SAT test preparation roadmap for beginners in 7 steps

Making a plan plays a very important role instead of studying aimlessly. Therefore, ETEST Study Abroad English would like to advise SAT candidates to use their time reasonably about 24 weeks before the official exam and activate their “fighting” energy for 6 hours/week.

Did you know that 90% universities in the US require SAT 1370 or higher as a mandatory entrance exam if you want to apply for a scholarship? Not only in the US, nowadays, a good SAT score also helps increase the competitive advantage of your scholarship application when studying abroad in Canada, Australia, UK, Singapore and European countries.

SAT Study Path It's not easy. With a large amount of history and math knowledge, you need an academic English foundation of IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80 to be able to study SAT well. Grade 10 is the right stage for you to start approaching SAT. Let's take a look at 7 steps to start the journey SAT test preparation The right way for beginners shared from teachers at ETEST English for Study Abroad – SAT 1600/1600 record holder shared.

How to start studying for the SAT?

Analysis and assessment of capacity

The first step to getting the best assessment is to sign up for a SAT exam nearest official site and purchase the Question-and-Answer Service (QAS) or Student Answer Service (SAS).

These services will then provide you with the most understandable analysis of your knowledge, strengths and weaknesses. This is often the time when students feel nervous about whether they can achieve high scores in the exam or not as well as a little anxiety is a normal psychological state.

To save money, you can register for a free SAT practice test organized by ETEST ENGLISH every week. The test is selected from the real SAT test in 2021 and the results are evaluated by the Academic Director at ETEST to clearly identify the strengths and weaknesses of each section of the test: Math and Reading and Writing.

Arrange your SAT study schedule

SAT math is the math you learned in high school, and if you don't cram it in before applying to college (November of 12th grade), the best time to study for the SAT is from 10th grade. When planning your study schedule, calculate based on the actual amount of schoolwork and determine the majority of your time during the week to study. A useful tip is to allocate 45 minutes to 2 hours for each study session.

More or less can gradually reduce learning efficiency. For a specific example, you can choose to study on Monday from 20:15-21:15, Thursday and Friday from 20:30-21:15, Saturday from 9:00 – 12:00 and Sunday from 14:00 – 16:30, so you have more than 6 hours of practice with SAT in 1 week.

According to Mr. Ngo Pham Hoang Duy - an SAT student at ETEST who had an exceptional increase in his SAT score from 1100 to 1500 in just 3 months, "you can apply the Pomodoro rule, focus on studying for 25 minutes and take a 5-minute break, then return to that process until the end of a study session. This helps you concentrate well but still have time to rest for yourself, without pressure".

Don't worry too much about making your first schedule perfect, as the first draft will always have flaws like when you'll be home to practice, when you'll eat dinner, etc. but make a habit of updating your schedule every week and making sure it's "good enough".

If you have more time in the week, choose more time to study and if you have less time, try to study as much as possible. During the study process, prepare and prioritize this time to focus more. Arrange all the materials within reach and without any distractions: Facebook, Instagram or phone. If you like music, you can choose to listen to Baroque music to stimulate the thinking process.

SAT test preparation resources

The next step is to choose SAT test preparation materialsThe best book to choose is the Official SAT Study Guide, which provides the most comprehensive guide to the SAT, along with practice SAT tests (which you can also download from the College Board website).

For Reading, choose Erica Meltzer's book on SAT Reading or Princeton Cracking the SAT. For Writing & Language, choose Erica Meltzer's books and College Panda. And for Math, just College Panda.

If you prefer to experience SAT practice tests on a computer, you can choose Khan Academy.

Analyze the results

Now that you have some practice time and selected your materials, it is time to go back to your QAS or SAS service to identify the types of questions you are most likely to make mistakes on. Next, use the Appendix from Erica Meltzer’s book to look up the answers you are missing.

So what’s the benefit of this? You can use the Appendix and determine the frequency of incorrect answers for each question type. Once you’ve done your research and sorted the incorrect answer types from most to least incorrect, you’ll know where to start.

