Take Realistic Practice Tests

One effective way to improve your SAT score would be to practice as many SAT type questions as possible. As the exam approaches try to take at least a few mock SAT exams, and to try to simulate the actual testing environment as closely as possible (meaning no breaks, snacks, music, phone calls, etc.).

You should secure a copy of the Official SAT Study Guide, as it contains actual test questions from previous exams. The practice material and tests will most closely simulate the types of questions you will see when you sit for the exam.

Tips: Before The Test

* Learn the eight types of questions and the test directions for all the question types ahead of time. The test directions for the eight types of questions are always the same. Know them ahead of time and you will not need to spend time reading them during the test. You can use the time you save answering the questions.

* Take as many practice tests as possible either from the Official SAT Study Guide or from one of the other SAT study guides.

* Become familiar with the answer sheet and how to enter the information required.

* Make sure you know how to get to the test center and any special instructions for finding the entrance on Saturday or Sunday.

* Leave extra time in case of delays while you are travelling to the test center.

* Make sure you have everything you need for the test ready the night before. Use the following checklist.

+ Your Admission ticket
+ Appropriate Photo ID
+ Several #2 pencils and erasers
+ Approved calculator with fresh batteries
+ A watch

* Get a good night's sleep before the test.

Tips: During The Test

* Mark only one answer to each question.

* Take care when filling in the answer grid for the student-produced response questions (grid-ins).

* Avoid stray marks on the answer sheet. A machine scores your test and can't distinguish between a correct answer and a careless doodle.

* Don't change an answer unless you are certain you've made an error.

* Answer easy questions first. (Within each set, easy questions usually precede hard ones.) Mark skipped questions in your exam book so you can quickly return to them later.

* Make educated guesses if you can. Try to rule out as many choices as you can so that you have a better chance of guessing the right answer. If you can eliminate even one choice, then it is worthwhile make an educated guess.

* Skip the question if you are not able to rule out any choice. This will avoid the penalty of losing ¼ point if you get the answer wrong.

* You can write in the test book - cross out wrong answers; do the scratch work there, but never on your answer sheet.

* Check that you are marking your answer in the correct section and number on the answer sheet.

* SAT consists of a series of separately timed tests. Keep track of the time you're allotted for each section and how much time remains.

* Don't spend too much time on any one question. You should spend only seconds on the easiest questions, and should not take more than 1-2 minutes on even the hardest ones.

* Read the words in the question carefully. Be sure to answer the question asked and not the question you recall from a practice test.

* There are some rules about how you can and can't allocate your test time:

+ You are not allowed to jump back and forth between sections.
+ You are not allowed to return to earlier sections to change answers.
+ You are not allowed to spend more than the allotted time on any section.
+ You can move around within a section.
+ You can flip through your section at the beginning to see what type of questions you have.