how to do well on the sat essay

Writing an SAT essay consists of four major stages :

• Reading : 5-10 minutes
• Analyzing & Planning : 7-12 minutes
• Writing : 25-35 minutes
• Revising : 2-3 minutes

There’s a wide time range for a few of these stages, since people work at different rates. Some people, for instance, will be a lot faster at reading than they are at planning, while it might be the other way around for others. You'll need to find the timing combination that works best for you through a little bit of trial and error.

Writing takes the large bulk of the 50 minutes, but reading and analyzing and planning are equally important parts of the SAT essay writing process.

Stage 1: Read the Passage (5-10 minutes)

There are a couple of different ways to read through the passage on the SAT essay, each with their own advantages. No matter which strategy you use, though, make sure to keep an eye on the time so you don’t run out of time for analyzing and writing!

If you can just read straight through the passage without getting too hung up on details, go for it. This strategy works well for students who are naturally fast readers and don't have trouble getting distracted under time pressure.

If you’re a slow reader, get anxious about reading in timed situations, or find that the subject matter of the article is confusing, you might want to try skimming the article. You can use similar strategies to those you might use on SAT reading passages .

In either case, you'll want to make sure you get a good idea of the way the passage is laid out before you do a detailed pass through it. Why?

You'll probably end up reading through parts of the passage multiple times to make sure you fully understand it. Giving the passage a quick read-through before you do any detailed analysis can help cement which parts you'll want to come back to and which parts aren't as important.

When you go back do a more detailed reading of the article, sure to keep an eye out for argument-building techniques and to try to remain objective . You may want to circle or underline examples of these techniques as you read, which leads right into the next stage of SAT essay writing.

Stage 2: Analyze and Plan (7-12 minutes)

Many students resist planning on the SAT Essay because it already feels like there's not enough time to read and write, let alone take away some of that precious time for planning. But take it from us: you're better off with a plan. This is because the SAT essay graders look for a clear structure : introduction, conclusion, and specific evidence in between. It's almost impossible to create this kind of structure and still write quickly without a plan

You can write all over the passage as you analyze it – circle or underline key points , scribble in the margins, etc. This way, when you go back to quote the author in your essay, you’re not searching the text for the quote or supporting detail.

One way to mark up your passage is by numbering your examples and then circling and numbering any evidence from the passage you’ll be referring to in each paragraph. Another option is to write a brief description of the details from the passage in your planning and outlining, along with the location of the details. Taking this time during the analyzing and planning stage will end up saving you time in the long run.

I personally find it helpful to take notes as I read the passage and then organize them into an essay outline . Below are the TOTALLY LEGIBLE notes I took as I was analyzing the passage for the essay prompt:

As I was reading the passage, I scribbled down key details and the way I’d use them to support my thesis in the essay. For instance, I wrote, “ last paragraph – We need…we need (x4) -> overall use of “we” drawing reader into his POV ” in my notes. This describes what I want to talk about (the author's use of the word "We" and "We need"), what it means (it draws the reader into agreeing with his point of view), and where this is illustrated in the passage (last full paragraph).

I then organized these notes into some semblance of an outline I could use to plan the organization of my essay.

Here's a (rough) transcription of my outline:

Intro Facts/evidence -first paragraph stats and facts - to show issue is real, lend credibility -by not explaining has a couple of effects ->forces reader to draw own conclusions/think about which draws them into the argument ->alt makes reader look to author in rest o/article (b/c had facts at first + so can be trusted) Reasoning -acknowledges counterargument -so very easily could’ve gone on a rant abt twitter which would’ve undercut argument, disconnected from reader -instead, provides examples of when social media has been helpful (Arab Spring) -counterargument is more powerful as a result - take his “unease” more seriously Diction/style -“We” draws reader in, makes author sympathetic (not lecturing) -contrasts b/t ideal + real, b/t prof + amateur engage reader in the comparison, force to admit author is right -language elsewhere reinforces the idea that prof journalism under siege, words like “assailing” and “eroding” Conclusion

You can see that in the section labeled “Diction,” the first point is "We" draws reader in, makes author sympathetic (not lecturing)" .

You can combine these two steps if you’re comfortable enough doing it; I just find that separating them takes the pressure off to make sure that I take notes in an organized fashion.

Stage 3: Write Until 2-3 Minutes Are Left (25-35 minutes)

Once you have your analysis and planning done, it’s time to write like the wind. If you’ve taken notes and planned effectively, you should be able to jump right in and not have to go back and forth too much between the text and your essay.

Body Paragraphs

For most people, writing body paragraphs is easier than writing introductions. If this is the case, start with the body paragraphs, and just leave 10 lines or so at the top of the page to add the introduction later. One example should take up 1-2 paragraphs.

Let's use a methodical structure to try out a body paragraph about how the author uses a counterargument to add support to his own claim. The sample paragraphs below are all taken from an essay that I handwrote (and planned) in the 50-minute time limit.

Sample Body Paragraph

Start with a transition:

In addition to employing facts to his argument’s advantage, Goodman also cunningly discusses the counterargument to his position.

Then (briefly) introduce your topic:

By writing about how social media and man-on-the-ground reporting has assisted the state of foreign news reporting, Goodman heads off naysayers at the pass.

Explain the example’s context and relationship to your thesis:

It would have been very easy for Goodman to ignore the whole issue of citizen reporting, but the resultant one-sided argument would have been much less convincing. Instead, Goodman acknowledges things like “the force of social media during the Arab Spring, as activists convened and reacted to changing circumstances.” As a result, when he partially refutes this counterargument, stating the “unease” many longtime profession correspondents feel over the trend of ‘citizen journalism’ feel, the reader agrees.

Clearly state, in one sentence, how it is proof of your thesis:

Knowing that Goodman takes the power of social media seriously will make the reader more inclined, in turn, to take Goodman’s concern about the limits of social media seriously.

When you put all these pieces together, it’s a winning body paragraph. We start with a smooth transition from the introduction (or previous body paragraph), give enough background to understand why the example is relevant, and then connect it back to the thesis for the knockout punch.

Try to read through this again so the structure really makes sense to you.

Notice how this is formulaic – every one of your body paragraphs can be written in this structure , and you’ll get an excellent score! Having a structure like this will make many students less anxious about the new SAT essay.

You’d then go through the above process with the other 1-2 examples. In some cases, one very good example of the way the author builds his/her argument can be enough, if you can write 2-3 relevant paragraphs about it without repeating yourself. But having two examples is usually safer, because it gives you a better chance to show how well you've understood the passage.

Introduction and Conclusion

After finishing your body paragraphs, don't forget your introduction and conclusion paragraphs . Both should briefly mention the author’s argument and the examples you're using to support your thesis, but everything else is up to you. Some students write about the concept in general, and others just try to restate the thesis in different ways. Even a couple of sentences is better than nothing—try to scribble something in even if you're running out of time.

Sample Introduction Paragraph

In the article “Foreign News at a Crisis Point,” Peter S. Goodman eloquently argues the point that news organizations should increase the amount of professional foreign news coverage provided to people in the United States. Goodman builds his argument by using facts and evidence, addressing the counterarguments, and couching it all in persuasive and compelling language.

Stage 4: Revise (2-3 Minutes)

Much like planning on the SAT essay, revision seems unnecessary to most students. But trust us, it will help your score. There are two reasons for this:

• Revising helps you change up your vocabulary and fix mistakes and/or illegible words
• If you know you’ll revise, you can write much faster because you don’t have to worry about making it perfect

On the SAT essay, you can cross out words that you don’t want the grader to read. You don’t need to waste time erasing them, unless you want to replace them with something else.

So what do you do when you revise? Well, let’s take the body paragraph we wrote earlier and revise it. New text is bolded .

In addition to employing facts to his argument’s advantage, Goodman also cunningly discusses the counterargument to his position. By writing about how social media and man-on-the-ground reporting has assisted had some positive impact on the state of foreign news reporting, Goodman heads off naysayers at the pass. It would have been very easy for Goodman to ignore elide over the whole issue of citizen reporting, but the resultant one-sided argument would have been much less convincing. Instead, Goodman acknowledges things like “the force of social media during the Arab Spring, as activists convened and reacted to changing circumstances.” As a result, when he partially refutes this counterargument, stating his the “unease” many for longtime profession correspondents feel over the trend of ‘citizen journalism’ feel, the reader agrees. is much more likely to believe him. After all, Goodman acknowledges that social media does have some power. Knowing that Goodman takes the power of social media seriously will make the reader more inclined, in turn, to take Goodman’s concern about the limits of social media seriously.

At this point, you’ll have a complete winning essay.

