Planning & Preparation
How should I prepare?
Your preparation strategy should be tailored to your learning style and areas that need improvement. Here are key considerations:
- CollegeBoard offers free official practice tests and questions that are most representative of the actual SAT
- Focus on mastering the core concepts tested in the SAT
- While CollegeBoard provides excellent practice materials, they don't focus on test-taking strategies and shortcuts
- Targeted skill drills can be more efficient for quick score improvements than general practice
- PrepU combines realistic practice questions with targeted drills to optimize your path to success
When should I take the SAT?
Several factors influence the ideal timing for your SAT:
- Recruited athletes and scholarship seekers may need to take it earlier
- Students applying to non-superscore schools should ensure they're fully prepared before testing
- Taking the SAT earlier has advantages:
- Reduces test anxiety by allowing retakes if needed
- Increases chances of a better superscore through multiple attempts
- Frees up time for other college application tasks
The college search
While college selection isn't our primary focus, here's how the SAT factors into the process:
- Even with test-optional policies, the SAT can be a valuable differentiator in competitive admissions
- SAT scores provide a standardized comparison between students from different schools
- Research each school's average SAT scores and 25th/75th percentile ranges
- Important note: Test-optional school statistics only reflect students who submitted scores, creating a self-selection bias
- Consider consulting with your college counselor or admissions officers about score submission strategies
When should I start preparing?
While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, we recommend:
- Starting early is generally advantageous
- Aim to begin preparation at least 12 weeks before your planned test date
- This timeline allows for comprehensive coverage of all test areas and practice
Should I get a tutor?
The decision depends on various factors including your budget and learning style:
- PrepU is designed to provide personalized, adaptive learning that can outperform traditional tutoring
- However, human tutors offer unique benefits:
- Personalized attention and immediate feedback
- Ability to identify specific learning challenges
- Intuitive understanding of your learning style
- For those interested in tutoring, visit moodyprep.com for access to tutoring from PrepU's creator