The first day of school after sorting out the errors will include doing the chapters in the Workbook related to the most frequently missed questions. You can spend the first 2 hours on Writing, then the next 2 hours on Reading, and finally 2 hours on Math.

The first phase of learning will be to work through these chapters until you have mastered each section. Once you have completed all the frequently-mistaken chapters, you are ready to move on to the next phase.

The second phase will be a combination of the lesson chapters and practice tests. The third phase will be mostly practice tests. With a 24-week study plan, you will spend 6 weeks on each phase.

If you are short on time, shorten each stage or extend each stage if you have extra time. As you work through the chapters and practice tests, try to redo the questions you get wrong.

Most of you tend to underestimate or skip the process of reviewing and re-doing questions, because you think that just pondering and doing as many questions as possible is the best. However, this is actually ineffective, because almost ⅔ of the learning process should be reviewing and reviewing questions regularly.

Real-world testing

Good revision will show your progress, but you need to make sure all of this is also reflected on test day. ETEST Study Abroad English recommends that you take the SAT at least twice, once to get used to the pressure of the test room and the way it is tested, and once for your decisive test.

Some colleges will apply the SAT Superscore to candidates. This means choosing the highest component scores from all your SAT tests, which is the superscore. For example, if you take the SAT twice and your Reading & Writing scores are 590 and 640, the school will choose the highest score (640) and combine it with the highest Math score to give a new total score.

In addition to taking the real test, don’t forget to practice a lot of practice tests yourself. This will help you understand how each section of the test is organized and what you need to do. There are 10 practice tests available on the College Board website, so you can try each test for a week. Make sure you practice the tests as if they were real tests.

If doing your homework at home isn't for you, try going to the library or finding a quiet place you like. Bring a pencil and a calculator. Turn off your phone. Time yourself carefully for each section.

If possible, do the tests on Saturday mornings. Any incorrect or blank answers on these tests will be useful material for review later.

Sprint phase

The final week of your SAT study plan is a time to consolidate your knowledge and rest. Learning new knowledge is not effective during this period.

What you need to do is make sure everything you “mostly” learned is something you know well. Review your notes. Finish up any work you’re still working on. Get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and exercise.

Official SAT test date

Make sure you get enough sleep before the exam. Prepare your supplies carefully: sharpen your pencils, buy new erasers, replace the batteries in your calculator, and put all your materials aside.

Remember, what you are about to complete is a process of 6 months of hard work, sweat and tears and now you are ready to reap the rewards of SAT1600.

In the early stages of practice, you do not need to focus on time, just try to answer all questions completely and correctly. After practicing accuracy successfully, it is time to push yourself to the time limit. Each student will have a different way of learning and absorbing knowledge, so there is no general formula for all.

SAT 1500+ exam preparation roadmap at ETEST Study Abroad English

Phase 1: Familiarization & assessment of capacity (target: 400-700)

General Objective:

• Overview of the SAT exam
• Comprehensive presentation SAT test structure (Reading, Writing & Language, Math), SAT test duration and SAT score.

Detailed content:

SAT Introduction & Test Approach:

• Visual presentation of exam structure, time and grading scale through slides, charts and real-life examples from previous years.
• Instructions on how to manage time and use “answer selection tips” for Reading & Writing; “quick calculation” tips for Math.

Get familiar with the basic content of each section:

Reading:

• Introduce basic question types.
• Practice reading a sample passage, noting main ideas and details directly on the board.

Writing:

Introduces basic grammar errors (subject-verb, punctuation, conjunctions) with illustrative examples.

Math:

• Review basic calculations; sample exercises on unit conversions, ratios, and percentages.
• Introduces simple SAT problem formats and takes live sample tests.

Initial capacity assessment:

• Organize sample tests in class for each section.
• Analyze results, identify students' strengths and weaknesses.
• Build a "Personal Learning Map" to guide the next review stages.

Note: Students will be instructed on how to use the web test system at https://sat.etest.edu.vn/ to do automated tests and compare results.

