How to Improve your SAT score

At the SAT level, studying might seem mundane and as if it should be second nature by now.

Although that may be true, several people study for hours and hours daily, only to come out with lower-than-expected results at the end of it. This is because they’ve been studying harder as opposed to smarter. Here are a few helpful hacks to prevent you from making the same mistakes:

Understand where you are: do a few practice tests (under exam conditions, of course) to understand your current level. This allows you to learn what you need to know, so that you use your time to the best of your ability. In other words, you focus on the topics that require more of your attention, and you enter the exam hall with complete confidence all across the board because you worked on your weak spots.

Figure out where you need to be: research the requirements for the school you want to apply to, figure out how far away that requirement is from your current score, and create a study timetable on how you’re going to achieve your desired score. Staying both organized and prepared will help you succeed.

Know what to study first: most people prefer studying math, as understanding one unknown concept could easily help you answer around 10 more questions in your exam. This also makes studying more efficient, as you can get more revision done in a shorter period of time. However, if linguistics are your forte, stick to studying that first.

Study what you already know. Make your strengths stronger, and ensure you won’t get any of those questions wrong. Then, move onto what you’re weaker with.

Learn how to study: spend a minimal amount of time understanding concepts, but immediately after learning them, move onto consolidating what you learnt with active recall; flashcards, blurting, or explaining the concept to someone. After this, DO PAST PAPERS. There is no better way to manage your timing, focus on what you don’t know, and make sure you study in the most efficient way. DO PAST PAPERS.

Overall, make sure that you’re fully aware of what you want out of your SATs.

Know where you’re at, where you want to be, and how you’re going to get there. Sharpen the required skills so that you can strengthen your weaknesses, and achieve your full exam potential.

Good luck everyone!