Effective test-taking strategies can greatly improve your performance on the SAT. Here are some general strategies to help you approach the exam:

Time Management

• The SAT is a timed exam, so managing your time is crucial. The best way to approach time management is to practice under timed conditions.
• For the Reading and Writing sections, try to allocate around 13 minutes per passage to answer all the questions.
• For the Math section, try to spend an average of 1-2 minutes per question, but if you find a question too difficult, move on and come back to it later.
• Keep an eye on the clock! Don’t spend too much time on a single question if you’re stuck—skip and come back to it.

Handling Test Anxiety

• It’s natural to feel anxious during the SAT. To manage this, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization before the exam.
• Maintain a calm demeanor. If you start to feel stressed during the test, take a deep breath and focus on one question at a time.
• Confidence is key. Even if you’re unsure about a question, make an educated guess. There is no penalty for incorrect answers.

Answering Questions Efficiently:

• For multiple-choice questions, eliminate obviously incorrect answers first. This gives you a better chance of guessing correctly.
• Read each question carefully before looking at the answer choices. Sometimes the wording of the question can provide important hints about the correct answer.
• Skip difficult questions and move on to easier ones. After completing the easier ones, return to the more challenging questions if time permits.