SAT Test Taking Tips
Taking the SAT and doing well is all a matter of preparation. Even though you can’t exactly study for the SAT, you can certain prepare your mind and body for the rigors of timed test taking and by practicing questions that are similar to those you will need to answer. Since the SAT is such an important test, it is pretty important that you devote some time to getting ready, right?
Besides tips you can use to improve your score on the test itself, you can also do many other things to prepare for the day of the test. Here are a few such tips.
Take the PSAT
One of the best ways you can prepare yourself for the SAT is to take the PSAT. The Preliminary SAT can help you gain an understanding of the types of questions presented on the SAT, the format of the test, the time limits and the pressure. If you are the type of person that succumbs to test day jitters, the PSAT is a great way to have a “test run”, if you will, so you’ll know what to expect. Then, once you get your score, you can practice and hone your skills in the areas that you didn’t do so well. If you find yourself frustrated with your PSAT results you may want to try using test simulation flash cards a few times then take the PSAT exam.
Are There Free SAT Practice Study Guides & Exams?
There is no real way to “study” for the SAT. However, you can prepare yourself by answering the same sorts of questions that will be on the test. The PSAT can provide these for you, but you can find additional questions to answer online at www.collegeboard.com. They have many sample SAT questions that can help you get your brain thinking in the SAT way.
Know Where You’re Going
It is futile to prepare diligently for the SAT to only get lost on the way to the testing center. Use MapQuest or some other form of mapping system to get concise directions. Plan on arriving at least 30 minutes before the test is to start so you have time to check in.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Since when has cramming ever worked? You’ll do yourself a great service by just going to bed at a normal time the night before the test and getting plenty of sleep rather than studying all night and getting no sleep. You don’t want to pass out on your test booklet, now do you?
Eat a Healthy Breakfast
A nice, healthy breakfast is really important. You know how everyone says breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Well, it’s true. Just don’t overdo it. Eat sensibly so you won’t be hungry during the test, but so that you don’t get “brain drain” from digesting.
Go to the Bathroom Before the Test
Make sure you hit the bathroom before test time. A full bladder during a timed test is a huge distraction. You want to continue taking the test because you don’t have much time, but you can’t concentrate. Going to the bathroom eats up valuable minutes of your test taking time.
Don’t Leave Anything Unanswered
You should never ever leave any questions unanswered on the SAT. You don’t lose points for wrong answers. Rather, you gain points for right answers. Even if you just throw a guess out there, it may be right and you might get that point! A blind guess isn’t quite as productive, however. Try to narrow down your choices as much as possible before your throw out your guess.
Go for the Easy Ones First
If you get stuck on a question, skip it and answer it later. It’s always better to answer the questions you actually know first and save those you don’t know for the end. That way, you make good and sure you get all of the points you can.
Don’t Lose Track of Time
Now, you don’t want to be an obsessive clock-watcher, but you should definitely pay attention to the time. Before you know it, those 25 minutes per section will be up and you’ll be stuck with a lot of unanswered questions.