This post is part of a series covering the SAT exam, I would -as always- appreciate it to hear what you have to say on this. A good way too keep up with new updates on the subject is done by subscribing to this blog.

It’s a matter of Time

When you do the SAT, you need to keep one eye on the clock. Once you get the questions, you might just get excited and spend a lot of time on what you know well. A big no-no. What you need to do is time management and you have to allocate time for each section.

The SAT can be divided into 4 sections which are mathematics, critical reading, writing and one section which is a variable or and equating one. So here’s how it goes as far as the time allotted for each section is concerned.

The mathematics section has 2×25 minute parts and one 20 minute part. The subjects include geometry, algebra, statistics, number and operations, data analysis and probability. The writing section has one 25 minute part and a 35 minute part. The section usually starts with the essay, followed by the multiple choice part.

The critical reading section has 2×25 minute parts and one 20 minute part. This has long or short passages that test your reading and understanding skills. The variable, which can be writing, mathematics or critical reading, is a 25 minute section. This section is unscored and is useful for developing future SAT questions. The whole test adds up to 3 hours and 45 minutes. Subscribe to this blog

This post is part of a series covering the SAT exam, I would -as always- appreciate it to hear what you have to say on this. A good way too keep up with new updates on this subject is to subscribe to this blog.

Giving it your best shot

Once you get your SAT test booklet, you’re in the race full-swing and you need to be cool, calm and clear-headed. Here are a few things to keep in mind – some you probably will think too simplistic, but they add up to making your test go just that little bit smoother and easier.

First of all, make sure you have a few No. 2 pencils. Use the pencil well by circling each answer darkly and fully. In case you change your mind after you’ve done so, erase it fully and then circle the right one again, clearly. A good tips here is to use one of those large pencils craft teachers use, this enables you to save lots of time!

Make absolutely sure you are answering the right question – check your answer booklet. If you find you’re taking too much time over one question, mark it, leave it and move on. You can always come back to it later. Or if you don’t know, just leave it blank – there are no points taken away. Of course, if you’re not completely sure, you might want to guess your way through. Then, make educated guesses.

Do a process of elimination and circle the answer you think is most likely. Pick the easy questions or the ones you know and are absolutely sure of first and then go on to the tougher ones. For those, you can always resort to the test booklet if you want scratch paper. Finally, keep a cool head and it’s half the battle won! Click here to subscribe to this blog

Sitting for SAT

The day dawns and you know it’s a day of distress. If you have to get admission into any college in the United States of America, you have to sit for this test. Granted, you feel nervous and worried whether you’ll make it, but giving way to panic is the last thing you want to do. Here are a few tips to make it through that day – and make it through well!

Get lots of sleep…that’s right. You need to stay calm and you need to be in the peak of health so you need the sleep. Dress well, with cool clothes over which you should wear something warm in case it is freezing. You need to feel comfortable and you just can’t predict how it’s going to be!

Get to the SAT center well before time so you’re not rushing around at the last minute. Go a couple of days early and check out the place in case it is in unfamiliar territory. Check your bag before you leave home to make sure you have taken everything you need. Be sure to check if your photo ID, admission ticket, pencils, etc are packed. Then take a deeeeeep breath and walk into that center, confident that you are going to do your best!

Comprehending Better

When you are answering questions in the comprehension section, make sure that your answers are reasonable. Don’t answer a question that gives your opinion or your perception because no one will probably be interested. Follow a chronological order and don’t flit from one point to another.

Especially in long answers, see that there is a logical flow and that it is not too rambling and general. You have to strike a balance between being too specific and being vague.

Try not to answer in absolutes as very often you’ll find that the answers are wrong. Also, be very careful about numbers and causal relationships. Read through your answers to make sure they ring true. Don’t ever force an answer. Look at another answer or try looking at it from another angle.

If you are asked an opinion about the author of the text, do keep in mind that a lot of thought has gone into the topic by people who are serious about their work so do not be dismissive and brush them off with derogatory descriptions. Try to get a fix on what the author’s viewpoint or position is, and you will find it easier to find the answers.