The most frequent mistake made by people preparing to take the SAT—after
not studying enough—is studying in a sloppy, haphazard manner. The more
care you take in the early stages of your preparation for the SAT test,
the better the end result. Set demanding yet reasonable goals for your
SAT experience, then summon the necessary self-discipline to follow through.
1. ASSEMBLING YOUR MATERIALS
An informed approach to SAT preparation begins with checking the
College Board's website (http://www.collegeboard.com) for testing dates,
locations and registration procedures. After that, you should buy (or
borrow from a library or friend) an SAT test prep book. You'll also want
to have an appropriate calculator, a notebook, plenty of paper and
writing utensils, and a space (or two) conducive to concentrated study.
2. DIAGNOSIS & PRESCRIPTION
Using both your SAT prep book and the materials available at Sat
Prep Plan (http://www.satprepplan.com), assess your strengths and
weaknesses. Then set your goals (one of which should be a deep
familiarity with the SAT test's overall structure, types of questions,
and directions), and design a study plan that best fits your situation.
These first two steps should be completed as quickly as possible in
order to allow the maximum time for actual SAT preparation.
3. GOING SOLO VS. TEAMING UP
Deciding which resources to use, and in what combination, marks a
critical step in your SAT preparation agenda. A number of prominent
companies offer comprehensive SAT test prep courses, but they may not
fit your budget, schedule, or study needs. In addition to consulting the
resources provided at http://www.satprepplan.com, you should consider
the value of teaming up with a friend or two (often, having partners in
any long-term, strenuous activity keeps everyone's momentum going),
and/or hiring an SAT tutor.
4. A MATTER OF TIME
Taking into account the SAT test dates you found in Step 1 and
your other commitments, map out a weekly study schedule. You might find
it helpful to alternate between working on sections of the SAT test, as
well as between material that's easier and harder for you. Set periodic
deadlines for achieving your goals, but bear in mind that you may need
to adjust them. Also note that a smaller number of long study sessions
are less helpful than a greater number of shorter ones. Finally, pay
special attention to how you'll prepare during the week of the SAT test
itself.
5. HELP ON A BUDGET
The SAT test is expensive enough. It doesn't take a great deal of
time or effort to maximize your SAT preparation dollar. For example,
websites like http://www.satprepplan.com offer a variety of resources at
no charge. With so many students taking the SAT test each year, it
shouldn't be too difficult to locate used (but recent) versions of SAT
prep books. You can also make your own flash cards, take several free
SAT practice tests, and register to have the College Board's SAT
"question of the day" sent to you via email – all at little or no cost.
Bruce L. Smith is an experienced SAT test prep coach. For SAT test
preparation and SAT practice problems visit
href="http://www.satpprepplan.com">http://www.satpprepplan.com.
