Understanding the structure and format of the SAT

Part of what makes tests like the SAT scary is that they are unknown. Even if you are used to taking standardized or multiple choice tests, you have probably never taken a test exactly like the SAT before. That's because unlike most tests that you've taken in high school, the SAT tests skills, not knowledge. In addition, the SAT is a four-hour long marathon, and in order to succeed on the test, you must be able to do just as well on the last section of the test as you do on the first.

In order to achieve a high score on the SAT, you must be able to apply your critical reading, writing, and math skills to the types of questions that appear on the test. Mastering the structure and format of the test is essential for SAT success, and the best way to develop SAT mastery is through structured and guided practice. That's why every inlingua Test Preparation course features extensive diagnostic and practice testing. Because the more familiar you are with the way the SAT works, the more relaxed and confident you will be on test day. And the more confident you feel on test day, the better you are likely to perform on the SAT.

Time and Section Management

Another key to succeeding on the SAT is managing your time and each section the right way. Unfortunately, many test takers ruin their SAT score because they run out of time and fail to finish one or more sections. After all, getting the first 15 questions of a section right doesn't help much if you never even get to the last 10 questions. Remember, in order to get a good score on the SAT, you don't need to answer all of the questions correctly. If you encounter a question that you just don't understand or are unsure of, don't obsess on it and waste valuable time that would be better spent on questions that are easier for you. For difficult test questions that you just aren't sure about, eliminate as many wrong answer choices as you can, guess among the remaining choices, and move on. If you can't eliminate any of the answer choices, then skip the question and leave it blank. Remember that on the SAT, wrong answers hurt your score more than unanswered questions do.

And always keep in mind that the easier questions count just as much toward your final score as the more difficult questions do. Smart test takers always take advantage of the format of the test. So when you encounter a really tough question, either eliminate as many wrong answer choices as you can and guess, or skip it and move on to an easier question to gain valuable points, and a higher SAT score.

Being refreshed on Test Day

One final key to succeeding on the SAT is being refreshed and mentally ready on test day. Think you should spend the night before the test cramming to memorize a few more geometry formulas? Think again! Experience has shown that studying the night before the test has little positive effect on your final score- if you have already taken the time to adequately prepare for the test. After completing a thorough inlingua SAT course, you will be more than ready to tackle the SAT on test day. Your best bet is to relax the day before the test, get a great night's sleep, and apply the skills and strategies you've learned in your course to conquer the SAT and get the score you need for college success.