Page 2 – Prepory

Discover how to pursue your ideal SAT study plan, by using SAT prep books and courses, helpful PDFs, and other resources. Determine how many months you should allot to studying so that you can schedule accordingly and reach your academic goals! In this article, we will review helpful SAT tips, plans, schedules, and other resources so that you can achieve your ideal SAT score.

What is the SAT?

The SAT is a 3-hour long entrance exam that every college and university uses to make admissions decisions. It allows schools to compare students across the globe despite differences in classes, subjects, and schools. The SAT consists of two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. There is an additional optional essay section that students can choose to complete.

The SAT is scored from 200-800 with the highest score possible being a 1600. While the score you receive is not a major blockade to the kind of schools you can apply to, it can help students understand where they fall within the average admitted students to a certain school. For example, Harvard has an average SAT score of a 1470 among their admitted students. You know that you are below the average if your score is a 1350.

The SAT is extremely important in college admissions and students cannot walk into the exam unprepared and expect positive results. Because of this, students should create a study plan in order to better their chances of performing well.

SAT Study Plan Templates

To help map out your SAT study routine, we’ve put together these two templates. These SAT study plan templates will help you visualize your studying schedule for a test that is two months out and a test that is three months out.

8-Week Intensive Study Plan

You can download this template here.

4-Week Intensive Study Plan

You can download this template here.

How to study for the SAT

Preparing for the SAT is one of the ways a student can increase their chances of success. With so much information out there it can be hard to know which resources are the most reliable. There are many ways you can prepare for the exam and make it fit into your schedule. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when creating your study plan.

Choose a test date

SAT test dates are put out months in advance. You can find these test dates on College Board. By selecting a test date you are giving yourself a deadline to be prepared by. You should be choosing a date that fits into your schedule and will give you enough time to really study and prepare. Selecting a test date one month out won’t be very beneficial. A test date that is about two months away will give you more than enough time to study and prepare.

In addition, you should be selecting a test date that will give you enough time to have your scores submitted to the schools. If the deadline for a school application is December 1st and the SAT isn’t until November 28th, that is not going to give you enough time before the deadline.

Get a baseline score

Before ever taking the actual SAT, you want to practice and see what your baseline score is without any preparation. This will give you a good idea of what your biggest strengths and weaknesses are and how much preparation you actually need to perform well on this test. There are free practice tests available on College Board and other sites like Khan Academy. These resources are always available to students. They provide both online and printable versions of the test as well as tests that will mimic the actual day of the SAT. We recommend taking these without any studying.

After receiving your score you should be reviewing your score report to see where your areas of opportunity are. For example, if you scored a 750 on Math but a 500 on EBRW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing), it would be a fair assumption that you need to improve on your EBRW more than math and spend more time focused on that section.

Find SAT resources

There are literally hundreds of SAT study materials available. Depending on the kind of study experience you want to have will determine the resources you use. For example, some students choose to have a private SAT tutor. These can be quite expensive though and not necessarily accessible to everyone. Kaplan Academy charges almost $2000 for their SAT tutoring package. Thanks to the internet though there are free resources students can use to prepare.

The Princeton Review and Khan Academy are two excellent resources students can use to prepare for the SAT. They are free and accessible to anyone with internet access. In addition, some high schools provide SAT prep as a class. Be sure to check with your guidance counselor to determine if this is offered at your school.

Once you’ve decided on the study materials you’re going to use, you can then skim through the lessons they provide and start mapping out when you want to focus on certain sections. You won’t have to waste time scouring the internet or the library for study materials because they’re already at your fingertips.

Tackle the SAT material

Now that you have a test date in mind, know your baseline score, and have your study resources you can start preparing. It might seem overwhelming at first. Now is the time to slow down and map out your studying.

Let’s go back to our previous example. If you did not score well on the EBRW you will want to spend more time on this subject than math. If you spend a total of 5 hours a week studying you might spend 3.5 hours on EBRW and the remaining 1.5 brushing up on your math skills. Breaking it into hours and weeks can help you stay on track.

It is unlikely you will take the SAT one time and be satisfied with your score. You will have to retest maybe one or two times more to get the desirable results. Each time you take the test you should look back at your previous score and adjust your studying accordingly.

No matter when your SAT is or where you are in the study process, preparing for the test is absolutely pivotal.

What is an SAT study schedule and why do you need one?

Although many colleges are adopting test-optional admission policies, submitting impressive SAT scores can increase your chances of being admitted to competitive schools. This is why it is important to have a study plan for the SATs and to review SAT tips. In order to maximize your time and effort, use this article to come up with an SAT prep plan that is well-suited for you and your individual scheduling and academic needs.