Want to see what this essay looks like put all together? Read our article on how to get a perfect 8 on the SAT essay .

Our goal here was to show you how formulaic the SAT essay can be. By making the essay more predictable, you’ll go into every test with a game plan in mind , making the essay much easier (and less scary!).

"Guys guys guys! I figured out a plan for the SAT essay!"

Where to Go From Here

Now you know how to write an SAT essay. To put this information to good use, you need to practice with real SAT essay prompts . We’ve written the most comprehensive guide to SAT essay topics and prompts here .

Aiming for a perfect SAT essay score? Read our guides to get strategies on how to get an 8/8/8 on your SAT essay .

And if you haven’t read our 15 SAT essay tips article yet, do so now!

Laura graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a BA in Music and Psychology, and earned a Master's degree in Composition from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and GRE and loves advising students on how to excel in high school.

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Thinking about tackling the SAT Essay? Here's what you need to know: you'll be asked to read a text (typically a speech or editorial of some sort) and discuss how the author effectively builds an argument. This might be a familiar task if you’ve done it in school, but if not, don’t worry. The format is straightforward, and with some practice, you can learn how to write a great SAT essay.

What is the SAT essay?

The SAT essay is optional and costs an additional fee of $17.00. Currently, only 25 colleges and universities require the SAT essay. You can find a searchable list of school requirements for the essay here . If there is any chance that you might apply to one of those schools, you should sign up for the essay. If you are not sure where you will apply, you should strongly consider signing up for the essay. Your essay score will appear on every score report you send to colleges, regardless of whether or not the school requires an essay. 

Here are 5 tips for writing a killer SAT essay, should you decide to add on that section:

1. Stay Objective

The thing to remember here is that ETS (the company that writes the test) is not asking you for your opinion on a topic or a text. So be sure to maintain formal style and an objective tone. Tip: Avoid “I” and “you.

2. Keep It Tidy

Handwriting is becoming a lost art. Unfortunately, this is one occasion where your skill with a pencil matters. Graders read tons of essays each day. If they cannot decipher your script, they will lower your score. Do yourself a favor and write legibly.

3. (Indented) Paragraphs Are Your Friend

Remember the basic essay structure you learned in school: introductory paragraph, body paragraphs and a conclusion? The SAT essay graders love it! Your introduction should describe the text and paraphrase the argument being made, as well as introduce the specific elements of the passage and argument that you will discuss in the essay. Your conclusion should restate the goal of the passage/argument and sum up the points you made.

Read More: SAT Tips and Strategies

4. For Example…

Use your body paragraphs to back up your thesis statement by citing specific examples. Use short, relevant quotes from the text to support your points.

5. Don't Worry About the Exact Terms for Things

Blanking on terminology? When describing how the author builds his or her argument, “appeal to the emotions” is fine instead of specifically referencing “pathos.” And “comparison of two things” can be used instead of referring to a metaphor. If you do know the official terms, though, feel free to use them!

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How to Write an SAT Essay

A winning SAT essay requires a range of specific skills for the top result. In this article from the cheap essay writing service EssayPro, we will discuss how to write SAT essay and get that SAT essay score for college admission. This includes the definition, preparation steps, time-management, SAT essay outline, tips, and examples.

What Is an SAT Essay?

So what is the SAT essay writing task in general terms? SAT writing is very much similar to your regular college paper. In fact, it’s not what you’re asked to write about. It’s how you’re graded on it that makes it stand out from the rest of the academic writing tasks you are surely familiar with.

Many people question: what schools require this type of assignment? The colleges that require the SAT essay are institutions like Stanford, Stanford, Yale, and many more. Considering most colleges with high reputations require this entrance exam, it is essential to learn how to write a great SAT essay if you want to enter college.

Before You Start Writing an SAT Essay...

While studying for the entrance exam, consider the question: ‘how long it takes to write an SAT essay?’. Time management is an essential part of the test and something to consider while writing the examination. Usually, writing time is made up of four examination stages:

There are different variations of these stages. Some people are faster with reading than they are creating an outline, and some are very quick writers. But regardless of how long it takes, the general approach to essay writing is the same.

Throughout the first stage, you familiarize yourself with the tasks you're going to deal with. 5 minutes is more than enough. But don’t rush through it. Missing some key details during this first stage can lead to failing the entire task before you even get to writing.

After you’ve got all the info you need - you can start planning. A plan of action will help you stay on track throughout the writing process. You can even draw up a schematic to reference as you go.

Writing will take up the majority of your time. Consult your outline and start filling it out step by step. Do not get bogged down. If you can’t get through some section of your outline - move on to the next one and return later.

Proofreading is one of the most important parts of essay writing. You should always try your best to leave as much time as possible for post-editing. The task is finished; now you have to relax and look through your text a couple more times to weed out any mistakes.

Whichever way your mind thinks, SAT essay practice is always the right way to go, so you’re able to find the most reliable timing combination that works for you within the set duration of the exam.

It is important to consider that the writing segment takes up a large portion of the 50 minutes. The reading and creating outline segments play a vital role in the completion of the SAT essay.

Our argumentative essay writers are ready to help you any time. Order essay or leave us a message ' Do my math homework '.

Things Your SAT Essay Needs

Now, let’s talk about how to write SAT essay tasks in a little more detail. To write a winning SAT essay outline , it is important to know what to include in it. Any paper regarding this examination should include these elements:

Introduction:

• First impressions count;
• Remember to avoid argumentative language;
• Discuss, briefly, the analysis methods that the author has used;
• Address the author’s points;
• Examiners want to see an understanding of the source, a quote might be in order;

Feeling Overwhelmed Writing an Essay on Your Own?

We only need your paper requirements to create a plagiarism-free paper prompt.

• Use examples that support your claims;
• Quote the passage where the writer has used vivid language;
• A short quote will suffice, no need to cite entire paragraphs;
• Follow your evidence up with supporting claims;
• Talk about what makes your arguments strong;
• Explain why the examples are compelling to the reader;

Conclusion:

• Restate the thesis;
• Briefly talk about how your examples support it;
• Be aware that this is not a place to write more in-depth text or more examples;
• End with a conclusive sentence;

This outline should give you a pretty good idea of how to SAT when it comes to essay writing tasks.

SAT Essay Outline

In recent years, a new SAT essay format has been created. Take a look at how applicants tackle this assignment in 2022.

Introduction

• This introduction paragraph is 2-5 sentences;
• Write about the purpose of the source material;
• Write a few lines describing the techniques used in the rest of the paper.
• Usually, the body is made up of 2-3 paragraphs;
• Each paragraph is around six sentences;
• Your first sentence is a transition from the previous paragraph.
• Paraphrase the thesis;
• Mention the arguments discussed in the assignment;
• End with a conclusive sentence.

Get more info about: HOW TO WRITE AN INTRODUCTION

Tips on How to Write an SAT Essay

For a high SAT essay score, consider these SAT essay tips below to get a good feel of how to create a great exam paper. They’ll give you a solid understanding of how to SAT in order to get a decent score.

How to Get a Good Score on SAT

• SAT Essay Prompts Are Essential. Analyze the provided promptly. It can give you hints about the writer’s intent.
• Introductions Are Essential. Ease your reader into the topic. Focus their attention and remember - it sets the stage for the rest of your essay.
• Use Your Vocabulary & Effective Language. Only use formal language. Don’t repeat points, and watch your grammar. Avoid using simple words, slang, and writing in the first person.
• Avoid Going Off-Topic. Keep your essay precise in regards to the source. It is essential to show the examiner that you have read and understood it.
• Practice Makes Perfect. Looking at SAT essay examples will help you understand how the essay should be written. Practice writing your paper using an SAT essay sample as a reference.

What Is an Average SAT Essay Score?

An average SAT essay score is 5\4\5 (for reading\analysis\writing). But you don’t really want to aim for an average SAT essay score. You need to land above that if you want your application to benefit from it.

You have to consider several factors if you want to get a good SAT essay score. Here they are:

You have to demonstrate your proficiency in all three in order to get a perfect score. First, you have to show that you have a thorough understanding of the subject matter of your essay. There is no place for even the slightest missteps. You want to show that you have knowledge of the facts and can interpret them well.

Analysis has to do with the personal conclusions you draw in your essay. You have to show that your writing is not just a stream of consciousness. Your thesis should be well-thought-out and supported by relevant and strong evidence.

Finally, the writing aspect is about presentation. Here you need to show that you have a strong command of language. It’s not only about grammar. Even the particular choice of words matters. How well you form your thoughts will determine your writing score. You should also watch your writing style. For a serious academic paper like this one, it should always be formal. No matter the subject.

