Note：The author is a 11th grader at Massachusetts

The SAT test is one of the many standardized tests that high school students have to take in order to attend colleges. The test divides into four sections: Critical Reading, Writing, Math, and Essay. There are two small parts within the Math Section: No-Calculator Section and Calculator-based Section. The Critical Reading Section has 52 questions and gives students 65 minutes to finish; the Writing Section has 44 questions and gives students 35 minutes to finish; the Math section has 58 questions and gives students 80 minutes to finish (25 minutes and 20 questions for the No-Calculator Section, 55 minutes and 38 questions for the Calculator-based section). It should be noted that the Essay Section is optional.

 While it indeed is achallenging test, there are some useful tips that might help students ace the tests. This passage will show you the most useful tips while preparing and taking the SAT test.

What should you do if you are preparing the test:

    1. Spend time memorizing vocabulary words

Some people believe that it is useless to remember vocabulary. However,  both Writing and Reading Sections test students’ vocabulary range. In addition, it would be tough to write a good essay if students’ vocabulary is limited.

 Unlike the Old Sat test which focuses on arcane and obscure words, the New Sat Test tends to test relatively simpler vocabulary words. These so-called easy words, however, usually have more than one meaning and the SAT often tests the unacquainted one.  For example, the word “husband” means “to use cautiously and frugally” when it is a verb. As a result, it is important for test-takers to understand every vocabulary word thoroughly.

    2.  Regulate your time

I have heard lots of students complaining that they couldn’t finish their tests on time. However, we could increase our speed by practicing. During the test, students have approximately 13 minutes for each passage, and therefore we could set a timer while practicing to imitate the exam’s atmosphere.

I would suggest students finish answering a passage within 11minutes so that they could have time checking and filling their answer sheets. Students would also obtain more confidence if they were ahead of time.

What should you do if you are taking the test:

    1. Answer every question.

There are several differences between the Old SAT test and the New SAT test. One such change that people need to pay attention to is that the New SAT abolishes guess penalty. This meant that test-takers wouldn’t lose points if they chose the incorrect answer. Therefore, students should fill in every bubble in their answer sheet.

    2. Do not spend too much time on one question.

It is common that students might encounter questions they don’t know on the test. Students should skip these questions and keep answering other questions. They might redo it after answering all questions and filling the answer sheets if time allows.

    3. Save time to fill the answer sheet!

    4. Take the Essay Section

While it is a personal choice, I highly suggest students take the Essay Section. First, many prestigious colleges--for example, the Amherst College--recommend students to take the Essay Section. In addition, the College Board might gives students additional sections to take if students chose not to take the Essay Section.

Two useful tips for the Writing Section:

1.  If you couldn’t figure out the correct answer, the preferable choice may always bethe most succinct answer. In fact, briefness is always wanted as long as theoverall structure of the sentence is correct,

2. Always look back to at least one sentence ahead. For most ofthe time, there should be some hints in the previous sentence that could helpyou locate the correct answer. 

   
   

GOOD LUCK!

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