Phase 2: Building core knowledge (goal: 700-1000)

General Objective:

• Reinforce and expand the background knowledge introduced in phase 1.
• Develop text analysis and reasoning skills for the Reading & Writing section; extend mathematical knowledge in topics such as algebra, systems of equations, inequalities, equivalent expressions and basic geometry.

Detailed content:

Reading & Writing:

Text structure analysis:

• Learn to identify the parts of an essay (introduction, body, conclusion).
• Determine the author's purpose and how information is logically arranged through transitions.

Command of Evidence:

• Detailed instructions on how to “get evidence” from a passage to support your statement:
• Command of Evidence: Textual (direct quote)
• Command of Evidence: Inferences
• Command of Evidence: Quantitative for numerical reports, charts with text.

Words in Context & Vocabulary:

Improve vocabulary, analyze word meaning based on context in complex texts.

Writing skills:

Practice writing logically structured paragraphs, using evidence appropriately, and correcting advanced grammar errors

Math:

Algebra & Functions:

• Learn to solve Linear Equations & Functions, build tables of values and draw graphs (use calculators to help draw graphs when needed).
• Solve Systems of Equations & Inequalities using basic methods (substitution, algebraic addition).
• Practice transforming expressions through Equivalent Expressions and introduce Nonlinear equations problems
• Get familiar with Nonlinear functions with graphical examples and analysis of function characteristics.

Data Analysis & Probability:

• Learn concepts of univariate and bivariate data, working with graphs, means, variances.
• Review Ratios, Rates, Proportions, Percents, and Units through real-world problems.
• Start with Probability and conditional probability through applied examples and combinatorial exercises.

Geometry:

• Introduction to basic shapes: properties of lines, angles, triangles, circles and volume.
• Learn to calculate area and volume using formulas; apply basic trigonometric theorems to right triangles (Pythagoras, sin, cos, tan).
• Sampling Methods and Design Evaluation: Learn how to design surveys, sampling methods, and handle statistical errors.

Phase 3: Practice questions & practice test-taking skills (target: 1000-1300)

General Objective:

• Transition from theoretical learning to real test practice, helping students get used to time pressure and effective SAT test-taking strategies.
• Analyze the test thoroughly, help students identify mistakes and complete a "Personal Learning Map" to adjust their review strategy.

Detailed content:

Reading & Writing practice test and assessment:

• Organize mini practice tests for Reading & Writing, with simulated questions that closely resemble the official test format.
• After each test, the instructor analyzes each question on the board, explains the reasons for choosing answers, and points out improvement strategies (e.g., how to choose answers, eliminate wrong answers).
• Students discuss in groups and draw their own conclusions from their work.

Test and Evaluation (Math):

Students take a practice test, then the instructor analyzes in detail through illustrated examples on the board, shares quick calculation tips, and step-by-step solutions for the following types of problems: algebra, systems of equations, geometry, and basic probability.

Group problem solving workshop:

• Organize group discussion sessions where students present their problem solutions on the board, comment and give feedback directly.
• Integrated use of web test system:
• Students will take additional practice tests on the center's web test system at https://sat.etest.edu.vn/.

The results from the system will be compared and used to evaluate progress and adjust the “Personal Learning Map” accordingly.

Phase 4: Final review & assessment (target: 1300-1600)

General Objective:

• Synthesize and consolidate all the knowledge learned in previous stages, including test-taking strategies, quick calculation tips, and time management methods during the exam.
• Reinforce SAT test-taking strategies for both Reading & Writing and Math, especially time management and tips for effective test-taking under pressure.
• Prepare mentally and strategically for exam day through comprehensive practice tests that closely resemble the official exam.

Detailed content:

Comprehensive review of Reading & Writing:

• The instructor summarizes strategies, test-taking tips, and key points of the Reading & Writing section.
• Organize comprehensive mock tests according to SAT test official, limited time.
• Analyze the test in detail, comment and adjust the review and test-solving strategy for the exam day.