So what is a good SAT essay score? It’s the result of your careful consideration of source material, your argument, and your form.

Is SAT Now Optional?

SAT is indeed optional. Very few colleges still practice this approach to applicant screening. But you can still take this test if you’d like to showcase your formidable writing skills. Will it help you when applying to top universities? For example, does Harvard require SAT essay submissions? Ivy League institutions like Harvard have also opted to take SAT test score submission during the application process optional. If you want to get an edge in a competitive environment like this, you have to research modern methods of applicant assessment. Like writing a personal statement.

Should I Take SAT?

Well, that depends on your goals. For example, if you are going for a major that has to do with analytical writing - an SAT test with an essay is a great way to show your skills and talent. But you shouldn’t obsess over it if you’re not entirely sure you’d be able to get a good score. There are alternative ways to show your writing off.

SAT Essay Examples

Check out these SAT essay examples to get a further grasp of how to write an outstanding paper. Feel free to use them as a reference.

Paul Bogard’s “Let There Be Dark” illustrates a large variety of rhetorical writing methods to create a key message. The message being: before the almost infinite list of benefits of the night’s natural darkness is completely lost, people should make more effort to decrease light pollution.

Dr. John’s “The Classics” argues that the enthusiasm of modern children of English literature in the classroom is at the lowest it could possibly be. He argues that there can be some extreme consequences for the survival of classic texts. The claim, itself, mentions classroom surveys that have taken place in high schools across the country.

Don’t Know How to Start?

Have you read the whole article and found yourself in a situation where you type " write my essay online "? Start from structuring your ideas. Writing an outline and a pinch of professional writing help can put you onto the right path to writing your SAT essay paper.

You can also look for SAT essay prompts if you want to practice a bit before the actual exam.

SAT Topics: Best Ideas

The best ideas for an SAT practice essay come in the form of prompts. You are unlikely to find the same exact prompt you have been practicing with on your SAT exam. But it will give you enough experience to feel confident in your writing abilities.

• Write an essay in which you explain how Volodymyr Zelensky builds an argument to persuade his audience that the democratic countries must unite to help the Ukrainian cause.
• How does the availability of information influence our perception of global issues?
• Analyze and evaluate societal constructs and stereotypes in regard to different age groups
• Analyze and evaluate the importance of factors of competition and cooperation in relation to humanity’s technological progress.
• Consider and analyze potential issues of creating a new society in isolation from the rest of humanity. For example, a colony on a faraway planet.

The SAT test is slowly going out of fashion. The pandemic has only reinforced this trend. Despite that, it still remains a pretty comprehensive way to gauge one’s abilities. So, while it’s not mandatory to take the SAT test anymore, you can certainly take it anyway if you think it will help you showcase the skills relevant to your education.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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How to Do Well on the SAT

Last Updated: May 16, 2022 Approved

This article was co-authored by Arash Fayz . Arash Fayz is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of LA Tutors 123, an academic consulting and private tutoring company based in Los Angeles, California. Arash has over 10 years of educational consulting experience, managing the tutoring of students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to score higher on standardized tests and gain admission to their target schools. He has a BA in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 342,409 times.

Doing well on the SAT is an important step toward getting into a good college. And there are so many easy ways to maximize your potential, like by focusing on the subject areas you struggle with during test preparations. Then give yourself the best possible start on test day by being well rested and fed. Finally, use test-taking strategies to help you manage your time wisely and move through the test in a way that plays to your strengths.

But if your test scores aren’t what you’d like them to be, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams.

Prepping for the Test

• Rather than trying to learn every vocabulary word in the book, focus on learning prefixes and suffixes. These will help you understand more vocab words later on.
• If you struggle with the essay portion, set a timer and practice trying to write an outline in under five minutes.

• Study groups may be helpful for those in test-prep courses as well.

• This will save you time on test day and could buy you an extra couple of minutes for answering questions.

• Additional practice tests can be found online, though you may need to pay for them.
• If you don’t trust yourself to focus for the full amount of time, ask one of your parents to act as the test moderator and sit in the room quietly while you work.

Using Test-Taking Strategies

• Be very careful about marking the appropriate spot on the answer sheet if you’re not going in order. Glance between the question number and the answer number before marking anything to make sure it matches.

• If you’re waffling between two possible answers, defer to the one that was your gut reaction when you first read the question. Your instincts are often right, so employ them if you’re going to guess anyway. [7] X Research source

• They also provide scrap paper, so use this to work out any math problems. Write the question number beside the work in case you want to come back to it later.

• Make your two body paragraphs more well-developed by backing up your claims with several examples from the text.
• Aim for a length of about 2 to 2.5 pages total, but don't fill the pages with overly long quotations from the passage or large handwriting. Test graders will see through this.

Preparing Physically

• If you're having trouble falling asleep the night before the test, direct your mind away from racing thoughts. Picture something relaxing, like lying in a hammock, then gradually fill in the rest of the imagery and details. [14] X Research source
• Try reading a good book (not a test-prep book) for 30 minutes to calm yourself down enough to fall asleep.

• There are a couple of short breaks during the test. Take a granola bar or bag of almonds with you to snack on during these breaks to help keep yourself focused. [15] X Research source

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• ↑ https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/improving-sat-scores/
• ↑ https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/the-college-solution/2011/01/18/7-ways-to-improve-sat-and-act-scores
• ↑ http://www.educationcorner.com/sat-test-taking-tips.html
• ↑ https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-subject-tests/taking-the-test/test-day
• ↑ https://www.thoughtco.com/break-these-rules-to-improve-sat-scores-3211466
• ↑ Jennifer Kaifesh. Test Prep Tutor. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
• ↑ https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-subject-tests/taking-the-test/test-taking-tips
• ↑ Arash Fayz. SAT Prep Tutor. Expert Interview. 1 November 2019.
• ↑ http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/sleepless.html?ref=search&WT.ac=msh-t-dtop-en-search-clk

About this article

Doing well on the SAT can be tough, but you can ace it if you take time to prepare well. If you’ve taken the test before, review your previous scores to figure out your strengths and weaknesses. As you study, focus on the areas where you struggle the most. For instance, if you did well overall but got a low score on the writing and language section, spend most of your time studying those subjects. To keep from feeling too overwhelmed, break your studying down into smaller goals. For instance, set a goal to work through 20 math problems a night and get at least 15 of them right. If you struggle to study on your own, consider taking a test prep class or forming a study group with friends. Practice will make a huge difference, so take as many practice tests as you can. For expert advice on strategies you can use while taking the test, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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The Optional SAT Essay: What to Know

Tackling this section of the SAT requires preparation and can boost some students' college applications.

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Even though an increasing number of colleges are dropping standardized test requirements, students who must write the SAT essay can still stand to gain from doing so.

Although the essay portion of the SAT became optional in 2016, many students still chose to write it to demonstrate strong or improved writing skills to prospective colleges.

In June 2021, the College Board opted to discontinue the SAT essay. Now, only students in a few states and school districts still have access to — and must complete — the SAT essay. This requirement applies to some students in the SAT School Day program, for instance, among other groups.

How Colleges Use SAT, ACT Results

Tiffany Sorensen Sept. 14, 2020

Whether or not to write the SAT essay is not the biggest decision you will have to make in high school, but it is certainly one that requires thought on your part. Here are three things you should know about the 50-minute SAT essay as you decide whether to complete it:

• To excel on the SAT essay, you must be a trained reader.
• The SAT essay begs background knowledge of rhetoric and persuasive writing.
• A growing number of colleges are dropping standardized test requirements.

To Excel on the SAT Essay, You Must Be a Trained Reader

The SAT essay prompt never comes unaccompanied. On the contrary, it follows a text that is about 700 words long or approximately one page. Before test-takers can even plan their response, they must carefully read and – ideally – annotate the passage.

The multifaceted nature of the SAT essay prompt can be distressing to students who struggle with reading comprehension. But the good news is that this prompt is highly predictable: It always asks students to explain how the author builds his or her argument. In this case, "how” means which rhetorical devices are used, such as deductive reasoning, metaphors, etc.

Luckily, the author’s argument is usually spelled out in the prompt itself. For instance, consider this past SAT prompt : “Write an essay in which you explain how Paul Bogard builds an argument to persuade his audience that natural darkness should be preserved.”

Due to the essay prompt’s straightforward nature, students should read the passage with an eye toward specific devices used by the author rather than poring over “big ideas.” In tour SAT essay, aim to analyze at least two devices, with three being even better.

The SAT Essay Begs Background Knowledge of Rhetoric and Persuasive Writing

Since your SAT essay response must point to specific rhetorical devices that the author employs to convince the reader, you should make it a point to intimately know 10-15 common ones. The more familiar you are with rhetorical devices, the faster you will become at picking them out as you read texts.

