Achieve Your Goals with the Ultimate Summer SAT Prep Plan
- Laura (Heslin) Whitmore
- Jun 26, 2024
- 3 min read
By Laura Whitmore
Summer is an ideal time for students to dive into SAT preparation, free from the daily grind of school and homework. Whether you're aiming for the August test or looking to boost your skills generally, I've put together a comprehensive summer prep plan backed by solid research to help you ace the SAT. From choosing the right test to optimizing study sessions, here’s your roadmap to conquering the SAT with confidence!
Want a break from reading? Give my YouTube video a watch!
Considering a switch from SAT to ACT? It could be a game-changer if you're hitting a plateau. Take a full-length ACT practice test under real conditions to see if it aligns better with your strengths.
Once you've chosen your test, whether it's the SAT or ACT, it's crucial to identify and focus on your weak spots. Use our free progress test trackers for math and English to analyze where you need improvement. For more personalized analysis, check out our 1:1 tutoring options available here.
Consistency is key. Schedule at least three days a week for SAT practice sessions. Treat these sessions like appointments—committing time and effort will pay off in improved scores.
Cepeda, N. J., Pashler, H., Vul, E., Wixted, J. T., & Rohrer, D. (2006). Distributed practice in verbal recall tasks: A review and quantitative synthesis. Psychological Bulletin, 132(3), 354-380.
Mix up your practice sessions with different question types. This method improves retention and helps you handle varied challenges during the test. Utilize resources like College Board's question bank to focus on specific areas of weakness.
Rohrer, D., & Taylor, K. (2007). The shuffling of mathematics problems improves learning. Instructional Science, 35(6), 481-498.
Regular full-length practice tests are essential. They not only improve your timing and endurance but also reveal new areas needing attention. Keep track of your progress using our test tracker or similar tools.
Roediger, H. L., & Butler, A. C. (2011). The critical role of retrieval practice in long-term retention. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 15(1), 20-27.
Reviewing and understanding your mistakes is crucial for improvement. Actively revisit questions you've missed to grasp where you went wrong and seek explanations to solidify your understanding.
Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The power of feedback. Review of Educational Research, 77(1), 81-112.
Developing metacognitive skills—thinking about your own thinking—can enhance your test-taking strategies. Monitor your approach during practice to identify and correct any habits affecting your performance.
Schraw, G., & Dennison, R. S. (1994). Assessing metacognitive awareness. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 19(4), 460-475.
Teaching others reinforces your own understanding of SAT concepts. It's a great way to deepen your knowledge while helping someone else succeed.
Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques: Promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4-58.
Self-care plays a significant role in cognitive function. Prioritize healthy eating and ensure you're getting enough sleep, especially as the test date approaches. Your body and mind will thank you.
Walker, M. P. (2008). Cognitive consequences of sleep and sleep loss. Sleep Medicine, 9, S29-S34.
Seats for the August SAT tend to fill up quickly. Secure your spot early to avoid last-minute stress. You can register for the test here.
Bottom Line
Whether you're a student gearing up for the challenge or a supportive parent guiding the way, following these tips will set you on the path to success. For more personalized guidance and resources, including our self-paced digital SAT courses, visit our website: Strategic Test Prep.
Happy prepping!
CITATIONS:
Laura, your recommendation to take a full-length ACT practice test to align with a student's strengths is incredibly insightful. Understanding these innate cognitive strengths is truly pivotal, not just for choosing the right academic exam but for tailoring a study approach that maximizes potential. It makes me consider how assessing broader cognitive processing speed and problem-solving abilities, beyond academic readiness, can offer even deeper value for future educational and career paths. For those interested in exploring these wider cognitive assessments or preparing for professional aptitude exams, a comprehensive guide to Wonderlic Test preparation can provide excellent resources.