Learn the 9 step process to hit your target SAT score & avoid common prep mistakes.
Most students take the SAT 2-4 times. The ideal time to start preparing is the summer before junior year, when schoolwork is lighter, allowing you to target the August, October, November, and December test dates. Keep in mind, the first SAT of the new year is always in March, so many students aim to complete their SATs before the year ends. Alternatively, many students begin prepping in January of junior year, focusing on the March SAT. It is important to keep in mind that many students will also be taking AP/IB exams in the spring, so time management is critical. Some advanced students even take the SAT as sophomores, as there is no minimum age for the exam. Starting earlier provides more time for retakes and a head start on college prep.
Your SAT superscore is the highest composite score you can achieve by combining your highest scores from each section across multiple test dates. Not all colleges consider superscoring. Many schools do allow it, but some may only consider your highest single test score. Be sure to check the admissions policies of the colleges you're interested in to understand how they handle superscoring. Here’s how it works: If you've taken the SAT multiple times, your superscore is calculated by taking the highest section scores from each test. For example...
Test Day 1:
Reading/Writing: 600
Math: 650
Total Score: 1250
Test Day 2:
Reading/Writing: 580
Math: 720
Total Score: 1300
Superscore:
Highest Reading/Writing Score: 600
Highest Math Score: 720
Total Superscore: 1320
The only real limit is time, as you'll eventually need to submit your college applications. Additionally, while most colleges may not require you to submit all your SAT scores, be aware that very few schools, like Georgetown University, do want to see all your SAT scores. Check the policies of each school you’re applying to regarding score submission, as some may require you to report all attempts, while others allow you to choose the scores you wish to send.
It’s completely normal to retake the SAT, with most students opting to do so around 3 times. This isn’t solely due to previous poor performance; many students believe they can achieve an even higher score with additional preparation. As you begin your SAT prep, you’ll likely notice how effective study strategies can lead to significant score improvements.
Very few schools like Georgetown University want to see all your SAT scores, meaning you’ll need to report every attempt. Most colleges will only consider your highest score or your superscore.
We recommend giving yourself 2 to 2 ½ months to prepare before your first official SAT. A good rule of thumb is to complete the following: re-learn majority of the core concepts tested, complete 1,000 practice problems, and take at least 3 official practice tests.
A good SAT score is one that enhances the competitiveness of your college applications. To identify your target score, start by making a list of 10 colleges you're considering applying to. Then, research the 75th percentile SAT scores for each of these schools. You have two options: calculate the average of these scores or select the highest score from your list. This will give you a clear target SAT score to aim for, helping you strengthen your applications and improve your chances of admission.
The SAT is given 7 times a year during the following months: August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. Some high schools also offer the SAT during school days, making it more accessible for students. These dates vary by state and school district but often occur in the spring, typically in March or April.
You can assess your current SAT score by taking the first SAT practice test available on the College Board's Bluebook app. After completing the test, record your math, reading/writing, and total score. Next, calculate how many points you need to reach your target score.
The digital SAT features two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Students are given 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes for the Math section, for a combined total of 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Each section is split into 2 modules. The first module includes a range of questions, from easy to hard. The difficulty of the second module is determined by the student’s performance in the first.
Most questions are multiple-choice, though some math problems require students to input their own answers. There’s no penalty for incorrect guesses, so it’s better to take a guess rather than leave a question unanswered.
Yes, you can still prepare for the SAT even if you haven't taken Algebra 2 yet because you'll learn these specific concepts as part of your test preparation, just like every other student does.
Practice tests written by the CollegeBoard are the most realistic. We do not recommend taking practice tests from third party resources. CollegeBoard provided 6 free practice tests that mirror the same experience you’ll have on test day. You will take these practice tests on the BlueBook App. Click here to learn more.
After taking a practice test, you should take a break, then review the questions you got wrong. However, simply reviewing mistakes briefly is not enough; you need to take more detailed steps to improve: use the incorrect megadoc.
We recommend to take at least 3 practice tests before your first SAT.
