SAT Eligibility

How to get a great score in the SAT

 

There's no denying that the SAT is significant. The higher your score, the more likely you are to get accepted into more competitive universities and to be considered for certain scholarship opportunities.

 

If you're unhappy with your initial results, you're undoubtedly wondering, "What might I have done differently?" What would I do differently if I were to retake the SAT? We'll look at ten ways to improve your SAT score in this article.

 

1. Expand your vocabularies

 

The SAT is a wordy test. From critical reading to essay writing, everything is covered. It's critical to have a strong lexicon before taking the SAT. Reading is the best approach to locate tough words; whenever you come across a term you don't know or don't understand, look it up and memorize it.

 

Take a look at some previous SAT tests or practise examinations to see if any terms appear more frequently than others; the SAT is known for recycling words. Building your vocabulary will not only assist you in breaking down those reading passages, but it will also strengthen your essays and assist you throughout your academic career.

 

2. Read, Read, and Read some more! Write, Write, Write, Write, Write, Write, Write, Write, Write, Write

 

Reading can introduce you to new terminology, writing styles, and concepts, as stated in the preceding technique. Read books that you enjoy. Read things that bore you. Newspapers should be read. Examine scientific papers. To genuinely improve your critical thinking skills, read anything you can get your hands on.

 

Try summarizing a book, article, movie review, etc. in your own words after you've finished reading it. This will get you thinking about what you've read while also allowing you to flex your writing muscles. Writing is similar to working out in that if you don't utilize it, you lose it; yet, if you write frequently, your skills will improve and it will become simpler to do. It's the same as running a mile.

 

3. Make the most of your study materials

 

There are so many SAT prep books available that your mind will spin. Some bookstores even dedicate entire departments to ACT and SAT books. Test-taking strategies, practice questions, reading examples, essay prompts, and more can all be found in these publications. Schools frequently hold SAT study sessions, which are beneficial not only for brushing up on specific topics but also for asking questions.

 

4. Take some practise exams

 

Take a practice test through school, your SAT study book, or College Board. Or maybe a few. There will always be variables on test day–a kid forgot to turn off their smartphone, the heating is out and you're chilly, you're sick, etc.–so it's important to train your mind to focus on the test in front of you.

 

By taking practice tests, you may get a sense of how the SAT is constructed, what types of questions you'll see, and which parts of the test are causing you difficulty that you can work on later. The results of the practice tests can then be utilized to evaluate where you excel and where you need to improve.

 

5. Formulas should be memorized and understood.

 

Sure, some of these will be offered to you at the start of the test, but flicking back and forth can waste valuable time. It's preferable to have them mentally written down. Aside from saving time, you'll be able to apply these formulas with more confidence on test day if you actually grasp them.

 

6. Don't Stress and Don't Cram

 

In the long run–if ever–studying the night before will not be advantageous. Everything's best to stretch out your SAT preparation so that it truly sinks in. While "don't stress" may not be possible in every situation, it's critical to get a good night's sleep, eat well, relax, and arrive mentally (and physically) fit on the day of the event.

 

Let's move on to actual test-day strategies now.

 

7. Put Your Work On Display

 

On test day, stress levels can be high, and if your mind is racing in a million other places, answering a math question could result in a small error that leads to a wrong response. Slow down, take a deep breath, and jot down your ideas. Even if you think the problem is trivial, it's always a good idea to jot it down first and double-check. When you write things down, you're more likely to spot a mistake before it happens.

 

8. Having trouble answering a math question? Write!

 

You can come upon a question that you can't quite figure out right away. Start writing instead of zoning out, stressing, and wasting time. Simply keep that pencil moving since it will keep your brain active as well. Underline parts of the issue, label diagrams, draw a clarifying graphic

 

Writing can help us remember things, and physically breaking down the question can reveal patterns we hadn't noticed previously. Keeping yourself involved might be as simple as marking up the question and writing down your views.

 

9. Consider the Opponent's Point of View in Your Essay

 

It may seem counterintuitive to discuss the opposing side of an argument, yet addressing the opposing side makes you sound more mature. That's not to suggest you have to agree with the opposing viewpoint. Simply bring it up, give it some weight, and then make your own case.

 

For instance, suppose you're writing about how it feels better to work for something you want than having it handed to you. "While receiving something you want as a present is a good experience, it becomes even more gratifying knowing that you invested time and effort into achieving it," you may remark near the end.

 

10. Make the test useful to you.

 

Use the fact that the majority of the SAT is multiple choice to your advantage. When solving math problems, use the process of elimination to determine which answer fits the equation and which does not. Isn't it certain that it's one of them?

 

Look for a common theme among the possible answers in the reading sections–are they looking for grammar errors? Punctuation? Reread the prompt with this in mind and locate the solution. The answers will always be in the material, so take advantage of the test by looking in the proper locations. GRE scores are used to evaluate applicants' potential for graduate-level study in a variety of fields. Some departments may require one of the GRE Subject Tests, while others may only require the General Test.

 

Furthermore, there are no penalties for guessing in the new SAT format. Correct responses do not count against you. So, if you've exhausted all of your possibilities and are still stumped, make an educated guess and move on (though come back to it later, if you have time).

 

When you retake the SAT with these suggestions in hand, some more study time, and the knowledge gained from prior blunders, you may expect a higher score–you've earned it! Best of luck!