Once you have read the passage and identified a handful of noteworthy rhetorical devices, you should apply many of the same essay-writing techniques you already use in your high school English classes.

For instance, you should start by brainstorming to see which devices you have the most to say about. After that, develop a concise thesis statement, incorporate quotes from the text, avoid wordiness and other infelicities of writing, close with an intriguing conclusion, and do everything else you could imagine your English teacher advising you to do.

Remember to always provide evidence from the text to support your claims. Finally, leave a few minutes at the end to review your essay for mistakes.

A Growing Number of Colleges Are Dropping Standardized Test Requirements

In recent years, some of America’s most prominent colleges and universities – including Ivy League institutions like Harvard University in Massachusetts, Princeton University in New Jersey and Yale University in Connecticut – have made submission of ACT and SAT scores optional.

While this trend began as early as 2018, the upheaval caused by COVID-19 has prompted many other schools to adopt a more lenient testing policy, as well.

Advocates for educational fairness have long expressed concerns that standardized admissions tests put underprivileged students at a disadvantage. In light of the coronavirus pandemic , which restricted exam access for almost all high school students, colleges have gotten on board with this idea by placing more emphasis on other factors in a student’s application.

To assess writing ability in alternative ways, colleges now place more emphasis on students’ grades in language-oriented subjects, as well as college application documents like the personal statement .

The fact that more colleges are lifting their ACT/SAT requirement does not imply that either test or any component of it is now obsolete. Students who must write the SAT essay can still stand to gain from doing so, especially those who wish to major in a writing-intensive field. The essay can also demonstrate a progression or upward trajectory in writing skills.

The SAT essay can give a boost to the college applications of the few students to whom it is still available. If the requirement applies to you, be sure to learn more about the SAT essay and practice it often as you prepare for your upcoming SAT.

13 Test Prep Tips for SAT and ACT Takers

Tags: SAT , standardized tests , students , education

About College Admissions Playbook

Stressed about getting into college? College Admissions Playbook, authored by Varsity Tutors , offers prospective college students advice on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses, SAT and ACT exams and the college application process. Varsity Tutors, an advertiser with U.S. News & World Report, is a live learning platform that connects students with personalized instruction to accelerate academic achievement. The company's end-to-end offerings also include mobile learning apps, online learning environments and other tutoring and test prep-focused technologies. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

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How to Perform Your Best on Any Test

Try these strategies to crack the test code..

Posted May 17, 2024 | Reviewed by Tyler Woods

• Find a counsellor to help with academics
• Stress affects human performance, and test-taking is no exception.
• Being in the right mental state will improve your test scores.
• When you’re taking a test, your body, mind, and spirit are all involved.

It’s May. Hang around any high school—especially the junior class of any high school—and you will feel the torrent of teenage adrenaline and the nerves pulsing with test anxiety . SAT, ACT, AP exams, finals, and, looming in the near distance, college applications.

Some students are exhilarated: I’m about to take wing and fly the coop! But to many others, it’s a moment for tension and dread: Oh no, I’m not ready for this! You can’t go backwards, only forwards.

As an old Eagle Scout, I have come to understand, over many years, the wisdom in the Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared.” As a psychologist who, for the last 40 years, has focused on how stress affects human performance, I’d like to offer some suggestions on how to best prepare for what’s coming.

The four essentials for successful test performance

• Know the test. Any test you’re about to take has been around for awhile. Get to know how the test is constructed (How many sections are there? How many questions are there? Are they multiple choice or short-form answers? How much time will you have? Are there any breaks?) Just like a cross-country runner, familiarize yourself with the course before the race begins. Make sure you know the test “terrain” thoroughly.
• Learn the content. Every test covers a certain domain of material. The more familiar with what the test covers, the better chance you’ll have of scoring well. This is where some students “skimp”—they learn “just enough,” thinking they will be able to wing it at test time. Not a good plan.
• Practice. Seek out old exams. Practice will help you organize your thoughts and show you where there are gaps in your knowledge. Taking practice tests can be helpful if you analyze your answers—the wrong ones, and, surprisingly, your right answers as well (I’ll have more to say about this below).
• Learn and practice with performance tools. When you cross over the threshold into the exam room, a whole bunch of things happen: your heart starts beating rapidly, you get worried, you can’t remember stuff you know you studied, you get distracted by other students or the noises outside the building. You need what I call “performance tools.” (More below).

The pitfalls of improper practice and not using performance tools

I have seen countless students take practice tests and score well on them, but then, when they take the actual test, their performance dips significantly. Almost always it’s because they didn’t practice properly and they did not have or use performance tools.

Proper practice means carefully analyzing your answers. Too often, after taking a practice test, students look at the score they received as a predictor of the score they’ll achieve on the actual test. If the practice score is at or close to what they’d hope for, they're happy and think, “I’m ready!” If it’s lower than expected, they review their wrong answers. Both approaches are insufficient: a score is a number that is affected by many factors—the breadth and depth of questions, how you were feeling when you practiced (were you nervous or calm; confident or self-doubtful; focused or distracted?).

To “crack the test code,” you need to analyze your answers—all your answers—your wrong ones and your right ones. Analyzing wrong answers will reveal the gaps in your knowledge; where you second-guessed yourself; where you were rushing or misread the question or answer choices. Analyzing your right answers will show you if you actually knew what you were doing or if you just got lucky. You need to get under the hood of your practice tests. It will show you how to best use the available time you have before test day.

When you take the actual test—in addition to all the knowledge you’ve studied and, hopefully, mastered, you need to be able to be in the right state to do your best. This means being calm (in your body), confident (in your mind), and focused (in your spirit).

The 3-legged stool

I liken being in the right mental state to a three-legged stool: when all the legs are equally strong, it’s a very sturdy platform. If one of the legs is short or weak, the whole structure is unstable.

When you’re taking a test, your body, mind, and spirit are all involved. If you are very nervous (body), it’s going to affect your mind and spirit. If you’re doubting yourself (mind), you’ll feel anxious and find it hard to stay on track. If you’re distracted (spirit), you won’t be able to think methodically.

Learn how to calm yourself down (regular breathing is the best) when you feel anxious. If your confidence slips, practice re-connecting with your best self. Recognize when you are “losing it” so can get yourself back on track right away.

What you can do now

In subsequent posts, I’ll give you all nine performance tools that make up the 3-legged stool. Understand first that the tools will be useful to you only if you’ve thoroughly covered the first three pillars described above: once you know the test, have learned the content, and practiced wisely, then you’ll be ready to receive the nine tools, and, with them, cross the threshold into the exam room and perform at your best.

Bernstein, Ben (2018). Crush Your Test Anxiety . Familius

Bernstein, Ben (2013), A Teen's Guide to Success . Familius.

Ben Bernstein, Ph.D., is a Performance Psychologist who works with CEOs, athletes, parents, stage performers, healthcare professionals, and test-takers to do their best.

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Fifteen Steps for a Successful College Admissions Essay

Up Next: Check out 2022’s 10 Successful Harvard Application Essays

So you want to write a college admissions essay.

By now you have undoubtedly received a wide range of advice from a wide range of sources: guidance counselors urging you to start early, parents worried about your vocabulary level, English teachers stressing the importance of proper grammar.

At this point you have also probably come to the realization that there is no one foolproof method for writing a winning admissions essay. In fact, much of the advice you have probably been given—and which you will read in this article—will probably contradict itself. Example: "Take a risk. Write about something that will make your essay stand out," versus "Don't take any chances. The admissions committee is looking for a well-written, well-argued essay. You can do that without coloring outside the lines." Another example: "The personal statement is only one part of your application. Don't stress," versus "Revise. Revise. Revise. Proofread. Proofread. Proofread. Draft multiple versions. This is the most important piece of writing you will ever produce."

As you can already see, the whole process can be very confusing. Don't let this discourage you. The most truthful advice that can be offered is that there is no one way to write a successful admissions essay. The essay—in terms of both its content and the manner in which it is written—is like you: unique. The beauty of the personal statement is that it is completely personal.

Still, we have pledged to help you, and help you we will, by way of the following steps to writing a good, solid, impressive admissions essay. Many of these tips resemble advice your high school English teacher would offer. Others are advice that you may have heard from sisters, brothers, and friends.

Here it goes:

1. Think strategically.

Your essay is an opportunity to show a part of yourself that neither your test scores nor your grades can convey. There are many ways to go about doing this. You can emphasize your creative talent, or you can play up an extracurricular activity or hobby that is particularly important to you. You can discuss a formative moment or an aspect of your life that you feel has shaped you. If you devote the essay to rehashing what is already apparent in the rest of the application, you lose a valuable space for self-expression.