Math review:

• Summarize important formulas, quick calculation tips and explain problem solving methods for all topics learned (algebra, systems of equations, geometry, probability, ...)
• Organize comprehensive Math practice tests, covering all topics learned from arithmetic, algebra, geometry to probability.

Personal advice and feedback:

Instructors hold individual (or small group) consultation sessions to update each student's review progress, answer questions, and provide final exam strategies.

Using web test system:

Students complete practice tests on the web test system (https://sat.etest.edu.vn/) to evaluate overall test-taking ability, compare results and automatically record progress through each stage.

Summary of Offline Course at ETEST Study Abroad English Center

SAT test preparation roadmap This offline course is divided into 4 clear stages, helping students from “zero” Build a solid foundation, develop analytical skills and take the SAT comprehensively. Through each stage, students will:

• Phase 1: Get familiar with the test, build awareness and initial orientation based on competency assessment.
• Phase 2: Reinforce core knowledge through in-depth lectures and practical exercises, developing analytical and reasoning skills.
• Phase 3: Switch to practice tests, practice test-taking skills, time management, and get feedback to adjust your strategy.
• Phase 4: Comprehensive review and preparation for the official exam, with close-to-the-stakes tests and personal consultation to help complete each student's "Learning Map".

In addition, the web test system at https://sat.etest.edu.vn/ Integrated into the roadmap, helping students self-evaluate progress, compare results and receive detailed feedback from the center, an effective support tool for the review process.

How to effectively prepare for the SAT?

Studying effectively on your own for the SAT is not easy. Accordingly, you need to grasp the SAT test preparation experience shared by those who have gone before.

No Ambiguity About the SAT

The first and most basic experience to learn how to self-study SAT effectively is that you need to grasp the information about this exam, including the content and specific test format. Accordingly, the SAT includes math and reading - writing sections. Many candidates think that just by reviewing based on the knowledge they have learned as well as how to calculate and reason, they can complete the exam well.

However, this is a misconception that makes you ignore the important thing which is learning new vocabulary. In the SAT, new words are academic and professional words with the ability to review 30 words a day within 3 months to be able to pass the SAT with a relative score.

Choosing materials to review and making a specific and reasonable review plan is something you need to research carefully to find out which is suitable for your level so that you can go to the US more quickly and conveniently.

Memorize SAT terms and related topics

You can learn the SAT by yourself by referring to free online courses and self-studying mainly. As mentioned above, the most important thing in the SAT is new words as well as academic words, reviewing thoroughly every day to master them is never unnecessary.

However, you need to set specific goals as well as suitable review methods for yourself so that you can study well without forgetting quickly.

Understand the author's messages

When you are ready to write your first practice essay, you need to make sure that you understand the passage and the nature of the argument the author is trying to make. Not just the topic or your position on it.

It's best to underline important transition words and think about how they contribute to the author's overall point. Highlight key phrases, power words, and other key points when you encounter them.

Take time to plan your SAT prep.

Constructing an essay will require careful and thoughtful preparation. You need to make sure that you are answering the actual question and not taking it out of the course. Then, taking a few minutes at the beginning of the essay to formulate your answer will save you a lot of time in editing after you have finished the draft.

Need to write concise, coherent and tight essay

A long enough SAT essay will get you a high score. That’s why you need to pack your ideas into three pages. If you’ve planned it well, you’ll have enough to say without feeling overwhelmed or searching for additional ideas. If your handwriting is larger than the standard size, practice writing smaller and using all the space you have.

Don't forget to practice the full official exam questions from previous years! A personalized roadmap will help you gain experience in preparing for the SAT and have a study plan that best suits your time and cost savings. Coming to ETEST Study Abroad English, students are equipped with SAT theory knowledge and a library of practice exercises from real exams.

In particular, the SAT teachers at ETEST English Language Study Abroad graduated from the world's leading universities and studied at specialized high schools with experience participating in SAT exams, international exams... will guide you on how to think, understand the intentions and psychology of the test takers. From there, give the correct answer to achieve the target score.

If you are still wondering about SAT test preparation course, please contact us to receive the most accurate advice about SAT course at ETEST English Study Abroad today!