Important SAT Update: Transition to Digital SAT
Effective December 3, 2023, the traditional paper-and-pencil format of the SAT has been discontinued. Starting in 2024, all students are required to take the Digital SAT, ushering in substantial changes in duration, format, material coverage, and question types. This shift to the Digital SAT represents a departure from traditional testing methods. It is crucial for students, educators, and test-takers to acquaint themselves with the new examination structure. Read more about the Digital SAT here.
Get Higher Test Scores with Online SAT® Prep from UWorld
Taking the SAT is one of the most important steps during high school, since a higher score makes it more likely that you’ll get accepted by your top choices of colleges and universities. That’s why it is absolutely critical that you knock it out of the park. Unfortunately, even the best students often struggle with the SAT, which can limit their college options.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Hard work and the right SAT test prep can get you the test scores you need! Here are some of the most common questions about the SAT, as well as a few expert SAT prep tips:
How Should I Prepare for the SAT?
In order to succeed on the SAT, you must thoroughly prepare. But what does that look like?
The first thing to consider is that your course of action should be based upon your academic strengths and weaknesses. The SAT is divided into two sections: 1) Math and 2) Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. There is also an optional essay. We will delve further into each of these sections based upon when they will appear on your SAT.
The first section that appears on your SAT is Reading. This section is comprised of five passages with 52 total multiple-choice questions. The time limit is 65 minutes. In this section, test takers are asked to analyze five passages of varying difficulty. Each passage will then be followed by 10 or 11 questions on a variety of topics, including the perspective of the author, what a particular word means in the context of the text, and questions about the purpose of the text.
The next section that will appear on your SAT is Writing and Language. This section contains four passages with 44 total multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 35 minutes. In this section of the SAT, test takers are given a multitude of questions regarding a text. These questions range from comma usage, to correct word choice, the relevance of a sentence within a text, and more. In order to succeed, this section requires an excellent sense of how to apply the English language.
Finally, there is the Math portion of the SAT. There are two sections within this part of the SAT: The non-calculator portion and the calculator portion. The non-calculator portion is comprised of 20 total questions, 15 multiple choice and five grid-in. The calculator portion has 38 total questions, 30 multiple choice and eight grid-in. These questions cover a variety of topics, including basic algebra skills, data and statistics, advanced mathematical topics, and more.
The SAT essay is an optional portion of the exam. If you choose to take it, you have 50 minutes to complete the entire essay. Upon completion, it will be graded in three sections with a maximum total score of 24.
To achieve the test scores that you desire, it is critical to prep diligently for the SAT. There are several ways that you can start preparing.
- Study Groups: Find friends and classmates and set aside time to get together and work through an online test-prep question bank together.
- Practice Tests: Both the SAT and ACT offer downloadable practice tests. These are helpful tools that will familiarize yourself with your upcoming test.
- Online Prep Course: Online test prep, like the kind UWorld offers, is the test prep method with the highest impact. Because it is completely digital, you can answer questions, receive explanations, get self-assessments and score predictors – all on the go. Whether you have set aside on hour of study time or you only have a few minutes in the car, you can utilize UWorld’s question bank at any time.
Using these resources to drill down on your weakest areas is the best way to prep for your SAT.
When Should I Start Preparing for the SAT Test?
It is never too early to begin SAT prep. Most high school students take the SAT during their junior year. Therefore, we recommend that you begin prepping for your test towards the end of your sophomore year. Getting yourself familiarized with sample questions will help you greatly. You should really ramp up your studying around three months before the exam.
What Kind of SAT Prep Does UWorld Offer?
One of the very best assets to use while studying for the SAT is UWorld. Our online SAT prep offers a wide variety of practice questions at varying difficulty levels. This is specifically designed to help test takers be prepared for anything that might be thrown at them on test day.
Remember that with plenty of hard work you can achieve amazing SAT scores. And with UWorld’s SAT practice tests and tools, you can increase your chances of getting your best score. Sign up today!