How to build a successful SAT study plan: A 6-step guide

Are you wondering how to study for the SAT in a month? Or perhaps you’ve given yourself a bit more time to prepare and are searching for the best SAT study plan for 3 months. Regardless of your timeline, in this article we will review effective study habits and strategies for the SATs. We will also list valuable resources — such as an SAT study plan PDF as well as where to source your practice exams — to help you prepare.

Determine your baseline score

Before you begin studying for the SATs, or start thinking about PSAT study plans, it’s important to determine your baseline score by taking a diagnostic test. This will be key in helping you choose an effective SAT study plan to meet your goals and ultimately, your target score this college application season.

Take an official SAT practice test to determine your baseline score. Do your best to replicate the official SAT testing conditions. Take the practice exam in a quiet room, time yourself for each section, and use an SAT-approved calculator for the math questions.

If you are wondering whether you can study for the SAT in a

month, knowing your baseline SAT score is key in determining whether or not this is indeed a feasible timeline and SAT study plan for you.

Determine your target score

Research the average SAT test scores of admitted students on your college list. To be considered a competitive applicant, your SAT scores should fall between the 25th and 75th percentile.

Make a list of the colleges you are applying to and their respective 25th and 75th percentile test scores. Determine which school has the highest 75th percentile; this should be your SAT target score. Find the difference between your baseline and target scores. This point margin will be key in calculating how many hours you should study to meet your target scores.

Now that you know your point differential, you are that much closer to comparing and contrasting study plans and timelines. Are your study needs well-suited to an SAT study plan for 1 month? Read on to find out!

Schedule your exam

Plan ahead and schedule your SAT exam early, taking into account any potential scheduling conflicts when you review the SAT test date options. Make sure to give yourself enough time to study and to retake your SATs before college application deadlines.

If you are a senior planning to take the SATs, it is especially important to determine whether your scores will be available before your college deadlines. Otherwise, you may risk having your application disqualified. Generally, unless you are applying Early Action or Early Decision, any SAT test in the fall should give you enough time.

It’s also important to ensure that you have reliable transportation for the day of the test.

Determine your timeline

Find the difference between your baseline and target SAT scores. The number of points you aim to improve by will help determine how many hours you need to study before taking the SATs. Refer to the list below to help you get a better sense of how many hours you should be studying to reach your target score.

Depending on your schedule and learning style, consider pursuing an 8-week intensive SAT study plan or a 4-week intensive SAT study plan.

Choose an SAT study plan

Remember, it’s important to pace yourself when studying for the SATs. Aim to study for 45 to 90 minutes at a time. Realistically, how many hours can you afford to study per week? Make sure you give yourself enough time to reach your study goals.

For example, if you need to improve your score by 75 points, you will need to study for 40 hours. This means that if you are looking for a one-month SAT study plan, you will need to set aside an amount of time of 10 hours per week to study. Maybe this feels manageable, or maybe this doesn’t. Perhaps a 2-month SAT study plan, where you allot 5 hours per week to studying, is more realistic. Alternatively, if you give yourself 3 months to study for the SAT, you will only need to study for 2.5 hours per week.

There is no right or wrong timeline. Find what works best for you. Remember, despite your best intentions, being a high school student is often demanding, especially if you are involved in extracurricular activities. Keep this in mind as you devise your ideal SAT study plan.

Gather study materials

When studying for the SAT make sure to use official SAT study materials. You can find official practice exams on the College Board website. The College Board also partners with the Khan Academy; you can utilize these study materials for free. You may also choose to buy an SAT prep book, enroll in an SAT prep course (that meets either in-person or virtually), or hire an SAT tutor or college counselor.

Remember, if you choose to gather your study materials from outside sources, the practice questions may not accurately reflect the true nature of the test. Be aware of this as you gather your study materials. A large component of studying for the SAT is familiarizing yourself with the test format. If you use outside study materials, likely you will not feel as prepared upon taking your exam.

3 example SAT prep schedules to choose from

6-month study plan

If you need to improve your SAT scores by 200+ points, the 6-month SAT study plan is most suited to your needs. Generally, this is what a 6-month study plan would look like.

Month 1: Take a full-length practice test and determine your baseline score. Research college admissions statistics and identify your target score. Determine the differential. Analyze your practice exam to make a list of strengths and weaknesses. Sign up for the SAT question of the day. Determine what study materials will be most beneficial.

Month 2: Focus on your weaknesses while maintaining your strengths. Allot 45 to 90 minutes per study session. Make flashcards to help you study, with a special focus on mathematical formulas. Take practice quizzes, watch test prep videos, and consider enrolling in an SAT prep course or hiring a college counselor or SAT tutor.

