7 Tips to Prepare for the SAT

The SATs are not like any regular test you've taken and preparing for it is even more stressful. Luckily, if you follow these tips, your stress level will drop and you'll be more confident taking your SATs.

1. Find the Right Materials

SAT prep books are available to you mostly anywhere. Ask your guidance counselor if they recommend a specific one. Keep in mind that these books can get expensive so it's not a bad idea to check out your local library or Amazon. Also visit the SAT College Board website for more information.

2. Practice Process of Elimination

In SAT tests, there is always one correct answer. That means you don't have to worry about more than one answer being the right one. In your practice tests, get in the rhythm of eliminating the options you know definitely wrong. After that, look at what you have left and determine the next one to eliminate.

If you are still stuck, find reasons why the option can't be the correct answer more than reasons why it should be. This should help you conclude what the right answer is.

3. Don't Stay on One Question Too Long

Each section of the SAT test is timed and you most likely won't have time to go back and check your answers. Time pressure is one reason students make mistakes on their answers, so strategy and time management are your best friends.

If you find yourself on a question too long, skip it. You don't want to rush, but you do want give yourself the opportunity to get through as many test questions as you can. If you have time left over at the end, that's when you can go back and work on the skipped questions.

4. Don't Study at the Last Minute

Once you've spent time studying, you'll come to realize how overwhelming all of the information is. The key is to not put too much pressure on yourself. Don't try to cram lots of information in your brain in one night. Studying for the SATs is a process and taking breaks and sleep is just as important as studying it. The sooner you start preparing, the easier it will be.

5. Take Timed Practice Tests

There's no real way to tell when you're "done" studying for the SAT. Practice tests are a great way to help you find out what areas you need to focus more on and to help you feel comfortable taking the SAT. You can find practice tests just about anywhere online. But first, check out SAT College Board website for practice tests and specifics on what you can expect to be on the SAT.

6. Water and Chocolate

The SAT lasts about 3 hours so you'll want to bring water and snacks to have during breaks. Chocolate will help you stay awake and give you energy, after staring at your booklet for 45 minutes. Breakfast before the SAT is a necessity. You'll need the energy to stay focused and you don't want your empty stomach to be a distraction.

7. Your Checklist

On the day of the exam, you are required to bring certain information like ID, an approved calculator, and your SAT registration form. Read over this information carefully because it will also tell you what you're not allowed to bring to the test.