SAT season is here, but don’t panic yet! Although the SAT is notorious for being difficult, there is hope. While the SAT is not a normal test that you simply memorize a set of facts for, you do not have to be a rocket scientist to get a good score. Unlike most tests, there are helpful tricks to the SAT.
Think of the test as a game. You have to understand it to win. Here are some tips to understanding it to help raise your score.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
You have to play the game to understand it. The more you practice, the better you will be able to identify the trends that trip students up.
Practice tests will also show you what types of questions you are good at, and what questions you are not so good at. Once you find areas you are weak, focus on them in your practice tests to raise your score.
[Need some encouraging quotes and scriptures? Check out our Pinterest board!]
Reading Strategy
Skim the passage first to get a general idea what the assigned portion is about. Then ask yourself a question about it. “What question is this passage trying to answer?” Having a question in mind as you proceed to read in depth will help you identify the point of the passage.
As you read, take note of key words such as “however” and “because.” Those words help you stay on track of the passage’s argument and will help you answer the question correctly.
Math Strategy
Harder questions do not get more points. All questions are equal, so answer all the easy ones you know you can get right!
But make sure you take your time on the easy questions. Knowing they are easy may lead to hasty mistakes!
There Is One Right Answer
There is only one right answer to each question. If the one right answer is not obvious, figure out which three are wrong. Do not allow your mind to make up excuses for how one answer could potentially be correct. Three questions are 100% wrong and one question is 100% right.
Time Management
Take practice tests like they are real tests so you know how long it takes you to do each section. That way you can divy up your time appropriately.
[Khan Academy’s SAT Strategies]
Still feelings stressed? Read this passage from Philippians 2:13, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” The Lord is with you, so take heart! And take practice tests!
Want to make use of some of our other advice for wrapping up high school well? Click below to check out our high school resource guide!
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