Tip #1: Look for wrong answers
You’re sitting in the exam hall, trying to figure out which choice is the correct one in the latest SAT exam paper and you just can’t figure it out. Don't worry, it happens. But if you know which options are definitely wrong and you cross them out, you will significantly increase your chances of getting the question right. This is called the elimination process and it works like a charm. Since you aren't penalized for wrong answers on the SAT exam, you should always guess, even if it means choosing an answer at random.
Tip#2: Know what kind of questions you find difficult
In the latest SAT exam papers, questions are not arranged in order of difficulty (so easier questions do not come before the hard ones in the SAT exam paper). Instead, it’s important to identify the type of questions that YOU find easy or hard. Remember, you’re not scored on the number of questions you solve, rather you’re scored on how many questions you answer correctly. So, spend more time on the questions you find easy (solve them first) and ensure the answers you select are correct. This ensures that you gain more marks on the SAT exam. You should then proceed to the difficult problems.
Tip#3: Make the most of your SAT Exam Booklet
You paid for the test booklet, personalize it. Scratch work is extremely important on the SAT. Don't be embarrassed about it—writing in your SAT test booklet will help you keep stay focused. Take any notes that you wish, mark up geometry diagrams, etc. Keeping track of your work directly on the page will help you avoid silly and avoidable mistakes.
When you answer a question but aren't entirely confident in your choice, circle the question or put a big question mark next to it. That way, if you have time to go back at the end of the section, you can find the question easily and quickly.
Tip#4: Attempt SAT Practice Tests and Figure Out Why You're Getting Questions Wrong
Taking SAT practice tests before you give the actual exam is one of the most useful ways of boosting your score on the SAT exam. It can tell you a lot about where you're going wrong and how to improve. To help you, we have 7 COMPLETE SAT PRACTICE TESTS with answers. Fewer wrong answers + more knowledge = higher SAT score.
Tip#5: Look for patterns in your mistakes
Did you find that you make a lot of careless mistakes which can be easily avoided? If so, you might need to slow down. Do you lose focus because of confusing verbiage or misleading content? Keep an eye out for these types of tricks in future questions and make notes on your exam. Don't understand a concept or topic? Understand the reason behind WHY you got a particular question wrong, was it because you weren’t entirely sure about the concept being tested? Or was the question written in a confusing way? Identify your mistakes and write them down on a piece of paper. Next time when you solve a SAT practice paper, keep the list in front of you and make sure you don’t repeat the same mistakes as last time. Still aren’t sure about a particular topic or need more help with the SAT exam paper practice? Don’t worry, our expert SAT instructors are here to help with any doubts that you may have. Just leave your question in the comment section below.