Master the SAT: Tips for the Ultimate Study Plan

You’re just months away from the SAT—the test that can open the doors to your dream college and scholarship opportunities. It’s time to grab the bull the horns, focus, and rise to the challenge. To reach your full potential and score as close to 1600 as possible, having a study plan the master the SAT is essential. At The Best Test Prep, we believe you should be so well prepared that you’ll almost want to complain that the SAT is too easy.

Nobody stresses their way to a 1600—test-takers with high scores just glide through their study plans. Here’s how to break down your SAT prep and transform Test Day from a nerve-wracking event into a walk in the park:

1. Start Early
Preparing for the SAT and applying to college can be stressful enough without having to worry about application deadlines. Even though the goal is to blow the test out of the water on your first try, having extra time for more preparation in case you need to retest is a good thing. The earlier you start, as long as you’ve finished sophomore year, the better.

2. Set Realistic Expectations
SAT prep time can vary from student to student, depending on your baseline scores and how quickly you can take in new material, but the rule of thumb is 4 months—preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. Get yourself ready mentally for the long haul before you start. There are no magic pills, or everyone would take one and get a 1600, but very high scores are attainable if you’re motivated.

3. Create Your Yellow Brick Road to a High SAT Score
From the very beginning, assemble the preparation materials you will need, e.g., books, videos, online question banks, and practice tests. Make sure you have everything necessary to improve your skills so acing the SAT will be a natural result, a by-product. Luck has nothing to do with it. Of course, if you prepare with an expert tutor at The Best Test Prep, we provide everything for you.

4. Stick to a Study Schedule
A more relaxed SAT study schedule that you can realistically follow is far better than an intense one that you can’t. During the school year, set aside time for light preparation during the week, and go heavier on the weekends. Take off a couple of weekdays to clear your mind, and if you’d like professionals to create your study schedule for you, The Best Test Prep is happy to.

5. Finalize Special Accommodations Far in Advance
The College Board’s official timeline for special accommodations, like extra time, is 6 weeks, but the process can take longer for a variety of reasons. Some students are turned down at first but approved after submitting additional documentation, which usually takes longer than 6 weeks. Similarly to starting your SAT preparation early, if you qualify for special accommodations, apply for them right away.

6. The Week Before Test Day
Relaxed, well-rested test-takers perform better, so focus on review, get plenty of sleep, and prepare in advance everything you will need (ID, admission ticket, snacks, etc.). Avoid cramming the night before, as it won’t help much. What’s done is done, which is why it’s so important to get started on an effective study schedule far in advance. On Test Day, stay hydrated and keep your nerves in check. After all, you’ve trained for this and become a professional test-taker.

7. Make Test Day Your Victory Lap
With the right preparation, you’ll walk into the SAT like a seasoned pro who’s already seen it all and cracked the code. It won’t be a test anymore, but your well-rehearsed victory lap, like a video game you’ve already played a thousand times and know exactly how to win.

8. Celebrate Afterwards
You’ve worked hard, and regardless of how well you think you did, deserve to celebrate with family and friends. Go out to a nice meal at a restaurant. This is your time to relax and reflect on how far you’ve come. There’s no need to worry—if it’s a good idea to retest, the sun will come up the next day and you can take the SAT again. On the other hand, if you prepared with The Best Test Prep and became a professional test-taker who cruised to a high score, get ready to laugh all the way to college with a scholarship.

Ready to Ace the SAT?

Call The Best Test Prep today at (844) 672-PREP to master the SAT and become a professional test-taker!