How to Make an SAT Study Plan

Creating an Effective SAT Study Plan for the Digital SAT

Preparing for the SAT can be a daunting task, especially with the transition to the digital format. However, with a well-structured study plan, you can effectively improve your score. This guide will break down the steps to create a personalized SAT study plan based on your target score improvement.

Step 1: Find Your Baseline Score

 Understanding your starting point is essential for effective study planning.

• Take a Full-Length Practice Test: Replicate real testing conditions to take a full-length practice SAT test. This means timing yourself, minimizing distractions, and simulating the testing environment as closely as possible.

• Calculate Your Score: After completing the practice test, use the official scoring guidelines to calculate your score. This will provide a clear picture of your current performance and areas needing improvement.

  
  

Step 2: Set a Target Score

Determining how much you want to improve your score is crucial for tailoring your study plan.

• Identify Your Goal: Establish a specific SAT goal score based on the 25th and 75th percentile scores of your target colleges. The 25th percentile score represents the score that 25% of admitted students achieved or below, indicating a lower threshold for admission, while the 75th percentile score represents the score that 75% of admitted students achieved or below, indicating a higher threshold. Aim for a score that is at or above the 75th percentile to enhance your chances of acceptance.

• Determine Improvement Needed: Calculate the difference between your current score and your target score to understand how much you need to improve.

  
  

Step 3: Calculate Study Hours Needed

Once you have your baseline score and target score, you can estimate how much study time you will need.

• Determine Improvement Range: For example, if you need a 0-30 point improvement, you should plan to study approximately 10 hours. Adjust your study hours based on the improvement needed:

  • 0-30 points: 10 hours

  • 30-70 points: 20 hours

  • 70-130 points: 40 hours

  • 130-200 points: 80 hours

  • 200-330 points: 150+ hours

    
    

  • Don't be discouraged by these estimates, certain strategies/filling in holes in your knowledge can improve your score drastically

    
    

Step 5: Create a Study Schedule

With your current score and target in mind, it's time to create a study schedule.

• Choose a Study Duration: Depending on how much you want to improve, allocate a realistic timeframe (e.g., 6 weeks, 3 months).

• Daily Study Time: Decide how many hours per week you can dedicate to studying and break it down into daily sessions.

• Balance Subjects: Allocate time for each section of the SAT based on your initial assessment.

  
  

• Khan Academy can help you create a study plan: https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat-reading-and-writing/x0d47bcec73eb6c4b:about-the-sat/x0d47bcec73eb6c4b:preparing-for-the-sat/a/creating-an-sat-prep-plan

• PrepScholar provides sample schedules: https://blog.prepscholar.com/sat-study-plan

• ChatGPT can also be helpful

  
  

Step 6: Gather Study Materials

Having the right resources is essential for effective studying.

• Official SAT Prep Materials: Use materials from the College Board, including practice tests and study guides.

• Online Resources: Explore platforms like Khan Academy for personalized practice and instructional videos.

• Books and Workbooks: Consider SAT prep books that provide strategies and practice questions.

  
  

Step 7: Implement Study Techniques

Utilize effective study techniques to maximize your learning.

• Active Learning: Engage with the material by summarizing notes, teaching concepts to others, or discussing topics in study groups.

• Practice Questions: Regularly complete practice questions and full-length tests to build familiarity with the format and timing.

• Review Mistakes: After each practice session, thoroughly review your incorrect answers to understand your mistakes.

  
  

Step 8: Monitor Your Progress

Tracking your progress is essential to staying motivated and adjusting your study plan as needed.

• Regular Practice Tests: Take full-length practice tests every few weeks to measure improvement.

• Adjust Study Plan: If certain areas are not improving, consider re-evaluating your study methods or dedicating more time to those sections.

  
  

Step 9: Final Review and Test Day Preparation

As the test date approaches, focus on final preparations.

• Review Key Concepts: Spend the last few weeks reinforcing your knowledge and reviewing key strategies.

• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Develop strategies to manage test anxiety, such as deep breathing or visualization.

• Logistics: Confirm test day details, including what to bring and how to get to the testing center.

  
  

Conclusion

Creating an effective SAT study plan for the digital SAT requires careful assessment, goal setting, and consistent practice. By following these steps and tailoring your study plan to your specific needs, you can increase your chances of achieving your desired score. Remember, dedication and persistence are key to your success!