Tips from a Senior: Do your best on the SATs

By: Logan Lichatz

We all stress out for the one day where our score on a three hour scantron test can determine the next part of our life. SATs have become a huge selling point for you to get into college: if a college sees good test scores on your resume the chances are good that your going to get in. 

But how do you prepare for the biggest test of your high school career? These five steps can help!

1. Practice SAT problems.
Make Khan Academy your best friend and use this site all the time to help you get used to the type of questions asked on the SAT. Also, use the SAT time in your classes to get used to the timed portion of the test.

​2. SAT preparatory classes (through the Wethersfield Adult Education Program).
There's nothing better than getting professional help from a trained SAT teacher. Although it may cost a little money, it's worth it, they teach you how to approach each question and give you good strategies. The SAT classes are also not that time consuming sometimes they’re only once or twice a week.

3. Prepare yourself the night of and morning before your SAT.
Use the night before to do some last minute studying and have a good dinner. After having a nice dinner get to bed early enough to between 8-10 hours of good sleep. Wake up an hour before the SAT doors open and make sure to have a good breakfast.

4. Relax.
Although this will be one of the most stressful times, you need to take a mental moment to relax. Don't stress yourself out too much. Stay relaxed and comfortable throughout the test and remember that you can take the test multiple times and “superscore” (combining your best English and Math scores).

5. Assemble everything you need for the SAT.
Make sure you have a calculator and two #2 pencils. Also it would be ideal for you to bring a little snack or two, there's nothing worse than getting hungry throughout the test and not being able to go get something to eat.
Doing these steps won't guarantee that you'll have the best score but you will most definitely feel more prepared to take the test if you do.
Happy Testing!

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