Hey guys, I've heard mixed opinions about this. Is studying for the SAT vocab worth the time or should I invest it in other areas of the test? I really could use some guidance here.
Studying for the SAT vocab can indeed be beneficial, though it's a different landscape than it used to be. Pre-2016, when the SAT had a strong focus on obscure vocabulary words, studying SAT vocabulary lists was a common tactic used by test-prep students. Since the redesign of the SAT in 2016, the vocabulary section isn't emphasized in the same way it was before.
Instead, the test now focuses more on the comprehension part and the ability of the test-takers to decipher the context in which the words are used. Hence, the vocabulary words are now more commonly used words than obscure ones. So, while it's still helpful to have a solid vocabulary, the obscure words you'd find in an old-school SAT vocab list aren't likely to appear.
My point of advice would be to focus primarily on reading comprehension and understanding the context in which a word is used. You might still want to spend some time building your vocabulary, specially focusing on "high utility" academic words and phrases that pop up frequently in various contexts.
An efficient use of your time might be to read a lot, and focus on understanding the words in the context in which they are used. Try to tackle a range of texts, such as classic literature, newspapers, and scientific articles. This increased exposure to diverse vocabulary can be a valuable supplement to your SAT prep. Good luck!
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