10 Last-Minute Tips to Get Ready for the May SAT

By Laura Whitmore

The May SAT is right around the corner, and whether you've been prepping for months or you're just starting to focus in, now is the time to fine-tune your strategy! With less than a week to go, it’s all about working smarter—not harder.

Here are 10 proven tips to help you feel confident walking into the test. These are based on real data from students I’ve coached and the trends we’re seeing on the Digital SAT in 2024 and 2025.

Don’t feel like reading? Watch my YouTube video now!

⏳ 1. Rhetorical Synthesis Questions: Read the Bullet Points If You Need To 🟢

You may have heard that you can skip the bullet points in rhetorical synthesis questions. That’s not always true. If the answer choices aren’t clearly pointing to one correct response, the bullet points often act as a tiebreaker. If two or three choices seem right, go back to the notes. You’ll often find that one of the answers doesn’t match the information given.

⏳ 2. Graph Questions in English: Don’t Overthink It 🤯

Many students get tripped up by graph questions on the English module. But here's the truth: these aren’t really math questions—they're reading questions in disguise. If the question says “describes the data,” you may not need the graph at all. Focus on the paragraph and the answer choices. Only if it says “uses data” do you need to go to the graph.

⏳ 3. Use Desmos Wisely 😎

Desmos is a great tool, but using it for every math question is inefficient. The College Board has been designing more questions where solving by hand is faster. I personally solve each problem by hand first, then use Desmos to double-check my answer. If you’re short on time, pick the most efficient method and stick with it.

⏳ 4. On Reading Passages, Start with the Last Sentence 📝

For questions 4 through 10—typically the first half of the reading section—you can often just read the final sentence of each passage. These are usually big-picture questions like main idea, purpose, or structure. Skimming the end can help you answer quickly and save time for tougher questions later on.

⏳ 5. Start the English Module at Question 27 and Work Backwards ⏪

The end of the English module is usually easier than the beginning. Starting at the end helps warm up your brain and boosts confidence. Skip the harder passages between questions 11–14, work down to question 1, and loop back to the hard ones at the end if you have time.

⏳ 6. Pick Up the Pace in Both Module 2s 🏃‍♂️

Module 1 gives you more time, but don’t fall into the trap of maintaining that pace in Module 2. It’s tougher and faster. Students who don’t shift gears often run out of time with several questions left. Start Module 2 with a plan to move quickly.

⏳ 7. Never Leave Anything Blank 👀

There's no guessing penalty on the SAT. Always put something down—even on free-response math questions. If you're completely unsure, try "3." I’ve seen that answer show up more than any other!

⏳ 8. Save Geometry Questions for Last 🔺

Geometry questions tend to take more time and brainpower, especially when you need to draw figures or remember theorems. If you hit a geometry problem near the end of Module 2, skip it, flag it, and return to it after you've answered quicker questions.

⏳ 9. Fake it Until You Make it 😉

It’s hard to stay locked in during long reading sections—especially if the topic doesn’t interest you. But staying mentally engaged is half the battle. If the passage is about rocks, pretend you love rocks. Trick yourself into caring so you can stay focused and get through the material.

⏳ 10. Take Care of Yourself 🥰

This test is a performance, just like a big athletic event. You need to be rested, fueled, and mentally sharp. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and exercise to manage stress. What you do in the days leading up to the SAT matters just as much as what you do during the test.

These strategies have helped hundreds of students walk into test day more prepared and confident. Use these final days to sharpen your approach, stay calm, and finish strong!

For more daily practice and on-the-go prep, make sure to check out our Preptly app—like having a personal SAT coach in your pocket.

Wishing you the best of luck this weekend—happy prepping!

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