Table of contents
Introduction
Escalate Speed
Read
Practice
Other tricks
Reading the Options First
Answering Every Question
Elimination Technique
Introduction
The SAT, also known as the Scholastic Assessment Test, is one of the most important international entrance exams, taken by approximately 1.7 million students annually. Numerous colleges and universities accept SAT scores not only for the admission process but also for scholarships, financial aid applications, and more, contributing to its significant importance and widespread recognition. The SAT is the first step in the college application process, and acing it can secure a student's dream college. While the internet is flooded with hundreds of tricks and tips on how to "ace the SAT," we provide a short, effective way to do it.
To begin with, let us understand the format of the SAT exam. The SAT exam is scored out of 1600 marks, divided equally into two sections. The exam comprises two sections: English and math. In English, there are two subsections—reading and writing—with 54 short passage questions to be solved in 64 minutes. The math section contains 44 questions to be solved in 70 minutes, with a calculator allowed.
We need to understand that the SAT is not a test of knowledge but a test of aptitude. In English, there are two sections: reading and writing, while the mathematics section covers both basic and high school-level math.
With only 71 seconds per English question and 95 seconds per math question, speed is our best friend, accompanied by accuracy. To ace any exam, two key factors are essential: speed and accuracy, and all the tricks and tips are aimed at improving these two skills.
Escalate the Speed and Accuracy
Read
Reading is very important as it enhances vocabulary and reading speed. Regular reading leads to improvements in comprehension skills, which come in handy when answering questions. Initially, students may not realize how much reading helps, but over time, they will understand its importance and effects. It also upscales accuracy rate in English questions as students comprehend them more quickly with increased reading speed.
Practice
Practicing is another crucial component of success in the SAT exam. Regularly practicing questions and taking mock exams help students understand the question patterns and difficulty levels. Consistent mock practice develops the habit of taking exams, while a lack of practice may lead to exhaustion during the exam, loss of concentration, or interest, resulting in a decline in scores. While this significantly improves accuracy, encountering one's weak areas allows a student to work on their speed and enhance performance.
Other Tricks
As we have discussed how important and crucial reading habits and practices are for both speed and accuracy, we will now discover solutions to situations where even all our practice fails.
Read the Options First
In the digital SAT, we have the opportunity to use a calculator throughout the exam; however, students should avoid relying on it. It is beneficial to start each question by going through the options first. This approach can help guide students in solving the question, especially in the math section. Sometimes, by looking at the options first, a student can avoid using the calculator, which can help them complete the exam more quickly.
Answer Every Question
As we know, this exam does not have negative marking, so feel free to mark a random answer. Regardless of all the practice we have put in, sometimes some questions turn out to be tricky, for which either we don’t know the answer or are not able to find it. In these circumstances, marking any answer randomly is a good alternative to leaving the question blank.
Elimination Technique
Earlier, we saw the trick to solving the questions for which we did not know the answer. Now we will tackle the question of how to solve the questions with confusing answers. Especially in the English section, the answers are a bit similar, which makes it difficult to mark the correct answer. For this, students are advised to apply elimination techniques to eliminate the answers that provide more or less information than is required.
Comments