When to Start Preparing for the SAT: A Comprehensive Timeline for Success

One of the critical components that decides admission into an undergraduate course is the SAT score. A good score will ensure admission into a good institution, opening doors for a great future. One question that looms over is when to start the SAT Exam Preparation. In this blog let us see what factors decide how to chart the timeline for your SAT exam preparation.

The SAT suite

To get a better idea of when to start the SAT exam preparation, let us look at the SAT suite of Assessments offered by the College Board-

1. PSAT 8/9- is the first test in the SAT suite of Assessments. It has the same number of questions as the actual SAT but with a reduced difficulty level. The total score ranges between 240 and 1440.
2. PSAT 10- has the same content as the SAT but is designed for sophomores or 10th graders. The scores range between 320 to 1520.
3. PSAT NMSQT- has the same content as the SAT but it targets the juniors or the 11th graders. The scores range between 320 to 1520.

Though the PSAT scores cannot be used for admissions, the scores obtained in these tests indicate the readiness of the student to face the SAT. The student can take these tests as a trial before the actual tests to gain confidence. The analysis of the results from these tests will give a clear idea of the student’s strengths and weaknesses.

When is the right time to take the SAT?

The right time to take the SAT for the first time is during the Fall of the 11th grade. If the student gets a good score, then he/ she can continue with the academics and profile building. If the scores are not enough, then the student has an option to take the test again the Spring before starting the 12th grade.

Some students plan to start the SAT exam preparation in the 9th grade. This use may be beneficial because it gives the student ample time to understand the exam, scrutinize the areas of improvement, and develop a study plan accordingly.

What are the advantages of starting the SAT exam preparation early?

1. If the student can complete the test in the 10th grade, then he/she can focus on the academics in the 11th grade.
2. If the student starts early, then the planning for the preparation can be done accordingly. The student can focus on academics and extra-curricular activities.
3. The students usually take the SAT at least twice or thrice. Starting early will help the students to plan and take the test multiple times. The students should not plan to take it beyond three times as there might not be a huge change in the scores beyond that.

How long does the SAT exam Preparation last?

If the student plans to take the test in his/her 11th grade, the preparation should start in the 10th grade. Say if the student has a year at hand, the PSAT 10 or an online mock test can be taken to set the baseline. The student should also decide what study materials to use and whether to join a coaching class for the SAT exam Preparation. The student should look for the best books for SAT preparation because one’s preparation will be as good as the materials chosen for SAT exam preparation. A study plan needs to be created and adhered to. The next three to six months involve intense study sessions, focusing on weaker areas. Short drills must be practiced to gain mastery over the topics. The study plan should have timed tests to track the progress. Closer to the test day, work on refining the test strategies, focus on more practice tests and harder practice materials, and review key concepts. The last few days should be dedicated to more reviews and intense practice. This ensures the student is all set for the D-day. If you start the SAT exam Preparation late, these steps have to be hastened. But remember, slow and steady wins the race.

What are the factors that decide the time required for the SAT exam preparation?

1. Current skill levels- Take the PSAT or a mock test to decide where you stand. This will tell where you stand with your current skills. The scores from this test will help you determine how long you should prepare for the SAT.
2. Decide your target scores- Shortlist the universities and the courses you want to apply to. Look for the target scores for these colleges and courses. With your current standing, you can decide how much score improvement is required. You can accordingly decide when to start your prep from.
3. If you are focusing on academics, sports or other co-curricular or extra-curricular activities, plan to start the SAT exam Preparation earlier.

How to prepare for the SAT?

1. Make an extensive study plan. This should not only tell you how many hours you should study in a day. Rather break down your plan and chalk out what topics need to be covered on a daily basis.
2. Plan to spend an hour every day for the SAT exam preparation. Don’t pile up things for the last minute.
3. Don’t boost your ego by working are areas you are very good at. Focus your time and other resources on improving the weak areas.
4. Use a quiet room for practicing and taking tests. Turn off social media notifications and do not attend calls from friends. This will ensure that you get the maximum out of the time you have at hand.
5. Use the Best books for SAT preparation. The books should have the actual exam-like questions. The strategies in the books you follow should help you to maximize the number of questions you get correct within the stipulated time. Don’t spend too much time collecting the free books available online. You may not have time to go through all of them.
6. Use the College Board blue book app for six full-length mock tests. Khan Academy can be used for topic-wise practice.
7. If you are looking for professional help to prepare, make sure you choose the right coaching. Apart from the strategies to tackle the questions, the coaching should also help you fix the weak areas. The tests you take should be regularly reviewed by the trainers who will provide remedial solutions to the issue.
8. The Digital SAT tests vocabulary skills too. Make sure you learn new words on a daily basis.
9. Be ready for the test. Carry your passport and letter of admission. Try to reach the center early. Don’t panic during the test taking.
10. Learn to use the online tools available in the test. Try to complete the test even if you cannot work on all the questions. Learn to guess on difficult questions as there is no negative marking.

The SAT exam Preparation is nevertheless a tedious process, but with the right strategies, the students can realize their study abroad goal.