How to Prepare for the SAT

“Before your exam date, if possible, visit the testing center you chose at registration, and find the building and the room if possible, learn where to park, and note how long it takes to drive there,” said Wilson. “Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive on test day. This helps to alleviate one's stress and test anxiety on the morning of one's test.”

Although some students take the SATs as they are preparing college applications, Goodnow suggests getting it out of the way as early as possible. “If you start practicing and studying early, you can be finished with your official test (and maybe a second or third attempt) by the end of your junior year,” she said. “Then you'll have all summer and the beginning of your senior year to work on your college essays and other parts of your application.”

When taking the SAT or ACT, students should understand exactly what they'll be expected to do long before they sit for the exam. In order to do this, they should familiarize themselves with the structure of the test, so they know how many questions will be asked in each section, the types of content on which those questions will be based, and how many points they earn per question.

Just as students should know the structure of the standardized test, they should also know the rules for taking it. “When you register for the SAT, please assure yourself you're following the rules clearly,” Andrews said. “Bring only allowed items. Do not bring ink pen or other items not required. Bring an approved calculator; there will be a person who will inspect it to see if it meets the requirements for the test.”

Students should remember their other obligations when they schedule their ACT or SAT, so they don't end up double booking their time. “If you are the star soccer player on your team, do not schedule your test the same Saturday as your soccer team's championship game,” said Wilson. “Both are obviously important. Do not place yourself in a position to have to choose between the two.”

Every student has areas of strength and weakness, and understanding them will let them know how to best use their study time. By taking at least two timed practice tests early in their preparation, students are able to identify the types of questions they can already do well on and which ones they will need to practice more leading up to test day.

After getting a good idea of where they stand by taking practice tests, students should set a goal based on not only on the requirements of the college they want to attend, but also based on how much time they are giving themselves to prepare. The more points they want to improve by, the more time they should dedicate to studying. However, the longer they wait, the more they will need to adjust their expectations to something within their reach.

The ACT and SAT are not tests students can cram for, so it's best to create a study schedule and stick to it. Setting aside a specific period of time each day will help students reach their score goals, as well as get accustomed to dedicating time to test prep on a regular basis.

Students who find it difficult to study on their own, as well as those who want to augment their solo study time, can sign up for a preparatory class. This allows students to get feedback from an instructor and gain accountability for their progress.

Students who want one-on-one assistance may consider working with a tutor instead of taking a prep class. A tutor can provide immediate feedback, as well as adjust lessons based on where students need work.

“When you are studying for the test, you will stumble across answers that seem obvious. The answers will make you feel like you are giving the wrong answer,” said Andrews. “However, sometimes it's the correct answer, so trust your abilities since your answer may be correct.”

The books that students are required to read for classes can certainly help them prepare for the test, but it's best to read books that have not been assigned—particularly nonfiction. Since the required reading lists for high school students are filled with classic fiction, students should read as much nonfiction as possible to get used to processing the kinds of passages that appear on the ACT and SAT.

Brushing up on basic grammar and spelling can help students boost their score on the verbal section of the test. In addition, practicing the ability to do mental math can help students do well on the parts of the SAT that don't allow a calculator and save time on the parts that do.

Although it sounds counterintuitive, students should relax the night before the test. Having some downtime after a long period of studying and getting a good night's sleep will help students be calm and alert on test day, as well as help to boost their confidence.

During the break periods on test day, Goodnow suggests that students get the most out of the time off by getting away from their desks. “Walk around, touch your toes, do some stretches and get your body moving physically,” she said. “You need to keep your energy and endurance up for these lengthy tests.”