The "incorrect megadoc" is a document, notebook, or spreadsheet where you write down each question you answered incorrectly, the correct answer, the answer you chose, why you got it wrong, and the core concept tested. This helps you learn from your mistakes and recognize common patterns in SAT questions.
You can now also re-visit this spreadsheet or document before test day to avoid making the same mistakes.
The two key factors to ace the SAT are speed and accuracy. Speed means quickly figuring out what to do, and accuracy means knowing how to solve the problem correctly.
Top SAT scorers are able to quickly recognize common patterns within SAT questions, allowing them to boil down complex questions into simpler terms within seconds. They can also easily identify what correct and incorrect answer choices look like, helping them eliminate wrong answers faster.
Many students struggle with the SAT because they don’t fully understand what the questions are asking. SAT questions are often written in complex language, disguising simple concepts in ambiguous language. This makes it difficult for students to quickly grasp what the question is asking.
The first step in developing pattern recognition for the SAT is completing isolated practice. You should practice specific types of questions on your own, focusing on spotting common formats and answer choices for each type of question. For example, completing 15 SAT slope word problems helps you recognize how slope questions are phrased and spot patterns in both correct and incorrect answer choices.
Strategies are like adding fuel to a fire, but without a strong foundation, they won’t ignite your success on the SAT. They are just the tip of the iceberg.
Yes! One of the most effective strategies is to answer questions you’re confident about first. This helps you secure points early and manage your time better, rather than getting stuck on difficult questions that can drain your time.
Never leave a question blank. Always guess if you're unsure. There's no penalty for wrong answers, and guessing gives you at least a 25% chance of earning points. If you have time, use the process of elimination to increase your odds of guessing correctly.
Absolutely! When you run out of time or can't solve a question, using the same answer choice consistently (your "letter of the day") increases your chances of getting some questions correct rather than guessing randomly.
1) The first time you go through each module, focus your energy on answering questions you know. This helps you secure points early and manage your time better, rather than getting stuck on difficult questions that can drain your time.
2) Never leave a question blank. Always guess if you're unsure.
3) If you have over five minutes, focus on flagged questions that you skipped earlier. But if there’s less than five minutes left, double-check your answers on the questions you feel confident about instead of spending time on tough questions.
4) For word problems or complex equations, try using methods like "plug and check," where you substitute the answer choices into the problem to see which one fits. This is faster than solving problems traditionally.
5) For some math questions, try making up your own solution.
6) Desmos can be a powerful tool for solving equations, checking graphs, and finding solutions quickly. The key is to know when to use desmos, not just how.
7) Start with the writing questions first, particularly the grammar-based ones. These tend to be quicker, leaving you more time to focus on the reading passages.
8) For student note questions, read the question first and identify the student’s goal. Then, check each answer choice to see which one helps the student accomplish that goal, eliminating irrelevant options.
9) Be on the lookout for "red flag" answer choices: 1) Too broad or too narrow 2) Extreme language (like "always" or "never") 3) Opposite meanings 4) True but doesn’t answer the question 5) Twists that distort the main point of the passage
10) Rather than looking for the right answer, focus on eliminating wrong ones. Ask yourself: "What’s wrong with this answer?" Then check for evidence in the text to support or dismiss each choice.
If you have over five minutes, focus on flagged questions that you skipped earlier. But if there’s less than five minutes left, double-check your answers on the questions you feel confident about instead of spending time on tough questions.
Desmos can be a powerful tool for solving equations, checking graphs, and finding solutions quickly. The key is to know which types of questions it’s best suited for, such as quadratic equations, intercepts, and systems of equations.
Maximizing your SAT score isn't about endlessly solving problems or watching countless videos. It's about identifying your weaknesses, thoroughly re-learning each core concept, and assessing if you've truly gained mastery through realistic practice.
Re-learning a core concept involves two steps: 1) Consuming material by reading a book, watching a video, etc., and 2) Assessing abilities by completing 10-15 realistic SAT practice problems on that specific topic. If you can solve 75% of those problems correctly, you've learned the concept; if not, you need to revisit and strengthen your understanding.
