SAT

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES FOR THE SAT

1.     Be aware that this is a TIMED test…so you must keep your focus, not get distracted and work efficiently the WHOLE time.

2.     Quickly look at the multiple choice questions first. Some will refer back to specific lines in the text, so you only have to go to those lines to find the answer. Sometimes a quote is given in the question so you might not have to go back to passage at all in that case.

3.     Read the first paragraph and last paragraph. You may be able to get the meaning of the passage from just these two paragraphs. Often writers summarize in the last paragraph, especially if it is informational or persuasive text.

4.     Use multiple choice strategies. Cross two out and then decide. If you are struggling to decide, try for no more than a minute, take a guess, choose and answer and MOVE ON.

5.     Sometimes it appears that all of the choices are correct. You may read them and be SURE that you read that exact line in the text. It very well may be true that all the answers are TRUE to the passage – BUT only ONE best answers the question.

If you find yourself in this situation, read the QUESTION again – you need to be sure that you understand what the question is asking you in order to choose the right answer.

6.     Realize that it actually takes time to fill in those bubbles. Account for that. (My daughter lost time by not accounting for it because every practice test she took, she just circled the answers).

7.     Do your VERY best. Your SAT scores will be on your academic record. It is a reflection of you. It can help you get into colleges and may possibly help in some grant or financial aid situations.