How do I prepare to retake the SAT

Okay, here’s me, freaking out about the SAT, ready to add more context:
# How do I prepare to retake the SAT
Okay, so I got my SAT scores back, and… they’re not great. I really need to improve them, especially on the math section. I’m aiming for a score that will get me into a decent state school – think somewhere like [insert specific state school example, like “Michigan State University”] or maybe even [insert a stretch school example, like “University of Wisconsin-Madison”]. My current score is [insert current SAT score, like “1150”], and I’m really hoping to get it up to at least [insert target SAT score, like “1300”] – ideally higher!
I took the test a few weeks ago, and I only studied for like, two weeks before the test. Bad idea, I know. I mostly just did a couple of practice tests I found online. I realize now I need a more structured approach.
My biggest problem is definitely math. I always struggled with algebra in school, and I think that’s really holding me back. Reading comprehension is okay, but I could still improve. Writing is probably my strongest section, but I definitely want to boost it as much as possible.
I’m planning to retake the SAT in [insert month of retake, like “October”]. What’s the best way to prepare in the next few months? What resources should I be using? Should I consider a tutor? What’s a realistic amount of time I should be studying each week? I’m completely overwhelmed! Any specific advice for tackling the math section would be REALLY helpful. I really want to do well this time around!

Answer

To effectively prepare to retake the SAT, a comprehensive and targeted approach is necessary. This involves analyzing your previous performance, identifying areas for improvement, creating a study plan, utilizing appropriate resources, and consistently practicing under simulated test conditions.

1. Analyze Your Previous Performance:

• Obtain and Review Your Score Report: The College Board provides a detailed score report that breaks down your performance in each section (Reading, Writing and Language, Math). Pay close attention to the subscores and question types you struggled with. This report is crucial for pinpointing your weaknesses.
• Review Answer Explanations: If you ordered the Question-and-Answer Service (QAS) or Student Answer Service (SAS) when you registered for the SAT, you will receive the test questions, your answers, and the correct answers with explanations. Carefully review each question you answered incorrectly or skipped. Understand why you got the question wrong. Was it a content gap, a careless error, time management issues, or a misunderstanding of the question?
• Categorize Errors: Classify your mistakes into categories such as:
  • Content Weakness: Lack of knowledge in a specific math topic (e.g., trigonometry, quadratic equations) or grammar rule (e.g., subject-verb agreement, pronoun usage).
  • Reading Comprehension: Difficulty understanding the main idea, identifying supporting details, or drawing inferences from passages.
  • Vocabulary: Limited understanding of the words used in the reading passages or questions.
  • Careless Errors: Mistakes made due to rushing, misreading the question, or incorrect bubbling.
  • Time Management: Inability to complete all questions within the allotted time.
  • Test-Taking Strategies: Poor strategies for approaching certain question types or sections.
• Identify Patterns: Look for recurring patterns in your errors. Do you consistently struggle with a specific type of reading passage (e.g., science passages, historical documents)? Are there particular math concepts that consistently trip you up? Are you frequently running out of time on the Math with Calculator section?

2. Create a Study Plan:

• Set Realistic Goals: Determine your target score improvement and the amount of time you can realistically dedicate to studying each week. Be specific and measurable.
• Allocate Time Based on Weaknesses: Dedicate the most time and effort to the areas where you need the most improvement. If your Math score is significantly lower than your Reading and Writing score, allocate more study time to math.
• Establish a Schedule: Create a detailed study schedule that outlines specific topics to cover each day or week. Include time for reviewing concepts, practicing questions, and taking full-length practice tests. Be consistent with your schedule.
• Incorporate Variety: Mix up your study activities to keep things interesting and prevent burnout. Alternate between reviewing content, practicing questions, and taking practice tests.
• Plan for Regular Review: Schedule time for regular review of previously covered material. This will help reinforce your understanding and prevent you from forgetting what you’ve learned.
• Build in Rest and Breaks: Don’t overwork yourself. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and take regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain focus.

3. Utilize Appropriate Resources:

• Official SAT Study Guide: The official guide published by the College Board is the most accurate and reliable resource for SAT preparation. It includes full-length practice tests with official answer explanations.
• Khan Academy SAT Prep: Khan Academy offers free, personalized SAT practice based on your diagnostic results. It includes video lessons, practice questions, and full-length practice tests. The material is created in partnership with the College Board.
• Third-Party Prep Books: Consider using prep books from reputable companies like Kaplan, Princeton Review, or Barron’s. Choose books that align with your learning style and cover the content thoroughly. Be aware that the quality of third-party materials can vary.
• Online Practice Platforms: Explore online practice platforms like UWorld, PrepScholar, or Magoosh. These platforms offer a vast library of practice questions with detailed explanations, as well as personalized feedback and progress tracking.
• Vocabulary Resources: Utilize vocabulary-building apps, flashcards, or books to expand your vocabulary. Focus on learning words in context and understanding their nuances.
• Math Resources: Review fundamental math concepts using textbooks, online tutorials, or math workbooks. Focus on mastering the specific topics tested on the SAT, such as algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
• Grammar Resources: Review grammar rules using grammar books, online resources, or grammar-checking tools. Focus on understanding the rules and applying them correctly in writing.

4. Practice Consistently:

• Practice Questions: Practice a wide variety of SAT questions from different sources. Focus on understanding the underlying concepts and applying the correct strategies.
• Full-Length Practice Tests: Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual SAT experience. This will help you build stamina, improve your time management skills, and identify areas for improvement.
• Time Yourself: Strictly adhere to the time limits for each section. Use a timer to track your progress and ensure you’re pacing yourself effectively.
• Simulate Test Conditions: Take practice tests in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Avoid using your phone or other electronic devices during the test.
• Review Your Answers: After each practice test, carefully review your answers and analyze your mistakes. Understand why you got the questions wrong and what you can do to improve.
• Track Your Progress: Keep track of your scores on practice tests and monitor your progress over time. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and adjust your study plan accordingly.
• Focus on Accuracy: While speed is important, accuracy is even more crucial. Prioritize answering questions correctly over rushing through the test.
• Use the Elimination Strategy: Learn to eliminate incorrect answer choices to increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.
• Read Carefully: Make sure you are reading all sections and questions fully, and completely.

5. Develop Effective Test-Taking Strategies:

• Time Management: Learn to allocate your time effectively across each section. Develop a strategy for pacing yourself and ensuring you have enough time to complete all the questions.
• Process of Elimination: Master the process of elimination to narrow down your answer choices and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.
• Skimming and Scanning: Learn to skim and scan reading passages to quickly identify the main idea and key details.
• Keyword Recognition: Identify keywords in questions and answer choices to help you quickly locate the relevant information in the passage.
• Guessing Strategically: If you’re unsure of the answer to a question, make an educated guess rather than leaving it blank. There is no penalty for guessing on the SAT.
• Answer Questions in Order: Generally, it’s best to answer the questions in the order they appear on the test. However, if you’re struggling with a particular question, skip it and come back to it later.
• Stay Calm and Focused: During the test, stay calm and focused. Don’t let anxiety or stress affect your performance. Take deep breaths and remind yourself that you’ve prepared for this.

6. Focus on Mental and Physical Well-being:

• Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, especially in the days leading up to the test.
• Eat Healthy Meals: Eat nutritious meals that provide sustained energy throughout the day.
• Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular physical activity to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help you stay calm and focused during the test.
• Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your ability to succeed.

By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive and effective study plan that will help you improve your score on the SAT retake. Remember that consistent effort, targeted practice, and a positive attitude are key to achieving your goals.