Nicolas Weissenberg
Staff Writer
The SAT test includes reading, writing and language, and math with a total of 154 questions.The math section has two parts which consist of a calculator section along with a no calculator section.There is also an optional essay that can be taken. You get three hours and 45 minutes to complete the test, but every section has its own time limit. It can be tough when preparing for the test since it is very difficult to take.These tips may be helpful while you are taking the test.
Since most of the questions on the SAT test are multiple choice, it is easier to eliminate three wrong answer choices rather than finding the single right one.You can begin by eliminating answer choices that are clearly wrong such as an answer that is completely off topic or one that is not relating to the question. Another overall tip would be to bubble in your answers at the end. Instead of having to flip between the booklet and your bubble sheet you can just circle your answers in your booklet and save the bubbling until you are finished with that section. Only do this if you are certain that you can finish the given section with around five minutes to spare.
The test starts off with the reading section which has 52 questions.You only have 65 minutes to complete
this section, then you will have a short ten minute break before moving onto the next section.You should always begin with reading the italicized paragraph that lies over each passage to gain some prior knowledge of what you are about to read. Also attempt to find something interesting as you read the passage so you can become engaged with the story rather than feeling like you are being forced to read it. When you finish reading the passage find as much text evidence as you can while answering questions to ensure you circle the right choice.
The next section is the writing and language which contains 44 questions that must be bubbled within 35 minutes.A very useful tip is to not second guess yourself on the no change questions. If you believe that the sentence is grammatically correct, then do not hesitate to select the no change option. Since this section is tailored towards grammar, it wouldn’t hurt to remember some grammar rules before diving into this section.
For the third section of the test you must take the math portion which starts off with the no calculator part. In 20 minutes you have to answer 25 math questions without your calculator. Underlining important parts of the question may sound pointless, but it can actually prove useful in questions that have complicated steps. Before you get your calculator back you have a five minute break then you must answer 38 questions in 55 minutes.Though the math portion supports you with a list of formulas, it may be better to have all the formulas memorized or at least some of them so you do not have to keep turning to your list every time you encounter a question that requires a formula.
After the math section you are done with the SAT test unless of course you are doing the optional essay which will add an additional 50 minutes along with a two minute break.
Students who will be taking the test on May 4th will get their scores back on the 17th. If you are taking the test on June 1st then your grades will come back during the summer on July 10th.
Hopefully these tips should help you on the SAT test. Also be sure to study as much as you possibly can especially on the day before the test.