Mistakes You Should Avoid When Preparing for the SAT Exam

Preparing for the SAT exam doesn't need to be difficult or distressing. In math, reading, and writing, the SAT measures your capacity for critical thinking and problem-solving. Even though the SAT now only has two sections, Reading & Writing and Mathematics, thorough preparation is still essential. You can be ready for the exam and perform well by avoiding these common mistakes.

Starting SAT preparation late

Start preparing for the SAT as soon as possible. Late studying is unproductive since you can easily forget what you’ve learned. You can identify and address weaknesses in your abilities, knowledge, and test-taking strategies with early preparation. Make a personalized study plan to prepare for the test in case you have adequate open doors. SAT preparation is facilitated by technology. Everybody has access to online review materials and practice tests.

Making Errors While Scrambling the Answer Sheet

This is another reason why guessing is often preferable to leaving a question blank. Assuming you miss a response, you should be incredibly cautious while moving your reactions to the answer sheet. If you don’t answer a question, skip the matching bubble too! Don’t put the right answers in the wrong bubbles by mistake.

Not Guessing in the Math Section

In the math part, you are not penalized for incorrect answers on the student-produced response question, often known as Grid-Ins”. So, when answering these questions, always take a sensible guess!
Leaving Out Too Many Questions

Guess on the SAT whenever you can eliminate one or more answer options! In 95% of Reading and Writing questions, you can usually eliminate at least one answer. Surprisingly, many students neglect to answer 10-20% of these questions. Generally, there is one truly unlikely response, so rule it and make a sensible theory.

Underestimating the Math Section

Don’t underestimate the SAT, especially if you are taking advanced math courses. This is not your usual math courses. It will occasionally ask you questions about topics you learned in middle school, which can be confusing. Reasoning rather than simply memorising is more important in the SAT's arithmetic section.

Neglecting Vocabulary Words

As per the School Board, the SAT isn't a vocabulary exam. While it is feasible to procure an ideal score without knowing the meaning of every word, most test specialists imagine that vocabulary is significant. A common secondary school student sees generally 50% of the vocabulary words in the reading questions. With a little effort, you can learn many of the other words. These "other half" terms are commonly utilized on the SAT, consequently making a word rundown will help you in handling normal SAT vocabulary.

Overthinking Reading Assignments

Many students may narrow down two alternative answers to a passage-based reading question. However, setting aside enough time to explore those two possibilities can be tough. It's sometimes easier to choose the wrong response than the right one. Knowing the features of incorrect responses will help you find the right one. For example, answers that utilise excessive language, provide just partial truths or repeat the text are rarely appropriate.

Not Prioritizing a Positive Mindset

A positive attitude may increase your confidence and consequently, your test performance. To achieve, you must believe in yourself. If you’re frightened or sceptical, take a moment to reframe your thoughts. Set yourself up for success by focusing on the positive!

Bringing Your Phone to the Test Centre

This should be avoided at all costs. Cheaters use their phones to check formulas, photograph the test, and share their answers with friends. Your score will be canceled if a test proctor finds you are using a cell phone. So leave your phone at home.

Depending too much on memorization

It is not sufficient to memorise without understanding. The SATs your insight and capacities as opposed to only your memory. Memorisation can hinder how you might interpret the substance and make it hard to apply what you've considered to answer issues during the test.

The SAT is an important test that has a large effect on college admissions. To win on this test, it's relevant to begin getting ready early, keep away from common errors like finishing up the answer sheet mistakenly or misjudging the math portion, and not depend on retention.