5 Things to Remember While Preparing For SATs

SATs are the rites of passage for all high school students who wish to get into dream universities. A score in SAT, which stands for Scholastic Assessment Test, decides your future irrespective of whether you like it or not. Just not yours, in fact; it decides the future of many international applicants. Given the importance of SATs, you can expect these tests to be rigorous and competitive—and they actually are. The number of takers is only increasing as we speak, which means anyone of my readers who aspire to be in a dream university after school will have to take this very seriously.

Apologies, if the introductory paragraph painted a grim and daunting picture of SATs. But, that was something which must be told. The point is, you cannot simply wake up one morning and write your SATs. You will need to have a roadmap and that can only happen after you begin taking these tests seriously.

If you want some guidance, I have a few things to tell you. The 5 things which I have enumerated below will offer you a general idea of what SATs are all about. Consider them and you can figure out a plan of action.

1. The format of the paper
   The purpose of the test is to determine the preparedness of a student to attend college. The format, therefore, has been designed to test students on parameters necessary for college life. An SAT will have 4 sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Mathematics (for which calculator will be allowed), and Mathematics (where calculators are not allowed). There is an optional essay which can be the 5^th section if opted. The total time for SAT is 3 hours.
   Make sure you know the format by heart otherwise you will not be able to move ahead with preparation.

   

2. Know Your Weak and Strong Areas
   How to go about it? Well, there is a simple solution for the same. You can refer to previous years’ questions or try out sample tests to test your knowledge. Based on the scores obtained, you will be able to segregate your weak and strong areas. Upon gaining this information, start with the weakest areas and move on towards the strongest. This will help you distribute your time and energy into doing areas which require most of your attention. Basically, there will be directional study—something which is extremely important for cracking SATs.

   

3. Practice and Practice
   Aside from studying all the sections extensively, it is equally important to focus on practicing questions. Remember that you have to not only answer questions correctly but also answer them fast. Exams can be stressful and we often end up giving too much time on certain questions. Time management is as crucial as the exam itself. The best way, so far as my opinion is concerned, is practicing mock tests regularly. Take up mock tests every day or weekly to test where you are. Every mock test you take will add to your knowledge and speed. The more questions you solve, the more you will know and the faster you will write the test.

   

4. Take help
   SATs will set the stage for your future so you can’t go wrong with them. A study plan is necessary, and teachers and friends make up as important elements of the said plan. Whenever you face problem regarding any concept or question, you should seek help. Form study groups, join online forums, attend online lectures, or get tutors, etc. It does not matter who it is; so long as you are getting the right help, that is enough. Many coaching institutes offer practice sessions for those not interested in long-term memberships. Take advantage of these.

   

5. Calm down
   This is something I used to do: I did not study at all a day before the test. The test day is going to be a stressful event of my life, and I will have to prepare myself mentally for that. I surely couldn’t do it with piled up stress caused by continuous studying. All of us need a breather, and that day is the one when you must retire. Go out, do Netflix and Chill, or simply sleep. You must not feel exhausted or demotivated on the day of the test.