2. Be reflective

Speak from the heart. Explain what the experience means to you, rather than simply recounting the experience as it happened. This is what gives your application a human component and differentiates you from everyone else. It's important to show how you have changed and developed into the person you are today.

3. Start early.

Give yourself enough time to brainstorm and then let drafts sit so you have more time to proofread. The more time you have, the more you can make the essay truly reflect who you are.

4. Brainstorm ideas with friends, family members, and teachers.

While the personal statement is one of the most intimate parts of the application, it certainly can benefit from constructive criticism. Don't rule out any essay topic because it's not impressive enough, exciting enough, or unique enough. You may not realize just how important it was for you to hit the game's winning shot, or how much your support helped a family member get through a life-threatening illness. Those who know you best can give you very effective feedback.

5. Avoid clichés in your writing and be original in your ideas.

This rule applies for images within your writing as well as for the topic of the essay itself. Be aware that some ideas–winning the state football/soccer/gymnastics championship–have been done at least a thousand times before you. There's nothing inherently wrong with addressing the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, but try to be more original. Be memorable.

6. Steer away from gimmicks.

People have pulled them off, but to do it, you have to do it well. If you're a great cartoonist, send in those comic strips. Or if you are a wonderful poet, go for it. Don't attempt to invent something just to make your essay stand out. Be subtle and tactful, using an authentic voice and wit. Remember, execution is everything and mediocrity doesn't win.

7. If you don't know what a word means, don't use it.

Remember the "K.I.S.S." rule: keep it simple, stupid. Make two or three points and finish up. Don't overwhelm your reader with extraneous details. Even if you do know what a long word means, a short word might just as well express what you're trying to say. The SATs are your chance to flex those verbal muscles, and there is nothing worse than misusing a word in an essay.

8. Stay "on message."

Admissions officers will read your essay in less than a few minutes, so keep the scale of the story manageable. Use relevant and specific anecdotes to prove your point. Every word should say something new. Read through the essay several times and trim repetitive or nonfunctional sentences. Don't expect to express all the nuances and complexities of what the death of a loved one meant in less than five hundred words. Keep the scope of your essay appropriate to the length.

9. Start strong.

As any good essayist will tell you, it's the beginning that counts most. Remember that your reader is trying to glean a sense of who you are, so try and grab the reader's attention from the beginning. Make it easy for them, make them want to read on, and you will be rewarded.

10. Conclusions are important.

Many times, a beautifully written essay is weakened with a moral at the end of the story. Don't ruin a perfectly good essay by launching into broad, sweeping generalizations. If you find yourself thinking that a platitude is necessary to prove your point, start revising. Returning to your opening line in your ending sentence is a good way to tie it all together. Just as the introduction will set the tone for the essay, the conclusion must resonate with the reader.

11. Don't take yourself too seriously.

Don't be afraid to be yourself. Use humor if you are a funny person. As long as it's tasteful, it can't hurt you to make your reader smile.

13. Proofread.

14. proofread., 15. proofread..

Want more assistance? Read your peers’ successful Harvard essays in our 2022 iteration of the 10 Successful Harvard Application Essays listicle, and hear from expert college consultants about what made them work.

By the Harvard Crimson’s Brand Studio

This article was written by a current junior in the Harvard Class of 2023 and a member of the Crimson Brand Studio, reflecting on their personal experiences in the college application process.

On behalf of The Harvard Crimson , the nation's oldest continually published college newspaper, The Crimson Brand Studio produces, publishes, and promotes stories that engage millions of readers who are interested in or affiliated with Harvard University.

The Crimson's news and opinion teams, including writers, editors, photographers, or designers, are not involved in the production of content for The Crimson Brand Studio.

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“ Ivy Coach Is Highway Robbery. But They’re Good.” — Richard Moll Former Director of Admissions, Yale University

IVY COACH’S COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TRACK RECORD

The percentage of Ivy Coach’s package clients over the last 10 years who earned admission to the following schools in the Early round.

At most of these schools, we typically have 1-4 applicants annually .

During this span, 7 students were excluded from this tally for not heeding our advice on their Early choice and/or making unapproved application changes.

Early Action/Early Decision

in a row Ivy Coach’s ED applicants ALL got into Dartmouth (they don’t call us The Dartmouth Whisperer for nothing!)

in a row Ivy Coach’s ED applicants ALL got into Duke

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of students who first come to Ivy Coach after being deferred earn admission to their Early school

of students who first come to Ivy Coach after being waitlisted by Harvard earn admission

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How To Improve SAT Math Score: 6 SAT Math Tips

reviewed by Jessica Kaminski

Created on May 23, 2024

Updated on May 23, 2024

Is your high school graduate wondering how to get a good score on the SAT? For many, it is a challenging, thought-provoking exam. But no worries, with some solid preparation, your schooler is good to go.

So how should they prepare? In this guide, we’re about to decipher a good SAT math score code.

How to get a high SAT score?

To get a high SAT score, a graduate should:

• Set distinct goals
• Prepare & register

Review & master PSAT-related assessments

Participate in challenging courses, make preparation & practice a top priority.

• Eventually, do their best to pass the test

As you can see, your graduate has to go a long way to succeed. And, indeed, it’s easier to prepare when there’s someone to guide and help. Luckily, there are many online platforms like Brighterly , where professional tutors can consult students whenever they need help.

Here are the benefits of such curated preparation:

• No blind memorizing — tutors encourage students to understand what they study;
• Online accessibility at any convenient time;
• Personalized learning plan and tailored approach;
• Interactive math classes that guarantee a no-stress environment;
• 1:1 format, which means that all attention is devoted to your graduate. 

Sure, the benefits of online tutoring are undeniable. But let’s explore some other SAT test- taking strategies to boost your schooler’s score. These are the core things to consider.

Find the homework support your child needs

Top math tutors for middle and high school students here.

Set distinct SAT score goals

Even before starting their preparation, students should understand the minimum score they need to get. It’s pretty easy to define. They must consider the average SAT range of their dream college. Alternatively, they can review the participation requirements for a scholarship. 

Prepare & register for the SAT

Choosing the date to pass the SAT is paramount (and it’s not only about superstitions). First, the day should leave enough time for preparation. Second, it should correspond to the application deadline at a chosen college. But note that some days are highly sought after so be sure to register for them beforehand.

If you wonder how to boost the SAT score, a good idea is to train with PSAT-related assessments like PSAT 8/9™, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT. All of these offer a good sense of the exam environment. Reviewing them helps define areas for improvement and outline a clear study plan.

Students should be attentive to their daily classes to get a higher SAT score. The reason is simple — at its core, the SAT contains the knowledge they receive in classrooms; nothing extraordinary here. Thus, an excellent way to get better at SAT math is by taking more challenging advanced courses, like Statistics, AP Calculus AB, or AP Calculus BC.

The best way to study for SAT math is to develop a clear plan and adjust it as a student progresses in some math areas. It allows for the maximum benefits with minimum time expenditures. But how do students know that they advanced in some topics? It’s where the sample assessments we’ve just discussed come into play!

Pass the SAT test

Your graduate should be 100% concentrated on the day X. Students usually get better SAT scores if they get a good night’s sleep, arrive on time, have a good meal, and minimize stress before the test.

SAT Math Tips 

The core SAT math tips for high school graduates are the following:

• Familiarize yourself with the subject and its areas
• Try to memorize essential formulas
• Practice your skills at demo tests
• Identify your weak areas and work on them
• Devote most of your time to challenging topics
• Ask for help

Remember that your schooler’s SAT math scores reflect how well they prepared. So, here are the tips for SAT math that will help them excel.

SAT Math Tip #1. Know the subject

All the best SAT tips and tricks to help you prepare for your SAT end up here — you must know what to study. It might seem obvious, but many students fail because they didn’t clarify the exact list of topics covered on the test. Here’s a cheat sheet:

• Manipulating & Solving Equations
• Exponents & Radicals
• Systems of Equations
• Exponential Vs. Linear Growth
• Word Problems 
• Expressions
• Quadratics 
• Trigonometry 
• Probability 

See? The list is even shorter than you might have thought. And many of these topics are regularly practiced in classrooms.

SAT Math Tip #2. Memorize the formulas

Did you know that most students ignore formulas? They usually say that the SAT provides a reference sheet, so there is no need to memorize each formula. But let’s be sincere: scrolling or flipping back and forth wastes time. Besides, the test won’t give every formula needed. So don’t let your high school graduate repeat that common mistake!

