Crafting an Effective SAT Study Plan
Tychr Team · 7 min read
The College Board administers the SAT, which is a standardized test that is broadly recognized for admissions in the United States. It is a three-hour-long multiple-choice test with two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.
The total score for the SAT is 1600, with each section scored out of 800. In order to ease your way into the ivy leagues, it is highly recommended to ensure that your SAT score is above 1450.
Unfortunately, the average score is only 1060. Most high school students take the SAT during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year.
However, It’s important to retake the test if you are required to increase your score before you apply to college. So, if you have already taken the SAT once or twice, you might be asking yourself, what could I have done to get a better score?
So if you’re looking to get into MIT or Harvard, or even minimize your financial burden, keep reading to discover proven SAT study plans.
How to prepare for the SAT
Identify your ideal score
First, you need to have a target score in mind to assess just how much work you need to put in and allocate your time efficiently. If you are looking to get into the extremely competitive colleges, your SAT score needs to be a lot higher as they are highly selective when it comes to applicants.Now, if you are aiming to go to an ivy league, being in the top 1 percentile (1500+) may just give you that extra push.
However, not every student is trying to apply to highly competitive universities. Second and third tier universities do not have a high requirement for the SAT score. So for those with a score below 1350, there are plenty of options left!
The higher your SAT score is, the higher your chance will be of receiving scholarships. Not only from universities, but also from College Board. To reduce the financial burden on students, College Board provides a scholarship opportunity that gives each student who participates a chance to earn up to $40,000.
Hence, it is always better to aim high.
Also Read: SAT Tips: Strategies for Excelling in the Scholastic Assessment Test
Practice, practice, practice!
The best and most efficient way to increase your SAT score is by taking up practice tests. Once you have familiarized yourself with the content in both math and english, it is time for you to take your pencil and start shading in some answers.
When you do this, you start to understand the type of questions that could come your way and the way the SAT is structured. It also allows you to identify your weaknesses so that you could focus on them more and turn them into strengths.
Furthermore, practicing the SAT allows you to become more time-efficient and tells you which areas you need to spend more time focusing on. Especially, when it comes to the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section, it can be a little difficult to finish it within the time constraint.
Hence, practicing allows you to be better, even if it is only by a minute each time you take it.
Utilise study materials
There are countless SAT prep books and various other resources online. These books guide you by providing tips, practice questions, reading examples and so much more. Take advantage of these SAT study materials to improve your knowledge and understanding of the test.
Some of the recommended SAT prep books include:
- SAT prep black book
- Kaplan In-Person SAT Prep course
- The Princeton Review SAT
Pick a test date
Your SAT study plan is completely dependent on when you take up the test. If you have a month before the test date, there is a chance that you could increase your score by 50 points. Whereas, if you have over 3 months remaining, you could increase your score by 300 points or over.
Create a schedule… and stick to it
There are tons of topics to learn for the SAT and a lot of practice required to ace it. Creating a schedule can help you be more organized and ensure that you have covered everything necessary and beyond. With school and extracurriculars, it is absolutely essential to fix a routine and stick to it.
Now that you are aware of what you must do with your SAT study plans, let’s break it down into 1,2,3, and 6-month schedules.
SAT study Plans
1-month study plan
In a month, you will most likely be able to increase your score by 50 points. It is recommended to use the TYCHR SAT prep course as they have a detailed guide on how to study for the SAT in one month.
Additionally, you will also need to use the official SAT study guide and do as many practice tests as possible.
2-month study plan
With 2 months, you may be able to increase your score by 100-150 points. Similar to the one-month study plan, you will require the official SAT study guide and practice as many tests as possible.
TYCHR provides you with a detailed 2-month study plan.
3-month study plan
A 3-month study plan should secure an extra 200 points. This study plan is very similar to the 2-month study plan. The only difference is that instead of taking 4 practice tests, now you take 5. TYCHR also provides a 3-month study plan.
6-month study plan
Lastly, if you’ve got 6 months left to prepare for the SAT, you could increase your score by over 250 points.
TYCHR also created this SAT study plan for 6 months and it provides review sessions for the math and evidence-based reading and writing section. This allows you to increase your SAT score significantly.
In conclusion, making a study plan for the SAT based on when your test date is allows you to efficiently allocate and organize what you need to do to improve your score.
If you utilise the appropriate SAT study materials and practice numerous tests, you will be able to achieve your target score. Good luck!
Also Read: What Is the Highest SAT Score: Scoring and Achievement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is an SAT study plan?
A: A proven SAT study plan is a structured schedule that outlines the specific steps and activities students should follow in order to prepare for the SAT exam. These plans are typically designed by experienced SAT tutors or educators and have been tested and refined to help students achieve their target scores.
Q2: How long do SAT study plans usually last?
A: SAT study plans can vary in length depending on the student’s goals and timeline. Common options include 1, 2, 3, and 6-month schedules, with longer study periods generally allowing for more comprehensive preparation.
Q3: What are some key components of a successful SAT study plan?
A: A successful SAT study plan should include a mix of content review, practice questions, and full-length practice tests. It should also incorporate strategies for time management, test-taking, and stress reduction. Personalized goals and progress tracking can also be helpful to ensure that students are making meaningful progress.
Q4: Can I create my own SAT study plan?
A: Yes, it is possible to create your own SAT study plan. However, it can be helpful to seek guidance from experienced educators or tutors to ensure that your plan is well-rounded and effective.
Q5: How do I know if a particular SAT study plan is right for me?
A: The best SAT study plan for you will depend on your individual goals, strengths, and weaknesses. It can be helpful to take a diagnostic test or work with a tutor to identify areas where you need the most improvement. From there, you can choose a study plan that aligns with your needs and preferences.
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