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THE
SILENT TIMER™
Handbook
SAT Tips
Learning just a few practical SAT tips can help improve
your score. We have compiled a list of common SAT tips that you can incorporate
into your studying. Please
keep in mind, however, that not all of these tips are ideal for everyone. You
must start studying early to find the techniques that work best for you.
| Take a diagnostic exam- cold. |
Obtain a copy of an old
SAT exam and take it under timed conditions without studying. This is an important
first step to identifying your weak points. It will also serve as your basis
for comparison to see how much you're improving along the way. Download
a complete sample SAT here.
| Start
studying ahead of time. |
If possible, begin preparing at least two months before the test date. This
will give you enough time to familiarize yourself with the test questions, develop
a pacing strategy, and improve upon your weaknesses. Do not attempt to "cram
for the SAT"!
| Build
your vocabulary daily. |
Take the time to learn
a few new vocabulary words every day. In addition to memorizing common SAT words
(from test prep books or SAT software), devote some time to reading challenging
books, magazines, and/or the newspaper. Underline unfamiliar words in your readings,
look them up, and learn them! For even better practice, try to incorporate new
words into your writing for school assignments. Check out some vocabulary resources
here.
| Answer
the easier questions first. |
Keep in mind that SAT questions
are organized in an order of increasing difficulty: the easier questions are
found at the beginning of each test section and become increasingly difficult
as you move through the section. Luckily, they are worth just as much as the
hard questions, so make sure you answer them correctly!
| Use
process of elimination. |
This strategy is taught to even the youngest of students taking tests, and with
good reason. Attack the question by first eliminating the answer choices that
must be wrong. Cross them out in your test booklet. Even if you can
eliminate just two answer choices, you can increase your chances of getting
the right answer by 65% (from 20% or 1 in 5 to 33% or 1 in 3).
| Omit
questions when
necessary. |
If you have NO idea what the
answer is, skip the question entirely. Points are deducted for wrong answers,
not for skipped answers. If you can eliminate at least one answer choice, consider
guessing (see process of elimination above). NOTE:
In the math section, do not omit any student-produced response (GRID)
questions. When in doubt, guess on them because points are not
deducted for wrong answers to these types of questions.
| Write
in your test booklet! |
Do not be afraid to cross
out wrong answer choices, underline key words, make diagrams, and jot down short
notes. The test booklet is your scratch paper and is there for you to write
on. The SAT is one of the few standardized exams that is not yet computerized-
take advantage of this!
The SAT is a long test,
totaling 3 hours, 45 min. Even though it is divided into smaller sections, it
still requires a long period of time of intense concentration. While concentrating,
don't forget about the time! Many students will not get to every test question,
but pacing skills can be learned with practice.
Initially, you should be focusing on learning the questions and working through
test sections without paying attention to the time limit. As you become more
familiar with the test, however, you should begin timing yourself with a
timer (Buy THE
SILENT TIMER™ Here).
Test time management can be a significant factor in raising your score.
THE SILENT TIMER™
is a timer that will help you learn not to spend too much time on any one question.
It lets you know how much time on average you have to answer each question and
will train you to move steadily through your exam. By practicing with this innovative
study tool, you can work on improving your pacing before you even step foot
in the test room. Remember, "Success is Just a Matter of Time...."
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR TEST!
Relevant Links
SAT Tip of the Day
Down
and Dirty Techniques for the SAT
SAT
Tips and Techniques
SAT
Test Day Tips
SAT
Test Preparation Tips
Need-to-Know
SAT Tips & Strategies
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