Once you have signed up for a test, it is time to figure out a plan to get the score you are looking for. There are a few ways to go about this: a pre-set study schedule or develop your own. Take a look at both to determine the pros and cons and pick the one that is right for you.
Week 1
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- Organize your study location and materials. You will need notecards, paper, and a binder.
- Take a diagnostic test under realistic, timed conditions.
- Score and review your practice tests and take note of what you need to study. Also, write down any unfamiliar vocab. This will take some time, so be realistic!
- Make a master list of topics to study or a “need to study” list for each test section by combining your list from your practice test with the topics covered in a test prep book.
- Using the unfamiliar words from your practice test and some of the reputable SAT vocabulary lists,
- STUDY 10 words a day.
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Week 2
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- Continue making flashcards for and studying additional vocabulary.
- Take another look at the essay you wrote for your practice test. Compare it to the essay examples and determine ways you can improve your writing.
- Look for similarities among the questions you missed in the reading sections of your practice test.
- Spend 10 minutes each day brainstorming a new essay prompt. Keep these in your binder to review later.
- Start to tackle your “need to study” list of math topics. Take clear notes and always include one or two worked out practice problems in your notes. Make flashcards for formulas, counting tricks, definitions, etc as necessary.
- Do one SAT section a day. Don’t forget to score and review each section. Keep your “need to study” list on hand in case you need to add anything.
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Week 3
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- Continue making flashcards for and studying an additional 10 vocab words a day.
- Spend 10 minutes brainstorming one new essay prompt. Review past prompts periodically.
- Do one SAT section a day. Score and review carefully.
- Continue working through your “need to study” list for grammar.
- Continue working through you “need to study” list for math.
- On Saturday morning, take a full, timed practice test under realistic conditions.
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Week 4
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- Take your most recent practice test and review it carefully, updating your “need to study” list as you go.
- Continue making flashcards, and studying 10 vocab words a day.
- Spend 10 minutes each day brainstorming 1 new essay prompt
- Continue tackling your “need to study” list for grammar and math. Review 2-3 topics a day, and alternate between subjects.
- Do one SAT section a day. Score and review carefully, updating your “need to study” list as you go.
- Create master study guides for math and grammar. To do so, write out formulas, facts, tips and rules for the subjects you consistently have trouble with. These study guides should be reviewed before you do any practice.
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Weeks 5 and 6
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- Continue making flashcards and studying 10 vocab words a day.
- Write one essay every other day. Review all of your past essay brainstorms.
- Continue tackling your “need to study” lists for grammar and math. Review 2-3 topics a day and
- alternate between subjects.
- Do one SAT section a day. Sore and review carefully, updating your master study guides if necessary.
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Week 7
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- Study all of your vocab flashcards.
- Continue tackling your “need to study” list.
- Spend 10 minutes each day brainstorming one new essay prompt and review old brainstorms.
- On Saturday morning, take a full, timed practice test. Before the test, review your master study guides and your essay brainstorms.
- Review your most recent practice test and update your master study guides.
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Week 8
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- Study all of your vocab flashcards
- Do one section a day, timed, but NOT on the day before the test.
- Review all of your master study guides and notes.
- Review all of your vocab flashcards
- Review all of your essay brainstorms
- Maintain perspective, stay positive, and get a good night’s rest every night this week.
- Plan something fun for after the test.
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Source: Signet Education
