Six Last Minute Strategies for Acing the SAT

Nov. 29, 2007 - PRLog -- With college admission deadlines looming just around the corner, seniors across the country are scrambling to prepare for the December 1, 2007 SAT test.  

According to Kelly S. Frindell, MPH, founder of Austin InHouse Test Prep in Austin, Texas, “November is crunch-time for seniors applying to college.  With college admissions starting as early as January, it is critical for seniors to take the December SAT if they have not yet taken the test or need to drastically improve previous scores.  Unfortunately, many students find themselves both under-prepared and overwhelmed at test-time.”  

Here are six expert strategies for mastering the SAT and avoiding last-minute panic.

1.  Practice, Practice, Practice
The SAT is highly predictable – the same types of problems appear in every test.  Working through practice problems will de-mystify the test structure and question types.  Pick up a copy of The Official SAT Study Guide by The College Board and complete as many practice tests as possible.

2.  Memorize Key Math Formulas
The SAT requires working knowledge of several math formulas.  Although some geometry formulas are provided on the test, referring back to them is a huge time-waster.  At a minimum, memorize the basic geometry formulas for squares, rectangles, circles,  cylinders, special right triangles, and slopes.

3. Study Vocabulary
Although not as important as it once was, vocabulary is still an essential component of the SAT.  Check out The Princeton Review’s Word Smart for a list of must-know SAT vocabulary words.  Make flashcards and study them during any spare moment.  

4.  On Test Day
Make sure to get a good night’s sleep before the test, and do not stay up late studying.  Eat breakfast before the test, and take a snack for the break.  Make sure to take identification, test admission ticket, multiple pencils with good erasers and a calculator with fresh batteries.  Take a sweater in case the room is cold.

5.  Slow Down
While taking the test, do not rush through each problem to get to the end of the section.  Most sections of the SAT are arranged in order of difficulty (easy, medium and hard), but all questions are worth the same number of points, regardless of difficulty.  Since the points are deducted for wrong answers, it makes more sense to slow down and answer the easy and medium questions correctly instead of making careless mistakes trying to get to the last problem.  Completely skip questions that are too difficult.

6.  Keep it in Perspective
Finally, remember to keep the SAT in perspective. The SAT is certainly important, but at the end of the day, it is just a test.  Don’t let test scores become a measure of self-worth.

Kelly S. Frindell, MPH, is the owner and founder of Austin InHouse Test Prep in Austin, TX.  She has over seven years of experience as an expert test preparation consultant for the TAKS, SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, SAT, ACT and GRE.

# # #

About: Austin InHouse Test Prep LLC offers expert, effective classes and tutoring for the TAKS, SSAT, ISEE, SAT, PSAT, ACT and GRE.

Website: www.inhousetestprep.com