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Basic SAT Testing Strategies
USINFO | 2014-01-03 15:31
The SAT consists of three basic subjects, broken down into timed sections:
Writing
1.Grammar Errors and Improving Sentences (25 minutes)
2.Grammar Errors and Improving Sentences (10 minutes)
3.Writing Your Own Essay (25 minutes)
Critical Reading
1.Vocabulary and Reading Test (25 minutes)
2.Vocabulary and Reading Test (25 minutes)
3.Vocabulary and Reading Test (20 minutes)
Mathematics
1.Multiple Choice Math Questions (25 minutes)
2.Multiple Choice Math Questions (20 minutes)
3.Multiple Choice Math Questions and Student Produced Response Questions (25 minutes)
What to Bring on Test Day
You'll have opportunities for breaks during the test. Of course, you'll need to come prepared. Make sure you bring these items:
●Photo ID
●Your Ticket
●Several No. 2 Pencils with erasers
●A Calculator with charged batteries
You can also bring a snack and something to drink, but you may not have them on your desk while your test booklet is open. Nuts or granola bars and a bottle of water make a great snack, because the protein helps fuel your brain and water keeps you hydrated.
Plan to arrive early, so you can check in, find a seat, and take a few deep breaths before the test begins.
While waiting for the SAT Test to start, try not to panic or worry. Instead, think about a great success you've had at school lately. Think about a project that you scored well on or a test that you aced. It will boost your confidence and send you into the test feeling confident.
Strategies for ALL Subjects of the SAT Test
There are some strategies that work for every subject on the SAT Test:
1) Don't get stuck!
If you get stuck on a question, move on. Don't waste your precious minutes answering one tough question, when you could be answering ten easier ones. Each question is worth the same amount; tough questions don't count for more points. So if you find yourself in a jam, move on. You can always come back at the end of the section and give it another shot, if you have time.
2) Use the Process of Elimination
Cross off answers that you know are wrong. This helps eliminate wrong answers from your vision and focus you on the possible correct answers.
3) To Guess or Not to Guess....
If you don't know the answer, but you can eliminate at least two of the answer choices, take a guess. But what if you have no clue and you cannot eliminate more than one answer choice? Leave it blank. The SAT deducts a 1/4 point for each wrong answer.
4) Practice Makes Perfect
Learning to take the SAT is just like learning to drive. It is a skill that gets better with practice. Go to your library or guidance counselor, borrow an SAT practice test book, and get to work. Take as many practice tests as you can. With practice, your score will go higher.
Writing
1.Grammar Errors and Improving Sentences (25 minutes)
2.Grammar Errors and Improving Sentences (10 minutes)
3.Writing Your Own Essay (25 minutes)
Critical Reading
1.Vocabulary and Reading Test (25 minutes)
2.Vocabulary and Reading Test (25 minutes)
3.Vocabulary and Reading Test (20 minutes)
Mathematics
1.Multiple Choice Math Questions (25 minutes)
2.Multiple Choice Math Questions (20 minutes)
3.Multiple Choice Math Questions and Student Produced Response Questions (25 minutes)
What to Bring on Test Day
You'll have opportunities for breaks during the test. Of course, you'll need to come prepared. Make sure you bring these items:
●Photo ID
●Your Ticket
●Several No. 2 Pencils with erasers
●A Calculator with charged batteries
You can also bring a snack and something to drink, but you may not have them on your desk while your test booklet is open. Nuts or granola bars and a bottle of water make a great snack, because the protein helps fuel your brain and water keeps you hydrated.
Plan to arrive early, so you can check in, find a seat, and take a few deep breaths before the test begins.
While waiting for the SAT Test to start, try not to panic or worry. Instead, think about a great success you've had at school lately. Think about a project that you scored well on or a test that you aced. It will boost your confidence and send you into the test feeling confident.
Strategies for ALL Subjects of the SAT Test
There are some strategies that work for every subject on the SAT Test:
1) Don't get stuck!
If you get stuck on a question, move on. Don't waste your precious minutes answering one tough question, when you could be answering ten easier ones. Each question is worth the same amount; tough questions don't count for more points. So if you find yourself in a jam, move on. You can always come back at the end of the section and give it another shot, if you have time.
2) Use the Process of Elimination
Cross off answers that you know are wrong. This helps eliminate wrong answers from your vision and focus you on the possible correct answers.
3) To Guess or Not to Guess....
If you don't know the answer, but you can eliminate at least two of the answer choices, take a guess. But what if you have no clue and you cannot eliminate more than one answer choice? Leave it blank. The SAT deducts a 1/4 point for each wrong answer.
4) Practice Makes Perfect
Learning to take the SAT is just like learning to drive. It is a skill that gets better with practice. Go to your library or guidance counselor, borrow an SAT practice test book, and get to work. Take as many practice tests as you can. With practice, your score will go higher.
