Practice tests are essential for any SAT study plan. The SAT is unlike any test you’ve taken in school, and you will be at a great advantage if you’re familiar with the exam before the actual sitting date. Taking a practice test allows for a simulation of the real SAT, while also helping you focus on areas of weakness, predict your testing time and understand a general prediction of your score.
Here are some tips on how to most effectively utilize your practice test:
1. Get up early to take the practice test
Eating a wholesome breakfast, and being fully alert by 8:30 AM will help when you take the real thing (the SAT is held early on a weekend morning).
2. Recreate a test day environment
Take your practice exam in an environment similar to that of the real SAT. A public space is preferable, such as a study hall, classroom at your school, or at a desk in your public library.
If possible, a proctored practice test in your area would offer the ideal test-taking environment. Can’t find a proctored test near you? No problem! ArborBridge offers proctored tests through our online tutoring platform.
3. Follow the clock
Take the test in one sitting and follow the timetable on your test. You want to mimic the real SAT as much as possible. As tempting as it may be, don’t finish early and move on to the next section, and don’t allow yourself more than a 5 minute break after the 2nd, 4th and 6th sections. For information about test format and timing, click here.
4. Use your answer sheet
It might seem tedious, but make sure to fill in the bubbles on the answer sheet, rather than just circling them in your book. Filling in the bubbles takes time, and you want the most accurate prediction of your real SAT time as possible.
5. Remove all distractions
Shut off your phone, laptop and other devices. These are forbidden during the real SAT, and you shouldn’t have them available as distractions during your practice test either.
Put these tips to use:
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