The SAT Study Guide will tell you exactly what to expect on test day. You’ll find practice tips, test-taking strategies, sample questions, and more.
Practice tests are also available online so you can simulate test day and figure out how to focus your SAT study.
SAT Study Guide for Beginners
1. Understand the Test Format
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
- Reading: 65 minutes, 52 questions
- Writing & Language: 35 minutes, 44 questions
Math
- With calculator: 55 minutes, 38 questions
- Without calculator: 25 minutes, 20 questions
Optional Essay: 50 minutes (Note: Many colleges no longer require the essay, so check with the institutions you're interested in.)
2. Get the Right Study Materials
- Official SAT Study Guide: This is published by the College Board, the organization that creates the SAT. It contains real past test questions.
- Online resources: Websites like Khan Academy offer free SAT prep.
- Study Apps: There are many apps designed to help students prep for the SAT.
3. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses
Before diving into intensive study, take a practice test. This will give you a baseline score and help identify areas that need improvement.
4. Develop a Study Schedule
- Start early: Ideally, start 3-6 months before your test date.
- Consistency: Set aside specific times each day or several days a week to study.
- Mix it up: Vary your subjects to avoid burnout on any one area.
5. Learn Strategies
- Guessing: There's no penalty for wrong answers, so never leave a question blank.
- Pacing: Learn how much time you can spend on each question.
- Process of Elimination: When in doubt, eliminate wrong answers to increase your odds of choosing the correct one.
6. Practice Regularly
- Practice tests: Take full-length tests to simulate the actual test day.
- Timed sections: Sometimes just practice one section, but still time yourself.
- Review mistakes: After every practice session, review what you got wrong and understand why.
7. Work on Your Weaknesses
- Focus on sections or question types that give you the most trouble.
- Seek help: If you're consistently struggling with a topic, consider hiring a tutor or asking a teacher for help.
8. Day Before the Test
- Relax: Don't cram! Take the day off from studying.
- Gather materials: Prepare pencils, a calculator, your admission ticket, and a photo ID.
- Sleep well: Ensure you get a good night's sleep.
9. Test Day Tips
- Eat a healthy breakfast.
- Arrive early: Aim to get to the test center at least 30 minutes before your test.
- Stay calm: Remember, it's just a test. Breathe deeply if you start to feel anxious.
10. Post-Test
- Don't stress: Once it's over, try not to dwell on how you did. You've done your best!
- Review: When you receive your scores, review any mistakes if possible to prepare for potential retakes.