Here is a short list of 15 SAT formulas that students have consistently used during recent tests (and your graduate will most likely need, too).

1) Slope-Intercept Form of a Line

2) Vertex Form of a Parabola

3) Distance Formula

4) Quadratic Formula

5) Exponent Rule (Multiplication)

6) Exponent Rule (Division)

7) Complex Conjugate

8) Simple interest

9) Compound interest

10) Area of an Equilateral Triangle

11) Equation of a Circle

11) Pythagorean Theorem

12) Regular Polygon Interior Angle

13) Length of Arc in a Circle

14) Area of Sector in a Circle

SAT Math Tip #3. Practice at demo tests

Practice tests are a must. They show the weak points and topics that need further studies. But one demo won’t be enough to improve the SAT math score. Let’s clarify: each test is a training, and the more training a student gets, the better their result.

And one more pro tip: it’s a good idea to retake those demo tests regularly, say, once every two weeks. Just to see the progress.

SAT Math Tip #4. Identify weak areas

All the most popular SAT tips and tricks won’t work if a student can’t analyze their weaknesses. In fact, knowing weak areas is half a battle. They should devote time after each demo test to review mistakes. This way, graduates will turn their weaknesses into strengths. And that’s where we approach the next discussion point.

SAT Math Tip #5. Work on your weaknesses

All the SAT strategies math teach students to spend their time reasonably! If they know some math topics well (especially if they cover them at school), why spend that valuable time honing them at home? Instead, graduates should focus on what they struggle with. Yes, those topics may seem daunting or depressing. But if your schooler wants to increase SAT score, they must do it.

SAT Math Tip #6. Ask for help

But how to raise the SAT score if your graduate is on the humanitarian team? In most cases, experienced tutors can help. Those people are professionals in SAT preparation and can explain complex math concepts even to the biggest humanities-minded people. You can find such tutors on verified platforms like Brighterly and start studying online in a comfy setting. Sounds ideal, right? 

Hard to tackle those complicated math concepts?

Brighterly’s tutors can help your kids with that.

The best ways to improve the SAT score 

The best ways to improve SAT scores are to take practical demo exams, study effectively, use preparation materials, understand and memorize formulas, find a study group, and address a tutor. Overall, the SAT is the test of skills and nerve, so make sure your graduate trains both. Thus, they stay consistent and concentrated throughout the exam.

SAT test tips and tricks to use during the exam

Here are the best SAT math tricks to employ during the exam: 

• Answer the easiest questions first;
• Use the same letter for each answer;
• Don’t postpone grid-in tasks till the last minute;
• Carefully read the questions & answers.

Now, let’s take a closer look at these top SAT tips and tricks from our experts to help your high schooler shine bright during the test.

Answer the easiest questions first

All questions are worth the same points, no matter their complexity. So, first, check out those that require less time to understand and complete — it’s the quickest way to raise the SAT score.

Use the same letter for each answer

If your schooler is up for a guessing game, choosing the same letter each time is the best option. The thing is that each answer choice (A, B, C, or D) is correct in about 25% of cases. So, if they pick only As, for instance, they’ll guarantee about 25% of the score.

Don’t postpone grid-in tasks till the last minute

The logic of any test is this: easier questions go at the beginning. It’s also the logic that graduates should follow in their answers. Firstly, they should solve multiple-choice questions.

Once those tasks get too complex, it’s time to move to grid-in tasks. The easiest grid-ins will go at the beginning, remember? Once they get too complicated, switch back to multiple choices. This strategy also saves time, as students can play that guessing game with multiple-choice questions but cannot pick their answers randomly for grid-ins.

Carefully read the questions & answers

Students often complain that they didn’t understand a question or were tangled by the answers provided. Thus, it is vital to keep a keen eye for detail and do everything possible to understand the task correctly.

SAT may be a complex exam that tests students’ skills, knowledge, and endurance. However, if there’s one sure way to increase the SAT score, it’s the proper preparation. So, why not help your high school graduate with that? Ensure they have an exact study plan, train regularly, and concentrate mainly on their weakest topics. 

And maybe if they need extra help, is it time to book a lesson at Brighterly? Here, you can be sure that your schooler works with professionals.

Rachelle Bencio Yu is a qualified tutor with more than 15 years of experience teaching math to children from Pre-K to 12th grade. Currently, she is one of the best teachers at Brighterly educational platform and an author of educational content on the Brighterly blog.

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10 Tips to Improve Your SAT Score

What’s covered:, how to improve your sat score, how does your sat score impact your college chances.

If you’ve already taken the SAT and aren’t 100% satisfied with your score, don’t sweat it. Most students end up taking the test more than once. And with good reason: the College Board found that 63% of students in the class of 2018 increased their score by taking the SAT a second time. 

Hoping to improve your SAT score to increase your chances of acceptance to your dream school? We’ll go over 10 tried and true ways to help you reach your SAT goal score.

1. Start SAT Prep the Second You Finish a Test

In an ideal world, as soon as you’re done taking the SAT and your materials have been collected by the test proctor, you begin to write as much down as you remember from the test. Take notes on what confused you, questions that you found difficult, and concepts or sections that were harder than you anticipated. These notes will help to guide your future studying and, along with your score report, will become an important tool in understanding where to improve.

But don’t worry, if your test is over and you didn’t write anything down afterwards, it isn’t too late. Set aside some time to think carefully about the test that you took, and see if you can recall any of the specifics from above. Do you remember a question that was so hard you didn’t even know where to start? Which sections of the test felt easy and which felt difficult? Were there sections that seemed completely foreign? It’s never too late to think back to the test and recall as much as you can.

2. Interpret Your Score Report

There is a ton of valuable information in your score report. Your inclination is probably to glance at your total score and individual test scores, and then toss it aside to celebrate or mope depending on your results, but make sure you don’t toss it too far.

Once you’ve recovered from the initial excitement, take a few moments to review it. In particular, pay attention to your subscores. These include a score ranging from 1-15 for each of the following categories:

• Command of Evidence
• Words in Context
• Expression of Ideas
• Standard English Conventions
• Heart of Algebra
• Problem Solving and Data Analysis
• Passport to Advanced Math

Try to identify areas in which your performance could be improved. Your goal is to get as specific as possible. Move from “I want to improve my SAT score” to “I want to improve my Math SAT” to “I want to improve my Problem Solving and Data Analysis skills” to really target your studying.

For an overview of your score report, read SAT Score Range: How to Break Down Your Score .

3. Set a Target Score

A good way to determine how much work is in front of you is to set a target score. Your target score should take several factors into account.

First, you’ll need to consider where you’re starting from. The good news is, the lower your score, the more room there is for improvement. However, improvement won’t come without hard work. You will need to set a target that maximizes your potential while remaining realistic. Generally, if you have a score below 500, an improvement of 200 points is a feasible target. For higher scores, you can aim to improve between 100 and 150 points.   

The other factor to consider when setting a target score is the list of schools to which you intend to apply. You should take into account the middle 50% score ranges of admitted students at those schools when setting your goal score. The middle 50% indicates where 50% of accepted students scored. Take Princeton’s middle 50% range of 1460-1590: this means 25% of students scored below 1460, 50% scored between 1460 and 1590, and 25% of students scored above 1570. To be most competitive, you should aim to be in the upper end of the range, or even above it. At the very least, you should try to fall within the range.

Here are the middle 50% ranges at the top 20 universities in the US:

4. Figure Out Which Mistakes You Make Most

While your score report will indicate which content areas are most in need of improvement, they will not reveal the specific kinds of error to which you’re most susceptible. The easiest way to reveal this is by taking a practice test and evaluating its results carefully.

If your score on your practice test is dramatically higher than your score on the actual SAT, you probably fell victim to test anxiety. There are many ways to conquer this, but the good news is that test anxiety generally diminishes on its own with subsequent testing experiences. The more you take the SAT, the more familiar you’ll be with the format, and the less you will be affected by test anxiety. For more about test anxiety, read the CollegeVine post 10 Ways to Overcome Test Taking Anxiety .

If your score is similar on the practice test, you will need to evaluate your mistakes. Generally, these fall into three categories:

• Careless mistakes are the ones that seem obvious as soon as you review the question. These types of errors generally occur as the result of rushing through your work or experiencing test anxiety.
• Pacing errors occur when you find that you are unable to answer all of the questions in the time allowed, or when your mistakes are clustered at the end of each timed section.
• Content knowledge gaps occur when you are lacking some of the basic skills or knowledge to understand the questions at hand. These types of mistakes are generally most obvious on your score report because they are clustered according to subject or subscore.

Once you know which mistakes you make most, you will be able to start tackling the underlying causes behind them.

