What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Last-minute prep for SAT: what strategies do you recommend?

Hey there! My SAT is in a couple of weeks, and I'm feeling stressed about my preparations so far. Any advice or tips on last-minute prep to maximize my scores? What should I focus on during these last days? Thank you!

5 months ago

Hello! It's natural to feel a bit stressed as the SAT test date approaches, but there are definitely some strategies you can follow to make the most out of your time left and help improve your scores.

1. Take a practice test: If you haven't done so already, take a full-length digital practice test to simulate the test experience and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Afterward, focus your remaining study time on your weak areas.

2. Target specific question types: Identify and practice strategies for the particular question types you tend to struggle with. For example, if you have difficulty with data analysis in the Math section, spend extra time reviewing those concepts and answering related practice problems.

3. Key strategies for Reading and Writing: Improve your reading speed and comprehension by doing timed reading exercises, testing yourself on relevant vocabulary, and practicing identifying the main ideas and details. For Writing, make sure you're comfortable with grammatical rules, including punctuation, sentence structures, and subject-verb agreement.

4. Understand the digital format: Get comfortable with using the official test app (College Board's Bluebook) to properly navigate through questions, use highlighting and answer elimination tools, and manage time during the test.

5. Time management: Practice using the time allotted for each section effectively. Remember that you'll have approximately 71 seconds per question in the Reading and Writing sections, and roughly 96 seconds per question in the Math sections.

6. Take care of yourself: In the days leading up to the test, ensure you are eating healthily, getting enough sleep, and incorporating some physical exercise to help manage stress.

7. Test day preparation: Before the test, make sure that you are familiar with the testing location, the necessary materials (like your approved calculator and ID), and your transportation arrangement. In addition, have a plan in place for breaks and snacks during the test to keep your energy and focus up.

8. Relax with confidence: On the day before the test, try to avoid excessive cramming. Instead, review some notes and practice problems, then spend the rest of your time relaxing and engaging in activities that make you feel calm and confident. This will help you approach the test with a clear mind and positive attitude.

Good luck on your SAT! Remember to trust your preparation and give it your best effort. Don't let nerves consume you – just focus on applying the strategies you've learned and giving each question your best shot.

5 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.