Education for a Lifetime

The SATs are not just any test; they are a test that colleges use to determine if they want to admit you to their school or not. The score that you get on your SAT, unlike many other tests that you take, actually has a real-world impact on the direction that your life will go after you graduate from high school, which is why you want to make sure you are as prepared as possible for this big test.

#1: Completely Read Each Question

When you take the SAT, do not rush through the test. You need to fully read each question, as the question contains clues that will lead you to the right answer. This is especially true in the reading comprehension section, and when tackling math and science word problems on the test.

Be sure to pay attention to the connotation of the question, if it is positive or negative, then pay special attention to contrast words and adjectives that can help you better understand what the question is answering. Read and understand the question before moving onto the answers.

#2: Come Up with the Answer First

After you read a question, try to come up with the answer in your mind before you look at the answers. Once you have the answer in your mind, look at the answers to see if that answer is there.

#3: Use the Process of Elimination to Find the Answer

If you find yourself in a situation where you are not sure of the right answer, look closely at each of the four answers. Keep in mind that the SAT is not designed to trick you; there is only one correct answer for each question. Use what you know to eliminate the choices that you know are not the right ones. Eliminating the wrong answers can lead you to the correct answer.

#4: Never Skip the Introduction

When you get to the reading comprehension portion of the SAT, there will be a little introductory passage in italics. Do not skip over this information. Read the information in italics before reading the passage. Skipping over this information can cause you to miss out on important information that can inform your understanding and reading of the passage and will help you answer the questions correctly.

#5: Use the Workbook

Use the SAT workbook and any paper that you are given. Draw a line through any answers you know are wrong in the workbook to figure out the right answer. Underline or put boxes around important information contained in questions. When you do math problems, write out the steps. Don't be afraid to put your pencil to paper and write on the workbook and use your free paper to help you come up with solutions to the questions in front of you.

Use the five tricks above to help you pass your SATs. You should also take practice tests and enroll in study classes so that you are as prepared as possible on your test date. Learn more about SAT prep materials by contacting services like High Performance Tutoring.