SAT Study Duration: How Many Hours per Week?

Hi all, I'm starting my SAT prep and wanted to ask: approximately how many hours per week do you think is adequate for studying to get a good score?

The number of hours to study for the SAT can vary widely based on your current abilities, target score, and how much time you have to prepare before your test date. It's often beneficial to start by taking a practice test to gauge your starting point. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.

If your practice score is already close to your target score, you might need less time to study — perhaps 10 hours per week. If your score is significantly lower than your goal, you'll likely need to study more — anywhere from 15 to 25 hours per week.

However, keep in mind that the quality of your study time is more important than the quantity. Spending focused and purposeful hours studying will be more beneficial than passively spending lots of hours with the material. So make sure your study time is efficacious with a plan or SAT study guide that includes aspects of individual content study, full-length practice tests, and review of areas to improve.

And remember to give yourself time to relax and rest. Over-studying can lead to burnout, which can ultimately impact your performance. Aim to strike a balance between focused studying and relaxation time.

It's also important to note that standardized tests are just one factor in college admissions. Be sure to also dedicate time to maintaining your GPA, participating in extracurricular activities, and preparing for other aspects of the application process.