SAT test preparation guide
Choosing the right book, making a schedule, and reviewing skills
Mar 18, 2007
Getting Started
The first step to take in preparing a child for the SAT begins in early reading instruction. A strong reader is constantly exposed to challenges to reading comprehension and vocabulary building by being in the widest variety of reading material possible over time.
Choosing the right book
That being said, find and buy one of the widely available SAT preparation books. Select one with several practice tests, lengthy answer explanations, sections on question types and test-taking strategies, and reference sections for vocabulary, grammar, and math skills review. Extras to look for based on the student’s learning style and to add variety to the study sessions include pre-printed vocabulary flashcards, and CD/ROM test preparation software that can be motivating to students who enjoy using computers, or who may have difficulty focusing during paper-and-pen only sessions. Buying a book is ultimately more practical in the long run as the test changes quite frequently, it can be written in, highlighted, and bookmarked to personalize the student’s learning. Individualizing the book using these techniques makes study time more efficient, teaches valuable study skills in general, and helps the student take ownership over the learning.
Making a plan
Check test registration deadlines and test taking dates with the school’s guidance department or online at the College Board page. Make a study plan based on the amount of time until the test date.
Long-term plan
If there is a year before the exam, plan to take four or five entire practice tests, focus on all test areas and question types, review all vocabulary, grammar, and math skills, and write several practice essays. Consider additional reading practice and assignments by looking for additional test preparation books or through free reading in a wide variety of genres. A fun novel about a freshman in college solving a mystery is Tooth and Nail, written by Charles Harrington Elster and utilizing the most common words appearing on past SAT exams.
Mid-range plan
If there are a few months before the exam such as the summer before the student’s junior year in high school (when families typically begin considering college plans and admissions), plan a more targeted approach. This mid-range prep should include two or three entire practice exams. A review should include only the test sections and question types answered incorrectly. Why study what is already known? Also include vocabulary review but in a more narrow way, by studying word parts: prefixes, roots, and suffixes and their meanings that will help the student recognize unfamiliar vocabulary words on the exam. Often just knowing whether a word has a positive or negative meaning can help a student eliminate incorrect answers and lead to making a more educated guess. A practical handbook including word parts and standardized test prep as well as a writing and grammar guide for student reference is Writer’s Inc.
Short-term plan
Finally, if it’s only a month until test time, focus the preparation even more by administering only one practice test, reviewing the answer explanations, question types and strategies, and word parts/vocabulary review. No matter the time frame for preparation, maintain a positive demeanor, build the student’s confidence and model a positive outlook as they prepare for the test day.
For more information:
Making a college admissions plan
