Even to take a practice test, you need to prepare the conditions like the actual test day. Same goes for the SAT and all other international exams. This will actually help you get in the test-mode and take the test seriously. Here are some tips on how you can create exam-day like settings
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Reserve 3 hours and 50 minutes of uninterrupted time
You need to complete the entire test in one sitting. Note: The total testing time for the redesigned SAT is 3 hours and 50 minutes with the optional essay, but you save 50 minutes if you choose to omit the optional essay. So you can choose to take the test in 3 hours as well.
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Clear your table of any papers or books
Since you aren’t allowed to take a dictionary, notes, books, or scratch paper into the test room, it is better you practice taking the exam without taking help from those.
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Keep a check on the specified amount of time for each section
Pace yourself by keeping an eye on your watch, and finish each section within the respective specified time. The reason not to use an alarm clock or other audible alarm is that you are allowed to bring only your watch to the test room.
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Use calculator in the math sections for only those questions which allow the use of it
In the redesigned SAT, the use of calculator is allowed for only 37 questions and is not allowed for 20 questions. You need to get used to answering questions without a calculator, so it’s better you start practising in the practice test.
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Read the instructions carefully multiple times before starting the practice test
Every official practice test will have the same instruction set as the actual test. Reading and understanding them before will help you save time on the test day as you will be asked to read them before answering questions. If you have read them before and know the instructions, you can skip doing so later.
Download this guide to read it offline
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Make sure you use an HB pencil
You need to fill in the entire circle on the answer sheet completely. The pencil that is recommended for the purpose is the HB pencil. If you change your answer, make sure to erase it completely.
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Record your answers on paper, then score your test
Use the answer sheet when taking the practise test on paper to mimic the actual testing environment. After completing, you can score the test yourself.
Online Resources
Here are the best resources for practising SAT. These include the official College Board practise tests as well as the most popular preparation material.
Official SAT practice questions - The Official SAT Practice Test for the current SAT is available for you to take. To score the Practice Test, download the Scoring Guide separately.
The Princeton Review International Free Practice Tests - Take the test in person or online. You’ll get a detailed score report that analyzes your strengths and weaknesses and gives you an action plan for improvement.
Manhattan Review SAT Practice Test - Practice test results allow test takers to identify weaknesses and devise a strategy for focusing study on areas that might make the most impact.
Khan Academy SAT practice tests - Download a real, full-length SAT practise test, watch Sal work through real SAT problems, and get even more practice using our interactive questions.
Related articles about the SAT exam
Q: Which are the good books for SAT exam preparation?
Some of the best books for the preparation of SAT exam are:
1. KALLIS' Redesigned SAT Pattern Strategy + 6 Full-Length Practice Tests
2. McGraw-Hill Education SAT 2016
3. Barron's New SAT
4. Princeton Review's Cracking the New SAT
5. Dr. Steve Warner's New SAT Math Problems
6.Dr. Jang's SAT 800 Math Workbook for the New SAT
7. The Complete Guide to SAT Reading by Erica Meltzer
The students are free to choose their SAT prep books and resources and prepare as per their previous knowledge. Also there are materials available online also which can be used for preparation.
Q: What is the importance of SAT books?
SAT books hold a great importance in terms of SAT exam preparation. Applicants who are not comfortable with online prep materials can heavily rely on SAT books for preparation. There are a plethora of SAT books available online or in markets for preparation. SAT books play an important role to understand major concepts, track practice and revise important topics.
Q: Can students prepare from old SAT syllabus books?
Some of the old SAT books or study guides can still prove beneficial, depending upon the topic of preparation for each section. While others can check out some resources on the official website of the College Board and prepare accordingly. The SAT prep tips are not very different from the already existing exam prep strategy. Choose the appropriate SAT books for preparation only after checking out the SAT syllabus and also thoroughly understanding the SAT exam 2023 pattern before finally registering for SAT exam. Here we have curated a list of official resources by the College Board to help you prepare for the new redesigned SAT exam 2023.
Q: Are SAT books for preparation available online?
Yes, there is a lot of SAT exam resource books available online for applicants. Those who want to prepare for SAT exam and are comfortable studying online can download online versions of the books and read them, while the others can order online and prepare accordingly. There are downloadable PDFs also available for applicants who wish to study online and do not want to spend too much on purchasing the expensive books for SAT prep. It is completely up to the applicant whether or not they wish to study in the offline mode or they want to study online with online resources.
Q: What are the best books for SAT Reading and Writing?
The best books for SAT Reading and Writing preparation are given below for reference:
- The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar by Erica L. Meltzer
- The Critical Reader: The Complete Guide to SAT Reading, 3rd Edition
- 2018 SAT Reading: World Literature Practice Book
Apart from these the applicants can look for online resources and materials to help support them with their preparation for SAT Reading and Writing section commonly referred to as RW.
The applicants should also look for mocks and attempt them regularly so that there is enough practice in hand before appearing for the main exam on the set date.
Q: What are the best books for SAT Math?
Some of the best books for SAT Math prep for the year 2023 are as follows:
- PWN The SAT: Math Guide, 4th Edition
- 800 Math Workbook New Edition by Dr. Jang's SAT
- Barron's SAT Math Workbook, 7th Edition
- 500 New SAT Math Problems by Dr. Steve Warner
- Dr John Chung's SAT Math: 63 Perfect Tips and 16 Complete Tests
- SAT Math Workbook
Thus, applicants should choose their books wisely and strategise to work and prepare for SAT Math section questions accordingly.
Q: What are the best books for SAT syllabus for Math section?
Some of the best books to cover SAT syllabus for Math section are as follows:
- PWN The SAT: Math Guide, 4th Edition
- 800 Math Workbook New Edition by Dr. Jang's SAT
- Barron's SAT Math Workbook, 7th Edition
- 500 New SAT Math Problems by Dr. Steve Warner's
Students are free to consult other resources as well, based on their convenience of resource availability. In majority of cases, these books are suficient to cover the entire syllabus for SAT Maths section. More than syllabus coverage, it is important that applicants practice as much as possible and focus on mocks most importantly while preparing.
Q: Does reading books help in scoring better on SAT Reading section?
It is important to grow reading skills as it will help you in your studies ahead irrespective of the study area you choose. Reading should not feel like a task, it can be done as a fun activity. If you love to read novels, read them but you can also add more to it. Like if you love reading science fiction, then also try reading short stories or classic novels as it will widen your horizon. try things that challenge you and just don't restrict yourself to simple plain reads. Thus, it will only prove significant in the long run and not just for scoring higher on the SAT Reading & Writing section.
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
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