SAT Practice Test: Maximizing Your College Preparation

Studying for the SAT is a big task, and you might be wondering where to start. A good way to get yourself into gear is by doing the SAT practice test. In this article, we'll find out the different sections of the SAT as well as the strategies you can follow to boost your SAT score!

What is the SAT?

The SAT is a standardized test used by colleges and universities across different countries to help them evaluate potential students by testing their critical thinking skills. Its goal is to assess a student's ability and readiness for college courses in three academic areas—reading, writing, and math.

SAT: In-depth 

The Reading section has passages that are taken from US and World Literature, History/Social Studies, and Science. Charts, graphs, and tables are some of the graphical data representations that might be used in the passages. 

Below is an example of an SAT question from this section:

Which choice best describes the developmental pattern of the passage?

A) A careful analysis of a traditional practice

B) A detailed depiction of a meaningful encounter

C) A definitive response to a series of questions

D) A cheerful recounting of an amusing anecdote

As for the Writing & Language section, there are 4 passages total, each with 400 to 450 words. The passages range from arguments to nonfiction narratives, with topics such as career paths, history, social studies, the humanities, and science. 

Below is an example of an SAT question from this section:

Which choice most accurately and effectively represents the information in the graph?

A) NO CHANGE

B) to 12 degrees Fahrenheit.

C) to their lowest point on December 13.

D) to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and stay there for months.

The SAT Math is divided into two subsections: a No Calculator part and a Calculator part. The test focuses on three major areas that you will likely encounter in college, including: 

• Heart of Algebra 
• Problem Solving and Data Analysis 
• Passport to Advanced Math 

Below is an example of an SAT question from the No Calculator part: 

Source: SAT Study Guide 2020

How to maximize your SAT practice test

Know your weakness

When doing your SAT practice test for any section, use a timer and have it count down to the allotted time on the real test: 

• 65 minutes for reading
• 35 minutes for writing
• 25 minutes for mathematics with no calculator
• 55 minutes for mathematics with a calculator

If time runs out for that section and you're not done yet, continue working for as long as you need. For every new answer or answer that you change, write down 'Extra Time' for each question.

When you're done, grade your test using the answer key and score chart with two scores:

1. The Real score you got under normal timing conditions
2. The Extra Time score—include the questions you answered or changed during Extra Time

By marking which questions you did under Extra Time, you can find out the score you will get if you were given all the time you needed. In this way, you can figure out where your weaknesses lie.

Understand your mistakes

To greatly improve your SAT score, take the time to understand each mistake you made on your SAT practice test. Find out why you made it and what you will do to avoid it in the future. Here are common SAT mistakes that students make: 

• Content weakness
• Time constraints 
• Question comprehension issue
• Careless mistake 

After finishing your SAT practice test, catalog all the questions you answer incorrectly so you can find the error patterns. 

Preparing for the SAT can be challenging. Whether you've been studying for months or just for a few weeks, answering the SAT practice test can be a good way to improve your content knowledge and boost your confidence on the real test!

Wondering how to maximize your SAT score? Prepare yourself through an initial consultation with ALL-in!

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