The study and pre-test work done in advance of taking the SAT® is referred to as SAT® prep. Most US colleges and universities consider a student’s SAT® score when deciding whether or not to admit him or her, and colleges frequently have minimum score requirements. Preparing for the SAT® through books, websites, dedicated classes, or private tutors can help a student do better on the test and increase his or her chances of getting into college.
The SAT® is a test that assesses your ability to
The SAT®, formerly known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test and the Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized test. Many students will take the SAT® at least twice in high school, once during their junior year and again at the start of their senior year. The College Board administers the SAT® in a strict manner and offers it several times a year; it is also available to international students who wish to study in the United States.
Multiple choice and grid-in questions are included in the test, with test takers filling in the circles that correspond to the numbers in their answers. The test is divided into ten sections, with questions covering reading, writing, and math, and it takes just under four hours to complete. The test was expanded to include an essay writing section in 2005; this is the first part of the exam. There are also SAT Subject TestsTM that assess a student’s knowledge of a specific subject, such as English, language, history, mathematics, or science.
The Advantages of SAT® Preparation
Anyone planning to take the SAT® should do some preparation work, which is often required. Many high school students have discovered that taking a prep course helps them perform better on the exam, whether it is their first time or not. For first-timers, SAT® prep will familiarize the student with the test’s format and types of questions; for those who have taken it before, doing additional prep work can often help the test taker earn a higher score on a second test.
Despite the fact that most students despise taking the SAT®, it is frequently required as part of a college application in the United States. Taking a SAT® prep course can help students relax because the test becomes more familiar and less of a surprise. It will show students exactly what to expect on the exam providing sample questions and revealing some of the secrets behind the wording of questions. Students are usually given the option of taking one or more practice SAT® exams.
SAT® Preparation Types
Students have several options when it comes to preparing for the SAT®. A good student who feels well prepared for the test may choose to read a test prep book and study independently; prep books explain the different types of questions and usually include one or more practice tests, which can give the student a sense of how the test will be taken. For some students, starting early with this preparation method may be beneficial, as they will quickly learn whether independent study is sufficient or if additional SAT® preparation is required.
A number of companies provide online SAT® preparation materials, some for free and most for a fee. Live or recorded video lectures, discussion forums, electronic practice tests, and other materials are examples of these. Web classes may be less expensive than other options while still allowing students to interact with teachers to some extent. Taking a web course, on the other hand, necessitates a stable Internet connection as well as the discipline to sit at home and complete the required work.
Taking an in-person class is one of the most traditional ways for students to prepare for the SAT®. Because it is more like a typical school course and meets regularly at a set time and location, the classroom environment may be more comfortable for some students. An in-person class may also provide more opportunities for the student to interact with the teacher and other students. However, this type of class may be more expensive than web courses, depending on who is providing the course.
Working one-on-one with a private tutor may be more beneficial for students who are struggling in school or who have previously taken the SAT® and received a low score. When it comes to SAT® prep, this is usually the most expensive option, but it may also provide the student with the most individualized attention. A private tutor can address any specific concerns a student may have, as well as identify problem areas that require additional attention.
When Should You Begin Preparing for the Exam?
An SAT® prep course should be taken at least 12 weeks before the actual exam, regardless of the method used. Crash courses are available and can be beneficial, but they may cause more harm than good simply demonstrating how little the student knows. Starting early gives the student time to switch tactics if one strategy isn’t working.