By Laura Whitmore
Remember when I turned my SAT score from just okay to absolutely awesome? Today, I'm going to share with you the exact steps I took to make that happen. Whether you're just starting out or looking to boost your score, these tips are for you! Also, if you're aiming to hit that magical 1500+ on the dSAT, you're in the right place. I've been there, done that, and now I'm here to guide you on how to make it happen!
Not in a reading mood? Check out my YouTube video instead!
Tip #1: Find Your Why
First things first, why do you even want to ace the SAT? For me, it was about being the best test prep coach I could be. Your motivation could be anything – getting into your dream college or just proving to yourself that you can. Keep that reason close; it's what will keep you going when Netflix seems way more appealing than SAT prep!
Tip #2: Yes, Practice Makes Perfect
I dove headfirst into practice questions – I'm talking thousands of them. The trick isn't just doing them, but really digging into why you got an answer wrong and what makes the right answer tick. Don’t just pass over mistakes; learn from them. And hey, guess what? You can do this right from your mobile phone with Preptly , our digital SAT Prep app. Check it out now!
Tip #3: Spot the Patterns
The SAT loves patterns. Start noticing these, especially in questions you often get wrong. Figuring out these little 'tricks' can turn a guessing game into a strategic win.
Tip #4: Develop Your Own Strategies
Once you start understanding your mistakes and the patterns, it’s time to build your strategies. This isn't something you do alone in a bubble. Chat with friends, join a study group or a class. I found that sharing strategies with my students and getting their feedback was incredibly helpful.
Tip #5: Enhance Your Reading Skills
If you're like me and find the reading section tricky, focus on paraphrasing and annotating. Train yourself to summarize what you just read and jot down quick, helpful notes. This helps big time in understanding complex passages on the first go.
Tip #6: Vocabulary Is Key
A rich vocabulary can be a game-changer. Whenever I stumbled upon a new word during prep, I’d jot it down and review it regularly. I'm sharing a list of SAT words that can really help you out.
Tip #7: Math: It's About Avoiding Silly Mistakes
Math can be a tough nut to crack, even when you're good at it. For me, it was all about avoiding those silly mistakes. My strategy? Have enough time to revisit each question and solve it afresh. If you're gunning for a perfect score, this is a tactic you might want to try.
Tip #8: Take Care of You
Never underestimate the power of self-care. A healthy mind and body are crucial for peak performance. Get enough sleep, eat well, and throw in some exercise. Trust me, it makes a difference. Take care of yourself.
These are the strategies I used to skyrocket my SAT scores. It's not just about hard work; it's about smart work and self-care. Stay motivated, stay focused, and let’s make that 1500+ happen!
Happy prepping!
