“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” -Benjamin Franklin
Preparation is the most essential component for success on the SAT.
But you shouldn’t have to sit around all day every day doing nothing except studying. No one wants that to be the exclusive center of your life.
So we have curated a list of the top articles regarding all the ins and outs of the SAT, telling you everything you need to know about the SAT.
Standardized testing, like the rest of the college admissions process, can be a stressful endeavor. But the stress goes down enormously when you have a plan of execution and a clear idea of what’s coming.
The fact that you are reading this already means you want to do your best. That’s step one done.
Next, you can conquer the annoyance, the frustration, even the fear that sometimes comes with the approach of your testing date, by:
- Arming yourself with information,
- Getting in as much quality practice time as you can, and
- Reaching out to the Higher Scores Test Prep team if there is anything you are confused about or need help with. You are not alone in this process.
If you’re ready to jump in and soak up information like an awesome SAT-sponge, then here is a treasure trove of the 13 best articles that answer the most frequently asked questions about the SAT:
1) Let’s start at the very beginning. (I hear it’s a very good place to start.) What is on the SAT? Take a look at the subjects covered and the basic overview of how many questions there are, plus how much time you’ll have for each section. The more you know, the more ready you’ll be.
2) Maybe you’re asking yourself do you have to take the SAT? A perfectly valid question. Every student’s journey is different, so use this article to consider whether the SAT is something you need in your college application arsenal. Even if you are only planning on applying to test-optional or test-blind colleges, our recommendation is for you to at least take either the SAT or the ACT so that u have the option of submitting your scores if your plans change.
3) Perhaps you are wondering about the differences between the two monoliths of standardized testing, which one would be better for you to take, or whether you need both. If so, this video about how to decide between the SAT and the ACT is for you.
4) Looking for a compact collection of the best tips and tricks in the business? Check out this eBook, the Insider’s Guide to the ACT & SAT, a completely free, completely incredible resource of immediately applicable strategic advice. Every little bit helps so tip the odds in your direction. Get the book.
5) When should you take the SAT? The answer is more nuanced than you think. There is not a one-size-fits-all response, so read this article to tailor your approach to your own needs and maximize your effort, depending on where you are in your overall college admissions process.
6) If your test is coming up soon, you may want to check out our quick prep online SAT course to get ready in time (you can finish it in as little as four hours!). And make sure you also check out these SAT tips and strategies to improve your score fast.
7) Whether you’re already holding your score in your hand or you still haven’t chosen which test date to schedule, knowing how the SAT is scored can be highly beneficial.
8) Alright, you’ve done the heavy lifting on scheduling, planning, studying for the SATs. Now it’s time to figure out what to do the week leading up to your SAT date.
9) If you’re nervous, it may help you to know that you can take the SAT more than once if you need to, and what might happen if you do. Read this article on how many times can you take the SAT for all the details.
10) Part of making a good plan involves having a solid, attainable goal. Understanding more about what is a good SAT score will help you to achieve one.
11) Admittedly, the whole college application process feels a lot like a NASCAR race- with its intense pressure to get to the end of the road in record time, as well as intact. Just like in car racing, preparation here is key. Whether practice makes perfect or whether it just makes things better, refer once more to the quote at the top of this guide. Remind yourself that you deserve to do your very best, then drivers start your engines. Try out a free practice test to see where you’re solid and where you could improve.
12) Once you have a good idea of what you need and what you want, here’s where to find the best online SAT courses to get you the rest of the way to that satisfying finish line!
13) Let’s say you make it through the racecourse in glorious fashion. You were prepared, did your very best, and got a respectable score that reflects your academic potential. Now what? With your SAT score in hand, you may be on the fence about what to do with it. College advisors everywhere are abuzz with all the latest news and info about the ever-growing list of test-optional colleges. Read for yourself about whether or not you should submit your scores to the test-optional colleges to which you’re applying.
BONUS ARTICLE FOR THE YOUNGER OVERACHIEVERS:
- Maybe you’re not even at the SAT point yet, you’re just wanting to get ahead of the game before you hit high school. First of all, well done. It’s never too early to start preparing, so we have something for you: here’s what you need to know about the PSAT as well.
Remember, now that you have all of this knowledge and these resources, the best thing you can do is put them to good use by practicing and studying.
Then, if there’s anything we didn’t cover or you need more information about a particular subject, the Higher Scores Test Prep Team is always here to help. We’re just an email away.
(Looking for a similar ACT resources page? We’ve got that ready for you too. You can find it here.)