The month before your Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is crucial. This is the time to buckle down and study harder to ensure you remember everything you learned and reviewed during your SAT test preparation in Dubai and get high scores on the exam.
If you think you haven’t made the most of your test preparation plan in the prior months, the next four weeks are vital for maximizing it to boost your chances of getting high exam scores. Whether you've maximized your SAT study plan or not, the last month before your test will help you prepare for it extensively. This article provides you with helpful tips for making the most out of the remaining four weeks you have to study (helper in studies) for this important exam.
A One-Month SAT Study Guide
Below are the eight best tips to help you prepare for the SAT in the month leading to it:
1. Modify your study plan.
A study plan is a schedule or chart that lets you block out the time you need each day to review for the SAT. This study plan helps you stay organized and ensure you cover all the necessary topics before test day. Ideally, you should already have one and have been following it as soon as you started preparing for the exam.
The month before the SAT, go over your study plan and modify it to ensure you put more time into reviewing the subjects and topics you are struggling with. Additionally, you would do well to add more time to taking practice tests since these are crucial for preparing for the SAT. Lastly, set aside time each day and week for some rest and relaxation. Burning out before the exam can be detrimental to your health and performance.
2. Take plenty of practice tests.
Practice tests are an essential part of SAT preparation. Taking these mock exams can help you feel comfortable with the test format, identify areas where you need improvement, and build your confidence.
Try taking at least one to two practice exams weekly in the month leading up to the SAT. If you’re enrolled in an SAT preparation course, you’ll likely take these mock tests once a week at the minimum. Make sure to simulate the test conditions as closely as possible, including timing yourself and taking the exam in a quiet, distraction-free setting so that you’ll be fully prepared for the actual SAT.
3. Focus on your weak areas.
To make the most of your remaining study time and increase your chances of getting high scores, focus on your weak areas the month before your SAT. After taking practice tests, identify which sections or types of questions you struggle with the most. Once you have pinpointed them, focus your efforts on improving your knowledge and score in these areas.
For instance, if you struggle with algebra, spend extra time reviewing this subject and practice solving and answering more algebra problems. You would also do well to practice using the calculator you intend to bring to the actual exam.
4. Use high-quality study materials.
If you want to use additional review materials, make sure you choose high-quality ones from trustworthy sites. There are plenty of free and paid SAT study materials available online. Make sure you choose ones that accurately reflect the content and format of the SAT and come from reputable sources.
Don’t forget to ask your SAT prep tutor for additional review materials they recommend. Once you have your study materials, you can include them in your flashcards. Flashcards are great tools for memorizing important concepts and formulas covered by the SAT. Spend some time each day reviewing them to reinforce your knowledge of the key concepts.
5. Learn and practice helpful test-taking strategies.
In addition to studying test subjects and topics, you need to review and practice the basic test-taking strategies as well. These strategies can help boost your chances of getting the SAT scores you’re aiming for. The most helpful test-taking techniques you should learn and practice include the following:
- Reading the section directions before taking the test.
- Eliminating obviously wrong answers from your options.
- Skipping difficult questions.
- Reviewing your answers when you’re done with each section if you have extra time.
6. Learn to manage time for taking the SAT.
Time management is critical during the SAT since you only have a limited amount of time to answer each test question. Because of this, you need to practice time management during your preparation. When taking practice tests, pace yourself and try to finish each section within the allotted time. This will help you get used to the pace of the exam and develop strategies for managing your time effectively.
7. Take breaks.
Studying for the SAT can be exhausting mentally and physically. As such, taking breaks is essential to avoid burnout and stay focused. Take short breaks every hour or so and use that time to relax, stretch, or do something you enjoy. Try to include an activity or sport you like doing, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, in your routine so that you can stay healthy. Taking a day off each week can also help you recharge and go back to your studies with renewed energy, so don’t ignore this tip.
8. Stay healthy and motivated.
In the month leading up to the SAT, make sure to prioritize your health and well-being. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet and be well-hydrated every day to stay alert and focused during your reviews and the actual exam.
Aside from taking breaks, engage in stress-relieving activities such as yoga or meditation so that you can manage your test anxiety better.
Lastly, remember that preparing for the SAT can be a long and challenging process. You have to stay motivated throughout so that you can study everything you need to learn and retain them in your memory. As such, set achievable goals and reward yourself when you reach them. Another tip you can follow to stay motivated is to find study buddies who can keep you accountable and provide encouragement.
By following these tips, you can maximize your preparation for the SAT and increase your chances of achieving a high score.