General tips for SAT studying?

Hey y’all! So, I'm starting to prepare for my SAT but feel a bit lost. Can anyone share some effective methods or resources they used for SAT studying? How long was your study time and what would you recommend focusing on?

Getting a solid handle on your SAT study plan is a worthwhile endeavor, and it's great you're reaching out. Let's dive into some general tips on SAT study:

1. Understand the Format: The first step is to familiarize yourself with the test format, question types, and scoring. The SAT consists of two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. Both sections have a time limit and a set number of questions. As of spring 2024, the SAT is fully digital and has two 32-minute modules for Reading and Writing and two 35-minute modules for Math.

2. Establish a Study Schedule: The total amount of time you should plan to study varies depending on your initial score and your target score, but a typical recommendation might be 100-120 hours total. That could break down into something like 2 hours per day over 10-12 weeks, but you can adjust to fit your schedule and stamina.

3. Use Official Resources: Use free practice materials from the College Board, since they are the official providers of the SAT. The Bluebook™ app allows you to preview the digital SAT, and take a full-length practice test.

4. Diagnose your Strengths & Weaknesses: Take an initial practice test to identify areas where you need to improve. That way, you're not spending too much time on topics you already understand. Remember, the SAT measures how well you take the test, not just what you know, so learning test-specific strategies can be beneficial, too.

5. Focus on Content and Strategy: For instance, in the Math section, you may need to focus more on content review if you struggle with certain types of problems (like algebra or data analysis), whereas if timing is your issue, you might want to practice specific test-taking strategies.

6. Routine Practice: Regular, spaced-out studying is more effective than cramming. Frequent short sessions will help you develop stamina and maintain a steady pace.

7. Review Mistakes: Don't just tally up your scores. Make sure you are reviewing the questions you missed and understanding why you missed them. This helps turn mistakes into learning opportunities.

8. Mock Tests: As you get closer to your test date, consider taking full-length timed practice tests to prepare for the real experience. This helps you build stamina and get really comfortable with the format and timing of the test.

Remember that there's no "one-size-fits-all" strategy, so feel free to modify these techniques to best suit your learning style. Good luck with your practice!