one’s test preparation process and practice, therefore, is not just imperative but also wise. To make the best use of one’s abilities in question solving, one must also consciously learn about digital test taking tools and strategies so that they may successfully translate their deftness into all aspects of the SAT.

Not taking care of your physical and mental stress

After everything is said and done what becomes unavoidable is the fact that students are poor at managing their health around stressful situations. Additional SAT preparation along with one’s regular academics and extra-curricular activities can be absolutely overwhelming. Therefore, it is essential to consciously take care of your health by maintaining a process of self preservation, with correct nutrition, resting schedule, and play. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, as well all know. To avoid misplaced stress, test anxiety, and burnout, a proper rest and study routine is mandatory. External help in the form of well curated SAT training courses, SAT classes, that are complete with a proper study plan, schedule, and expert faculty members might just be one of the best ways of navigating through the madness that SAT preparation sometimes can be. You can also read How to balance SAT Exam Preparation with school studies just to get an idea of how you can manage your SAT preparation along with your school studies.

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FAQs

One can ideally take anywhere in between three to five months according to their schedule, study material, and necessary guidance for SAT prep. Look for SAT training courses that match your preparation timeline.
SAT is one of the key selection criteria for admission to the best Universities in the US, Canada, and Singapore. Additionally, these test scores provide the colleges with a common data-point to compare the academic abilities of all their applicants. So even though you might be able to study abroad without taking the SAT, a standardized test like the SAT is incredibly beneficial and ensures you have the most options available.
Students can take the SAT exam as many times as they want. The SAT is conducted seven times a year in the months of March, May, June, August, October, November and December. However, being fully prepared for your attempts is advised. Proper preparation for a second attempt also includes a thorough analysis of the first attempt test report.