5. Join a Study Group

You aren’t the only one studying for the SAT, so why go at it alone? Having regular study dates with a consistent group of classmates can be a great way to set goals, share strategies, and hold one another accountable. Not to mention, just having a group of people who are going through the same thing as you is great for support and working through stress and anxiety. 

You can check with your high school, local library, or even a local community college to find a study group. If you can’t locate an existing study group, it’s also possible to form your own. In fact, the College Board has compiled a guide for Starting an SAT Study Group that includes a checklist for getting started and some general tips

6. Capitalize on Free Study Materials

There are tons of free study materials available to help with SAT studying and preparation, but knowing where to look for high-quality materials is important. Many study guides have been self-published online by students with little more experience than you. Instead, you should look for professionally produced materials that are based on a wealth of industry insights.

No matter how much content knowledge you study, you need to know the format of the test and how it assesses this knowledge in order to be successful. Find study materials that include SAT-specific strategies and tips.

The best place to start is Khan Academy . This is the official College Board SAT practice partner, and it’s totally free. The website contains a wealth of materials from practice tests to strategy sharing. By creating a free online account, you can receive personalized, interactive practice that is tailored to your specific SAT needs.

In addition, you can download the Official SAT Study Guide from the College Board.

There are also many free study guides available online. CollegeVine provides the following SAT study guides and resources:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• 30 SAT Math Formulas You Need to Know
• 15 Hardest SAT Math Questions
• Prepare for the SAT by Reading These Books
• SAT Reading Strategies by Question Type
• How to Get a Perfect Score on the SAT Essay

You can also download our free SAT guide and free SAT checklist .

7. Get Help

You might perceive SAT tutors as a privilege that not everyone can afford, but there are options out there to suit almost any budget. Sometimes, an SAT tutor can simply be a mentor, teacher, or guidance counselor who has helped to coach other students through the SAT in the past. Ask around at your school or public library to find if there is anyone with this sort of experience and expertise who might be willing to help you.

You can also find paid tutoring services available locally, or online. Individual tutoring plans can save time and money by using the exact amount of prep needed to help you achieve your desired SAT score.

If cost is a concern for you, you may be able to find pro bono tutoring services in your area, or apply for a scholarship with a larger tutoring company. Alternatively, some local tutoring companies also offer pro bono tutoring services to students who qualify. You can search for opportunities near you by conducting an online query with the terms “pro bono SAT tutor” and your city name. You can also enroll in a free SAT prep class , though nothing quite beats personalized instruction!

If you don’t want to leave the comforts of your home, there are even online SAT prep classes , and some are even free.

8. Learn the Material That’s Easiest to Memorize

The SAT consists, in large part, of abstract skills that can be quite difficult to study in isolation. That being said, there is a pool of content knowledge necessary for success on the test, and if content knowledge was a weakness on your practice or diagnostic SAT, you should be certain that you’re reinforcing it before you take the test again. If you need advice on where to start, we recommend learning the material that lends itself best to rote memorization.

In particular, you should be familiar with the math skills and conventions of standard English that are required on the test.

The math skills will include the following content areas:

• Heart of Algebra : Linear equations, systems of linear equations, and the relationships between them. Linear equations always involve two variables that change according to a consistent pattern. These questions often involve distance, speed, mass, volume, or even everyday budgeting or financial issues.
• Problem Solving and Data Analysis : Application of ratios, percentages, and proportional reasoning. For these questions, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to create and use a model and to understand the distinction between the model predictions and data collected. This includes skills like understanding the difference between simple and compound interest.
• Passport to Advanced Math : Complex equations and functions typically needed in STEM-based careers. This could include adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials, dividing a polynomial by a linear expression, or manipulating expressions involving exponentials, integer and rational powers, radicals, or fractions with a variable in the denominator.

Standard English Conventions on the SAT include:

• Sentence structure: Modifier placement, parallel construction, subordination and coordination, sentence boundaries, verb tense, and pronoun agreement.
• Conventions of usage: Pronoun clarity, possessive determiners, agreement, frequently confused words, logical comparison, conventional expression.
• Conventions of Punctuation: End-of-sentence punctuation, within-sentence punctuation, possessive nouns and pronouns, items in a series, nonrestrictive and parenthetical elements, unnecessary punctuation.

To read more about the Standard English Conventions required on the SAT, see Chapter 12 of the Official SAT Study Guide .

9. Employ the Process of Elimination

No matter how difficult any question on the SAT is, you will have a 50% chance of getting it right if you can eliminate two of the answer choices. It’s likely that, all studying aside, you will encounter at least one or two questions where you will need to make an educated guess during the test. Capitalize on these opportunities to earn an extra point or two by making the best guess possible.

If you really have no clue about how to solve a problem, try working backwards from the answers. See if there are any answer choices that you can immediately rule out. Even if there are not, try to plug some answers into the question to see if any can be eliminated that way.

Think of it this way: A completely random guess of the four answer choices has a 25% chance of being correct. If you can eliminate one more answer choice, you suddenly have a 33.3% chance of guessing correctly. And if you can eliminate yet another choice, you’ll be up to a 50% chance of guessing correctly. Those aren’t bad odds for not knowing the answer to a question.

If you have absolutely no idea at all, use the “Answer of the Day” strategy: just pick a random letter, like “B,” and consistently put that down for questions where you can’t eliminate any answers. You’ll have a 25% chance of getting these questions correct if you guess the same answer each time. 

10. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

We say this in pretty much all of our SAT advice posts, but there’s a good reason for it. The SAT is one of those tests where the best preparation is the test itself. Second to that, practice tests are the most fool-proof preparation there is for a test that measures test-taking strategy almost as much as it does content and skill.

Start by taking untimed practice tests, one section at a time. Identify your weaknesses and work to improve in those areas. Gradually, as your skills grow, begin to take each section of the test with time constraints. And finally, take a few complete practice tests adhering to testing conditions as similar to test day as possible.

You can find seven official SAT practice tests available at Khan Academy . We also have 3 free, exclusive SAT practice tests that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. 

While the prospect of improving your SAT score can definitely seem daunting at first, it’s reassuring to know that most students take the SAT more than once, and the majority of them experience the most significant score improvements between their first and second SAT. 

Selective colleges use a metric called the Academic Index (AI) to represent the strength of applicants’ grades and test scores. If your AI is too low, a school may not even review the rest of your application. That’s why it’s so crucial to have a strong academic profile. Of course, things have changed in recent years with test-optional policies, but if you submit your score, it will definitely have an impact on your chances.

With our free Admissions Chances Calculator , you can clearly understand the impact of your SAT scores on your application. This calculator will let you know how your score stacks up against other applicants’ and let you know whether or not you should apply test-optional. It’ll also give you tips on improving the rest of your profile, including grades and extracurriculars.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Is the SAT Still Needed?

• Posted May 17, 2024
• By Elizabeth Christopher
• College Access and Success
• Counseling and Mental Health
• Education Reform
• Higher Education Leadership
• Inequality and Education Gaps

Sam Noel, a senior at Melrose High School in Massachusetts, didn’t sleep well the night before his SAT last spring. “I was nervous,” he says, not just about taking the college entrance exam but also about making it to the test center on time. When he searched online for a spot to take the test at his high school, or at any of the high schools in neighboring cities, the closest one he found was a 45-minute drive away.

Difficulty accessing test centers, a problem that reached its peak during the pandemic, is just one of the reasons colleges and universities have adopted test-optional admission policies. Another, and perhaps bigger reason, is the belief that making submissions of SAT or ACT scores optional is fairer and more equitable for students that come from less-advantaged backgrounds. Data shows that students from high-income families on average score higher than those who come from lower-income families. Recent research from Opportunity Insights, a team of Harvard-based researchers and policy analysts, which set out to examine if highly selective colleges perpetuate privilege across generations, reveals how wide the score gap is. 

“One-third of the children of the very richest families scored a 1300 or higher on the SAT, while less than 5% of middle-class students did,” out of a possible 1600, according to the study. “Relatively few children in the poorest families scored that high; just one in ­five took the test at all,” The New York Times reported, citing the study. 

This is where it gets complicated. 

Some researchers say that, despite that sobering data, dismissing the SAT and tests like it is shortsighted. Harvard Professor Raj Chetty, part of the Opportunity Insights team, told The New York Times the disparities in SAT scores by class and race are a “symptom, not a cause,” of educational inequality in the United States. Moreover, researchers like Chetty say SAT scores can do a good job of identifying students who are better prepared to complete the rigorous course work of Ivy Plus institutions — the eight ivy league schools, plus others like MIT and Duke. This is true regardless of the income level of students’ families, Chetty says. This is, in part, the reason schools like Harvard, Brown, Yale, and Dartmouth College are returning to requiring standardized tests for undergraduate admissions. Dartmouth did its own study on the role of testing in its admissions process and concluded that, as its website reads, “a standardized testing requirement will improve — not detract from — our ability to bring the most promising and diverse students to our campus.”

