Article Keyword Videos to Watch
Education
Click on the image to start the video.
|
Related Topics
Images - Links - Articles
Lyon
Related Images
|
Top 5 Ways to Prepare for the SAT
Like any rite of passage, the SAT carries with it a great deal of anticipation, fear, costs, and challenges. Yet taking the SAT test need not strike terror into your heart or slam your wallet. In fact, a minor amount of advance planning can dramatically boost your confidence as well as your test score. While SAT preparation will still require considerable time and effort, knowing how to prepare will make all the difference in the world.
THE TOP 5 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR THE SAT 1. KNOW YOUR ENEMY To keep the SAT from becoming the monster under your bed, you need to know it as well as the proverbial back of your hand. Study the structure of the SAT test until you know it in your sleep. The last thing you need on exam day is to waste time reading the directions or figuring out how to answer the questions. Make the SAT automatic and you'll eliminate a great deal of stress.
2. STUDY SMARTER, NOT JUST HARDER The more time you spend charting out an approach to the SAT test, the more effective your studying will be. Take into account the amount of time available—both how many weeks until the test and how many hours you can devote each week to SAT preparation—and design a study plan that best fits your situation. Studying smarter means maximizing your preparation dollar as well: for example, you can take advantage of SAT Prep Plan's free diagnostic tools; you can also make your own flash cards, take some SAT practice tests, and sign up for the College Board's SAT "question of the day."
3. AVOID THE LANDMINES The SAT test is littered with landmines seeking to lure the unwary test-taker, including the decoy—the wrong answer most people are likely to arrive at—and the "best answer" ploy, where true answers are incorrect ( i.e., not what the question is asking). Knowing the landmines separates the casual from the serious SAT test-taker.
4. FILL YOUR BAG OF TRICKS In addition to learning the SAT traps, develop strategies for pacing yourself and answering various types of questions, as well as for guessing and eliminating careless mistakes. All of these will maximize your most valuable SAT resources: time and confidence.
5. T—1: READY FOR LIFTOFF? Expectant mothers don't wait until the first contraction to plan their big day: neither should you wait for the last minute to decide how to spend the final hours before your SAT test. The more attention you give to such matters as what to bring and how you'll arrange to wake up and get to the testing center, the more comfortable you'll be when the test begins. SAT prep doesn't have to be daunting. By planning ahead and studying effectively, you'll minimize the headaches and increase your chances of getting the highest SAT score possible. Keep checking www.satprepplan.com for articles that will explore these five SAT tips in greater depth.
About the Author: Bruce L. Smith is an experienced SAT test prep coach. For SAT test preparation and SAT practice problems visit www.satprepplan.com
|