To get good scores in the SAT exam, it is essential for the candidates to start preparations as soon as you finalise the SAT exam date. There are two ways by which candidates can prepare for the SAT exam i.e. Professional Coaching and Self-Study. Both methods have their own benefits.
Self-Study tips
Self-study is one of the best ways to prepare for the exam without taking anyone’s help. Moreover, the advancement of technology has made it easier to get the appropriate resources for studying. If a student has any doubt or query, he/she can just search it on the web and get the answers to their questions. Here are some of the self-study strategies that you can employ to get a good score while preparing for the SAT exam.
Determine the Target Score
Having a target is the best way to achieve your goals. With the target score, the candidate gets the motivation and it becomes easy for them to prepare for the exam. For setting the target, the candidate must check the SAT score required by the university/college to which you wish to enroll.
Fix a Proper Study Time
Based on the difference between the target score and the current score, the candidate can analyse the study time. The difference between scores would help you to find out how much time you need to dedicate to the improvement of scores. Once you know how much time you require for SAT preparation, you can plan and fix a time for the same.
Analyse your Strengths and Weaknesses
To make the best out of your preparation time, it is important you know your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing these would help you to figure out that on which section you need to focus on and put efforts. There are three major areas that you need to analyse
- Content: As there are three sections Maths, critical reading, and writing. If you are not doing good in Maths, your total SAT score would become low. By focusing on Maths, you can improve your overall score. So, check for the section in which you are struggling.
- Time: In the SAT exam, there is a certain time for each section. Even if you are doing well in all the subjects but unable to finish your test at the specified time, you need to work on your speed. You need to manage the time so that you can complete the test timely.
- Strategy:The SAT exam is known to have questions that can confuse the candidate. If you are unable to understand the questions that mean you need to learn the tricks. For example, if you are struggling in Maths, you need to learn the tricks to solve the question in an easier and quicker way.
Practice the Sample Tests
Solving the sample papers is one of the best ways to prepare for the exam. Taking these tests would help you to evaluate your performance. Moreover, through this, you can figure out the areas in which you are good and sections for which you need to study.
By following these tips, you can study effectively and make efforts to improve your score. However, if you need guidance, you can take the help of a private tutor.
Private Tutor
Hiring a private tutor is a good option for candidates who are unable to get a good score through self-study. Professional help comes in the light when you need motivation, a proper classroom learning environment or an expert’s guidance. Although hiring a private tutor can be an expensive affair but in terms of gaining knowledge and study effectively, it is a good choice.
Based on your current performance, the private tutor would help you with customised learning. The professional would analyse your understanding abilities in each section and then provide you the learning material, tips, tricks, etc to improve your score.
Tips for SAT Exam Day
The SAT test centres open for a duration of 15 minutes only. Therefore, it is advisable for the candidates to reach the test centre on the time that is mentioned on the admission ticket. Once the test begins, it is important for the candidates to know the essential aspects such as
- The seat for every candidate is pre-assigned. Therefore, you cannot select the seat for yourself.
- The supervisor would answer the questions that are related to the test procedure only.
- The supervisor would announce the starting as well as stop time for each section.
- Once the time of a particular section is over, you cannot go back to that section.
- Even if you finish a section before time, you cannot move to a new section.
- Skipping a section can result in delay or cancellation of the score. It is advisable not to do so.
- During breaks, if you leave the test room, do not forget to keep your admission ticket and passport with you. You can be checked for these documents anytime.