The SAT can be a stressful hurdle on your path to college. Whether you’re aiming to get into your dream school or just looking to secure a good scholarship, improving your SAT score can open doors to better opportunities. But here’s the good news: you can improve your score! With the right approach and mindset, you can make significant progress, even if the SAT seems overwhelming at first.
The SAT is not just a test of what you know; it also tests how well you manage your time, how you approach problems, and how familiar you are with the test format. While knowledge of math, grammar, and reading comprehension is critical, strategic preparation and practice are just as important. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical tips that can help you boost your score. From learning the structure of the exam to using smart study techniques, these tips will give you a roadmap to success.
1. Understand the SAT Format Inside and Out
Before you even begin studying, it’s essential to understand what the SAT tests and how it is structured. The SAT consists of three main sections:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW): This section includes two parts—Reading, and Writing & Language.
- Math: The math portion is divided into two parts: one where you can use a calculator and one where you cannot.
- Optional Essay: Some schools may require this, so check the requirements of the colleges you’re interested in.
Why is understanding the format important? Because time management is one of the most challenging aspects of the SAT. Knowing what’s coming helps reduce test-day surprises and lets you focus on performing your best. For example, the SAT gives you 65 minutes for 52 questions in the Reading section. That’s just over a minute per question. Knowing this ahead of time allows you to practice pacing yourself accordingly.
2. Take a Diagnostic Test
One of the first things you should do is take a full-length, timed practice test. This diagnostic test will serve as your baseline, showing you where you currently stand and highlighting your strengths and weaknesses. Many free practice tests are available online, including on official websites like College Board.
For example, if you score particularly low on the math section, you’ll know to allocate more study time there. On the other hand, if your reading score is already strong, you may only need to maintain that skill rather than devote as much time to improving it.
3. Create a Personalized Study Plan
Once you’ve identified your weak areas, it’s time to create a study plan. Set realistic goals for yourself, whether you’re studying over two months or six months. If you’re aiming to improve by 100 points, figure out how much time per day or week you can dedicate to each section. Here’s a sample plan:
- Weeks 1-2: Focus on reviewing basic math concepts and practicing reading comprehension. Take practice quizzes every other day.
- Weeks 3-4: Tackle harder math problems, start focusing on grammar and writing skills, and take timed sections of practice tests.
- Weeks 5-6: Start taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual test environment. Review your mistakes in detail.
Break your study sessions into manageable chunks. Rather than cramming for hours at a time, aim for shorter, consistent study periods—30 minutes to an hour per day can be more effective than a 5-hour cram session once a week.
4. Use High-Quality Study Materials
Not all SAT prep materials are created equal. Stick to trusted resources like official SAT prep books from the College Board, or popular test-prep services like Princeton Review or Khan Academy. For example, Khan Academy partners directly with the College Board and offers free, customized SAT prep programs. They even adjust your practice questions based on your diagnostic results to help you focus on areas where you need improvement the most.
5. Master the Art of Guessing
Many students freeze when they don’t know the answer to a question. Here’s a simple but effective strategy: don’t leave any answers blank. The SAT does not penalize for wrong answers, so you should always guess if you’re unsure. But don’t guess randomly—use the process of elimination. If you can rule out one or two wrong answers, your odds of guessing correctly improve dramatically.
For example, if you’re stuck on a vocabulary question in the Reading section, you may not know the definition of every answer choice. However, by looking at the context of the sentence, you can likely rule out a couple of words that don’t fit. Then, you can make an educated guess from the remaining options.
6. Focus on Vocabulary and Grammar
The Writing and Language section often trips up students because of its focus on grammar rules and vocabulary. A great way to boost your score here is by reviewing common grammar rules, such as subject-verb agreement, parallelism, and punctuation.
Additionally, building a strong vocabulary will help you in both the Reading and Writing sections. One effective way to build vocabulary is through reading. Try to read a wide range of materials—newspapers, novels, essays—so you can get accustomed to encountering different words in context. There are also SAT-specific vocabulary lists you can study. Apps like “Quizlet” offer pre-made SAT vocabulary flashcards that you can use to review on the go.
7. Practice Time Management
One of the biggest challenges of the SAT is time. Even if you know the material, managing your time efficiently can make or break your score. Each section has its own pacing requirements. For example, in the Math section, you have 25 minutes for the no-calculator portion, which contains 20 questions. This means you have just over a minute per question.
A useful strategy is to go through the easier questions first. Don’t get stuck on a single question for too long. If you find yourself spending too much time on a question, mark it, move on, and come back to it later if you have time. This strategy ensures you maximize your score by getting through as many questions as possible.
8. Understand Common Math Problem Types
The math section of the SAT isn’t necessarily harder than high school math, but the way questions are worded can be tricky. The SAT often presents math problems in wordy, confusing formats. For example, a question might ask you to determine the value of x in a system of equations, but present the problem in a way that requires multiple steps of logical reasoning.
The best way to get better at these types of questions is through practice. Try to familiarize yourself with the most common SAT math question types: linear equations, problem-solving with ratios, and data interpretation from charts or graphs. Over time, you’ll begin to recognize patterns in how questions are asked.
9. Review Your Mistakes
One of the most valuable steps in your SAT prep journey is reviewing the mistakes you make during practice tests. Don’t just glance over the questions you got wrong; take the time to understand why your answer was incorrect. Was it a careless mistake, or did you misunderstand the concept?
For example, if you consistently get geometry questions wrong, you may need to spend more time reviewing key concepts like angles, circles, and triangles. Over time, reviewing mistakes will help you improve not only your knowledge but also your test-taking skills.
10. Stay Mentally and Physically Prepared
Test preparation isn’t just about studying—it’s also about taking care of your mind and body. A well-rested, calm, and focused mind performs better than one that’s tired and stressed. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly, especially in the days leading up to the test.
On test day, arrive early and make sure you’ve had a healthy breakfast. Bring snacks, water, and all the materials you need (like your calculator and admission ticket) so that you don’t feel rushed or distracted.
Conclusion: Practice and Patience Pay Off
Improving your SAT score isn’t about overnight success. It takes time, dedication, and smart strategies. But by understanding the test format, practicing regularly, and focusing on your weak areas, you can achieve significant improvement. Just remember—every practice session and every small improvement adds up, getting you one step closer to your goal.
Good luck, and remember—you’ve got this! Keep practicing, stay positive, and believe in yourself!