Yet many people, including college admissions officers and high school counselors, say the benefi­ts of making test scores optional in college admissions are too great to ignore. They feel that college admissions should be based on other aspects of a student’s application — the transcript, essay, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. Today, more than 80% of colleges do not require applicants to submit standardized test scores as part of their college applications, according to Inside Higher Ed . 

And, so, the question being asked is, is the SAT still needed?

______________

Students’ scores from the SAT, ACT, and standardized tests like them are “just not the main thing a lot of colleges are paying attention to,” says Jamiere Abney, Ed.M.’17, director of admissions at Western Oregon University. He feels that concerns about grade inflation are overblown and that a student’s transcript, GPA, essay, and letters of recommendations do a better job of helping admissions officers understand who the student is and what their potential for success is. Taken together, these components of a student’s record “give us a three- to four-year story of who you are academically and intellectually, not just at one moment in time,” Abney says.

If a student sees a test requirement or if they see that their score falls below the average scores of students attending that school, they may wonder, “is this a school that I can even have a chance at?” says Abney, who favors his school’s test-optional policy because it “gives students one less thing to worry about.” Encouraging lower-income students to apply is important, he says, because earning a college degree is still one of the surest paths to upward social mobility. Forty-seven percent of students at Western Oregon, the oldest public university in the state, are first-generation college students; some of them might have opted out of applying to college if it weren’t for its test-optional policy. “If testing is what’s turning people away, then we have to ask ourselves, ‘Is it really worth it?’” 

In general, Clara Yom, Ed.M.’15, a high school counselor in Chicago, advises her students not to submit scores if that’s an option. “I usually tell them there should be a good reason you’re sending your SAT scores in with your application.” It’s rare for her to see an SAT score above 1200 and those scores just don’t reflect her students’ potential, she says. 

Between 75% and 80% of the students at the high school where Yom works now are eligible to receive free and reduced lunch, and a large percentage of students identify as Black and Latino. The vast majority of students at her school aspire to go to college. “Personally, I think it’s impossible to get an SAT score above 1200 without ‘studying’ the SAT,” she says. “It’s not like you get straight A’s in your high school classes and you take AP English and then you’re guaranteed a high score on the SAT.” Rather, it’s about learning how to take the test well and that often depends on having parents who can pay for tutoring. Before becoming a high school counselor, Yom worked as an SAT tutor. Most of the students she tutored came from affluent families and were able to raise their scores 200 to 300 points after weeks of drills.

Others who welcome test-optional policies do so because it represents a shift away from what they feel is an overemphasis on personal achievement. It says, “loud and clear, that who you are as a person and the choices you have made are more important than one test,” says Brennan Barnard, the college admissions program adviser for Making Caring Common, an Ed School project that seeks to help schools develop empathy in students. Colleges and universities should be looking at alternative ways to assess students’ readiness for college, says Barnard, who is also director of college counseling at the Khan Lab School, a mastery-based school in California, and author of The Truth About College Admission . “If a student shows they can master calculus and tutor other students, doesn’t that say a lot more about who they are as a student and their potential to be successful than a test score?” he says. 

But proponents of standardized testing say eliminating the SAT­ and ACT­, at least for admissions to Ivy Plus schools, would be a mistake because research shows that the tests uncover students who are more academically prepared for rigorous coursework, including those who come from less-advantaged backgrounds. 

“The SAT ­is a real lifeline for people who don’t go to elite high schools,” and who wouldn’t get noticed by admissions officers without those scores, says David Deming, a professor at the Ed School and the Harvard Kennedy School, as well as one of the authors of the Opportunity Insights study. This matters because attending an Ivy Plus school can have a significant impact on a student’s social mobility. “Attending an Ivy Plus instead of a flagship public college,” notes the study, “triples students’ chances of obtaining jobs at prestigious firms and substantially increases their chances of earning in the top 1%.” 

However, the researchers also found that Ivy Plus institutions currently rely “too much” on non-academic attributes of a student’s application in their admissions practices and “are more than twice as likely to admit a student from a high-income family as compared to a low- or middle-income family with comparable SAT­/ACT scores” because of their preferences for legacy applicants as well as for applicants with impressive extracurricular and athletic resumes. If these schools changed their admissions policies, the researchers say (to rely more heavily on SAT ­and ACT scores), then “Ivy Plus colleges could significantly diversify the socioeconomic backgrounds of America’s highest earners and leaders.” 

As Deming says, “No one is suggesting only the highest-scoring students be admitted to Ivy League colleges,” as diversity also needs to be a priority. But that goal can sit alongside another priority, he says, which is to admit students who are ready to succeed and who can benefit the most from a challenging academic environment. To get there, Deming supports a system that includes the SAT ­in student assessment but that also makes some allowances for students who come from lower-income families and are first-generation college students. “I think we do have that system in a lot of ways,” he says. “Colleges do tend to put a thumb on the scale positively for low-income students who do well on the SAT. That’s just empirically true.” 

The SAT is not perfect, says Deming, who believes test-taking practices that give the advantage to higher-income families should be eliminated. For example, he disagrees with “superscoring,” a practice which allows students who can afford to take the SAT or ACT multiple times to submit their highest scores without colleges knowing the number of times they took the test. But he maintains that “we should have some close-to-universally accepted standard of judging whether somebody is prepared to do rigorous college level work.” 

And that works best when everybody takes the test, according to Professor Andrew Ho, president of the National Council on Measurement in Education. He’s a proponent of requiring the tests in college applications, but only if everyone were required to take it. He points out that in states that require public high school students to take the SAT or ACT to graduate, the pool of college applicants is more balanced demographically. The problem when the test is not required is that some students talk themselves out of taking the test and potentially out of the running for some schools and “the people who have the money and the time … get over-represented in the population” of college applicants, he says. 

In 2007, Michigan began requiring its public high school students to take the ACT during their junior year, which the state offers for free during the school day. (Eleventh-graders in Michigan are now required to take the SAT. They are one of nearly a dozen states that have made the test mandatory.) As a result, the state saw small increases in college attendance, particularly among disadvantaged students. By mandating the test, wrote Professor Susan Dynarski in The New York Times in 2017, a significant number of low-income students who scored high enough to attend a selective college were discovered. “For every 1,000 students who scored well on the optional test, an additional 480 did so on the mandatory test,” she wrote.

As educators, researchers, parents, and students consider the question about whether the SAT is still needed, Ho says it’s important to remember that test scores are just one part of a five-legged stool that college admissions officers draw upon to make their decisions and believing the other legs of the stool — the personal essay, recommendation letters, student records, and extracurriculars — are fairer is wrong because there is more and more evidence that the wealthy have an advantage in those other areas. These advantages reflect deep-seated educational inequalities that begin to take hold long before a student takes the SAT, “including differences in school quality, neighborhood exposure, and many other environmental conditions,” according to Opportunity Insights. As Ho says, “Disparities in test scores reveal deep inequalities in educational opportunity, but removing the test does not remove the disparity.” 

Regardless of whether SAT and ACT are required as part of undergraduate college admissions, the educational inequality the test reveals is something we want to fix, says Deming. And how to do that comes down to an established formula, which, he says, includes more resources, more time in school, early childhood education, smaller classes, highly qualified teachers, attention to the core curriculum, and not letting students fall behind, which requires testing. “We can’t fix a problem unless we can diagnose it,” says Deming. He would also like to see more testing to identify learning gaps at the state, district, school, and even grade and classroom level. 

Part of the solution starts with changing how the public thinks about testing, says Ho. Tests like the SAT can be a tool for educational equity if we can break three fallacies, he says: “that test scores are more meaningful, more precise, and more permanent than they are.” Getting a low score doesn’t mean you can’t learn and thinking it does is damaging. Ho believes that educators are getting better about talking about how to interpret test scores in terms of asset frames versus deficit frames. In other words, “it’s not what you lack; it’s what you have and what you can do if we help. It takes good teachers, good educational systems, to remind people of this.” 

Melrose student Sam Noel made it to his test on time and was relieved when it was over, he says. It turned out that none of the schools he applied to required him to submit his scores and he was happy to have the option to share his scores only with the schools where he thought they’d make a difference in his application. 

Elizabeth Christopher is a writer based in Massachusetts. Her last story in Ed. focused on community college transfer challenges

Ed. Magazine

The magazine of the Harvard Graduate School of Education

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