How to Boost Your SAT Score
Not happy with your current SAT score? Or perhaps, you’ve only taken a practice test and don’t feel confident with the results. Not to worry, for we at Aegis Advisors are well-versed in the SAT structure and content. In this guide, we will walk you through some helpful strategies to improve your score next time you take the test.
How much do students usually improve on retakes?
According to the College Board statistics in the most recent three years, scoring a 1190 puts you in the 75th percentile of all SAT scores, and a 1400 scores in the 93rd percentile. The College Board also researched that SAT scores can improve by an average of 115 points per 20 hours of online studying. Let’s do the math here: if you initially scored around 1200, by studying another 40 hours you may statistically improve by about 18 percentiles. A 1520 puts you in the 98th percentile – another 5 percentile jump for another 20 hours of studying. And these are just averages… we always aim higher!
So, does this mean you must study tirelessly for the next three days? Not exactly. We have prepared some tips that will allow you to maximize the time you do spend on studying.
1. Know your strengths and weaknesses
The SAT is broken down into two sections: a Reading and Writing component and a Mathematics component. Many students feel that while they are confident in one section, they might fall short in the other. Before you even begin studying, it is crucial you know what to focus your attention on. If you know you struggle with Algebra and Geometry but consistently score well on reading comprehension quizzes, you may want to allocate additional time studying math. If you don’t know what your strengths and weaknesses are, we encourage you to identify them first.
2. Craft a study plan (and stick to it!)
Once you know what to study, you need to know how you will study it. Staying structured and consistent in your SAT prep will require discipline, but it will benefit you greatly. Prioritize the areas you are weakest in, and then integrate more familiar concepts as you go. Use strategies to enhance your long-term memory retention. Below are some techniques that can be researched on your own time:
- Active recall
- Using mnemonics
- Making flashcards
After you identify some techniques that you will use during your studying, you also want to block out times for practice tests. We recommend taking a full-length practice test before test day in a quiet environment to prepare your mind for what’s to come. Always remember to be specific when setting goals for yourself, and stay consistent!
3. Time yourself
The SAT is timed, which may seem daunting at first. Luckily, the structure of the test and exactly how much time is allocated to each section is known. You will have 64 minutes to finish 54 questions in the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes to complete 44 questions in the Maths section. Each section is further broken into two equal-length modules, withModule 2 being tailored in difficulty to your performance on Module 1. What this means is that if you do well in Module 1, the questions in Module 2 will reflect the same difficulty level as Module 1. You will also have a 10 minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Maths section.
Now that you know the timing and structure of the SAT, you can prepare accordingly. If you find yourself taking 10 minutes to complete one hard math problem, you may want to focus on strengthening your skills for that particular concept first, so as to leave yourself enough time for everything else.
4. Choose the right study materials
Yes, there can be a wrong way to study! Though there are many ways to successfully prepare, there are also choices that can adversely affect your progress. See Common Mistakes Made When Preparing for the SAT for more information on what to avoid when studying. One of those mistakes is choosing the wrong study materials. We recommend our team of devoted tutors to provide the best guidance. We are consistently updating our SAT materials to keep up with the current curriculum, and we can ensure our students will have the most up-to-date practice problems and access to fully digital mock assessments.
5. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes
Taking the SAT is a lot more than just memorizing a bunch of Maths and English facts. You must take into account the time constraint, and more importantly: develop a strong mindset. No one gets a 1600 the first time they take the SAT, and even after studying it is still very difficult to get a perfect score. Expecting to get every single problem right isn’t the right approach. As you study, you will face challenges. Perhaps you can’t finish one section of the practice test before the time ends, or you run into a problem that you simply do not know how to do. The most important thing when these situations happen is to stay strong mentally. Don’t be defeated by mistakes. Instead, ask yourself how you can improve and practice more.
Conclusion
Improving your score on the SAT requires extensive preparation. Always remember to be specific in creating your study plan, and stay consistent! At Aegis Advisors, our team of SAT tutors are dedicated to helping you achieve the score that you want. Reach out today to get one step closer to a 1600!