By: Matthew Rutkowski 

     The window for Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) testing is open, and how you prepare can determine how you do on the test. Taking practice tests and practicing questions from sections you could improve on can be key to obtaining your dream score on the test. 

     Furthermore, the SAT can be seen as a rigorous and stress-inducing test. It is important to not let the thought of the test overwhelm you. The test requires extensive focus and awareness of what is being asked. Ms. Crystal Howe, the ELA Department Head for Eisenhower, was interviewed by The Squire and advised students to “eat a good breakfast and arrive to the test early, since, most likely, they’re testing at an unfamiliar location” and “practice time management ahead of time so they don’t feel rushed and feel confident.” If you stay calm and work smoothly through the test, you are already putting yourself in a good position for a good score.  

      Additionally, the SAT is a standardized test that has an unchanging format. This test consists of a Reading and Writing section with 54 questions and a Math section with 44 questions. These two sections are timed, with 64 minutes given for the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes given for the Math section. If you do exceptionally well on one section of the test, your score on this section will likely stay constant or increase if you take the test again. If you don’t do well on a section of the test, you should practice questions from this section if you plan to take the test again. Sometimes it takes as little as knowing how questions are formatted to significantly increase your score on a section. Ms. Howe commented, “Most students improve on their second attempt, just because they’re more comfortable with the format of the test.” 

    Moreover, Khan Academy is a great resource for practicing questions from sections of the test that you could improve on. This website is sponsored by College Board, the organization that makes the test, and provides questions that have the same format as those on the SAT. It gives you immediate feedback after answering each question, enabling you to have an idea of your fluency with the questions as you are practicing them. Taking full-length practice tests on the College Board website can give you insight on how you are improving in areas where you are practicing. There are a limited number of these practice tests available, so make sure you make them meaningful in determining where you are at.  

     Being knowledgeable of the test material and putting effort into practicing can set you up for a good score on the SAT.