Months 3-4: Take another full-length practice test to see if your score has improved. Use this score to help adjust your study schedule, methods, and habits. Reevaluate your testing strengths and weaknesses. Are they the same or have they shifted? Focus on your weaknesses while maintaining your strengths.

Months 5-6: Take another full-length practice exam. Readjust your study focus if necessary. Continue taking practice quizzes, using flashcards, referring to your SAT test prep books, watching test prep videos, and completing the SAT question of the day. Consider taking another, short-term SAT prep course.

3-month study plan

If you need to improve your SAT scores by 130 to 200 points, the 3-month SAT study plan is most suited to your needs. Generally, this is what a 3-month study plan would look like.

Week 1: Take an official SAT practice test and determine your baseline score. Research college admissions statistics and identify your SAT goals and goal score. Determine the differential.

Weeks 2-3: Analyze your practice exam to make a list of strengths and weaknesses. Sign up for the SAT question of the day. Consider enrolling in an SAT course or hiring a college counselor or SAT tutor as you prepare for the actual SATs.

Weeks 4-7: Focus on your weaknesses while maintaining your strengths. Allot 45 to 90 minutes per study session. Make flashcards to help you study, with a special focus on mathematical formulas. Write a practice SAT essay.

Weeks 8-11: Take another full-length practice test. Analyze the progress you’ve made. Identify key strengths and weaknesses. Continue taking practice quizzes, answering practice test questions, watching test prep videos, and referring to your SAT prep book.

Week 12: Review key concepts. Allow yourself to have 1-3 days off from studying for the exam before the real SAT so that you do not cram before your test day. Go to bed early on the night of your exam and have a good breakfast.

1-month study plan

If you need to improve your SAT scores by 30 to 70 points, the 1 month SAT study plan is most suited to your needs. Generally, this is what a 1-month study plan would look like.

Week 1: Take a full-length practice test and determine your baseline score. Research college admissions statistics and identify your target score. Identify your standardized test strengths and weaknesses.

Week 2: Take another full-length practice test. Identify whether your strengths and weaknesses match your findings from last week. Focus on your weaknesses while maintaining your strengths. Allot 45 to 90 minutes per study session.

Week 3: Take another official SAT practice test. Analyze your score and answers. Focus on your weaknesses while maintaining your strengths. Allot 45 to 90 minutes per study session. Review foundational concepts.

Week 4: Take a final practice exam. Review your exam. Review key concepts. Allow yourself to have 1-3 days off from studying for the exam so that you do not cram before your test day.

Choosing the right SAT practice schedule for yourself

There are lots of factors to consider when choosing the right SAT schedule and plan for you. Review the tips below to help your plan ahead for this college application season.

Plan ahead

Take a practice exam and identify your goals and target score early. There are lots of SAT study plans and schedules to consider. To determine the best fit, consider how many hours you will need to study and realistically how many hours you can study per week.

Gather the best resources for you

There are lots of SAT study resources to choose from. Find what works best for you! Take free SAT practice tests and sign up for the SAT question of the day through the College Board website. Visit the Khan Academy’s website as well for other free resources. Buy yourself an SAT prep book, such as the Official SAT Study Guide. Consider signing up for an SAT prep course or SAT tutoring, especially if you are struggling with a particular section such as the math section or the reading and writing section. Depending on your application goals, you may even consider hiring a college counselor.

Commit to a regular study schedule

High school is a busy time with lots of demands on your schedule. To balance everything and manage your time wisely, commit to a regular study schedule. This will help keep you on track, as well as help you avoid procrastination and last-minute studying.

It’s okay if you need to adapt your study routine on occasion as other responsibilities arise. Your ideal SAT study plan should be adaptable and fit into your other schedules and routines. By having a consistent, baseline schedule, you are most likely to maximize your time and efforts. Consider using our 4-week intensive study plan or our 8-week intensive study plan as a helpful baseline as you design your own personalized schedule. Print out each SAT study plan pdf to help you brainstorm and get organized. Remember to allot extra time to focus on the sections you find more difficult, such as the reading section or the math section.

Key takeaways on SAT plans

Taking the SATs can feel stressful and overwhelming. With the right study schedule, however, you can work hard to meet your goals! Remember, students who are familiar with the SAT testing format are more likely to succeed and increase their scores.

Most students plan to take the SATs at least twice. According to a study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, on average, students’ SAT test scores improved by approximately 60 points during their second test. This is why it is so important to study for the SATs and set yourself up for success this college application season.

FAQs

Still have questions? Read on for some frequently asked questions and answers about the SAT test. You may also decide to conduct more research on ACT prep if you decide to take both standardized tests.

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