All About SAT Vocab

Hey folks, I'm ramping up for the reading and writing sections of the SAT and am wondering about the vocab part. Are there common vocab words that usually show up on the SAT and any recommended ways to study them?

The revamped SAT (post-2016) aims to test a student's understanding of words in context, rather than expecting students to memorize isolated vocab words. So, there aren't necessarily common vocab words that will show up on every SAT test. The emphasis is more on understanding how usage changes the meaning of words rather than arcane vocab words themselves. Remember that the SAT is now fully digital as of spring 2024, but the content remains the same.

This shift has made studying vocabulary for the SAT a little more nuanced. It's still important to know a wide range of words, but more crucial to understand how words can have subtle shifts in meaning based on context. So, rote memorization isn't going to be as helpful as practical application and comprehension in diverse contexts.

One recommended way to improve your vocabulary is by incorporating regular reading into your study routine. This doesn't mean only read SAT prep materials; you could choose articles from reputable news outlets, books of different genres, or academic journals. By diversifying your reading, you enhance your understanding of how words are utilized differently in varied contexts.

You can also make use of vocabulary lists from SAT prep resources. While memorizing them isn't the ultimate goal, getting familiar with words that have been used before can help. There are a lot of free SAT vocabulary online resources, and College Board also provides some resources to help.

Flashcards can be useful, especially digital ones that you can pull up on your phone whenever you have spare time. The process of writing out the flashcards in itself can also be a good active learning technique.

The College Board's Bluebook™ app allows you to preview the digital SAT, and you can get plenty of practice with the Reading and Writing sections to get a sense of the kind of vocabulary the test uses.

Remember that improving vocabulary is a gradual process, and lasting improvement will come from consistent and dedicated practice over time. It's not about cramming, as cramming rarely leads to true understanding. Regular reading and exposure to diverse texts will serve you well, not just for SAT reading, but for future academic and professional endeavors. Best of luck with your prep!