Having a top SAT score requires more than determination and hard work. The test is getting harder with each passing year, and the students applying for colleges must adopt effective strategies to reach their goals. But what is the SAT? This “Scholastic Assessment Test” is taken by almost all students pursuing higher education in colleges (and some trade schools). It is taken all over the country. With it, colleges and universities can get a glimpse of students’ work ethic and their academic level.
College admission is becoming more and more competitive, and you, as a prospective college student,, are required to stand out against other applicants, which is primarily possible via good SAT scores. In this article, I am going to explain how to ace the SAT and, at the end of it, I believe you will know what it takes to conquer this exam.
What do we mean by acing the SAT? Acing the SAT means, for most students, getting a score above 1400. The score makes you competitive with the vast majority of colleges. In addition to your past results, a score higher than 1400 can put you ahead of 95 per cent of the students who take the SAT. Some colleges are selective and will require you to score 1550 or higher. So, depending on your college choice, it is essential to figure out your target score and work hard to achieve it.
The first step you should take to ace the SAT is to determine the amount of time you need to study. But how long do you need to study? I think the answer primarily depends on your starting score and your target score. If you spend more time studying than other students, you are likely to achieve your goal. For 0-30 point improvement, you will require roughly 10 hours. 30-70 point improvement will require 20 hours of study, while 200-330 point improvement will require approximately 150 hours.
A practice test is also recommended for those who have not taken the SAT before. It will help determine where you are and how much you need to improve. In addition to putting in the necessary hours, you also need to study efficiently. If you incorporate the following practices into your study, you will stand a better chance of scoring high in your SAT.
First, you should use the official practice questions and tests. These are far and away the best, since they closely resemble the questions that are contained in the actual SAT (and many come from past SAT exams). Unlike your normal tests in school, the SAT format is unique. If you are comfortable answering the question on the practice tests, you will likely do better on the actual exam.
Another point worth noting is how well you compensate for your weaknesses and learn from your mistakes. Don’t just focus on the correct answer; focus on why you got the question wrong, too. You will only ace the SAT if you endeavour to reduce the room for error. Read each question carefully, understand it, and be able to finish it in the allotted time.
While practicing for the exam, track the types of questions you struggle with the most and take specific notes. Be able to understand why you got the question wrong and do what is necessary to rectify your mistake.
Another way of acing the SAT is to understand the content. Get acquainted with all the common topics that are tested .What is commonly tested are concepts related to reading, writing, and math. Identify the question, read carefully and decipher its content, and then answer.
Being able to eliminate the wrong answers is also an important strategy in acing the SAT. It helps when you are not 100% certain of the correct answer. When you eliminate the wrong answers, you increase the chances of getting the question right, and you are more likely to arrive at the correct answer.
To conclude the article, I understand that acing the SAT is not easy, but with a good plan and enough diligence, it is possible to surpass your targeted score and put you in a great position for college admissions. Consider registering for an online program or work with a private tutor. All of this will help you with organization, motivation, and test-taking strategies.