SAT Test Prep—Vocabulary Words

Prepping for the SATs and want to make sure my vocabulary is up to par. Can anyone suggest a good list or resource for SAT test vocabulary words? Also, if you have any general advice on memorizing and applying them, that'd be awesome! Thanks in advance, folks.

Sure, happy to help! Since the major SAT redesign in 2016, vocabulary isn’t as critical as it used to be because the SAT no longer includes sentence completion questions with obscure words. Instead, the SAT focuses on words that you're likely to encounter in your college courses or in the workplace. So, deep-diving into obscure vocabulary will not yield as much benefit as it might have before. However, studying words that are commonly used in academic and professional settings can still be helpful.

You could use free resources, some study prep books might include lists of commonly tested SAT vocabulary words, or you can find many such lists online. Also, websites like Khan Academy, which is the official partner of the College Board (the makers of the SAT) offer practice materials and include vocabulary in context, which can be super useful.

As for memorization strategies, people tend to find success with different methods depending on their individual learning style. That being said, a few universally helpful tips might include:

1. Context: Try to study words in context rather than in isolation. When you learn a word in a sentence or paragraph, you're more likely to understand its connotations and nuances, which can really come in handy on the SAT. Simply reading more will help you boost your vocabulary organically, and word games like Wordle or Words With Friends can also be fun options - the element of competition helps some people remember any new words they encounter through these games.

2. Flashcards: Consider making flashcards, either physically or using an app like Quizlet. Write the word on one side and the definition, along with the sentence you found it in, on the other side.

3. Usage: Attempt to use new words in your daily life. This could be in your schoolwork, in conversation, or even in your thoughts. The more you use a word, the better you'll remember it!

4. Review: Regularly go back through the words you've learned in previous weeks to keep them fresh in your mind. This is where an app can be particularly handy because you can easily adjust the settings to recycle old words back into your study sessions.

Hope this helps and best of luck with your test preparations!