First of all, students should be sure to answer each and every question – whether they know the answer or not. They are not penalized for wrong answers so even random guessing will, according to the Laws of Probability, give students credit one out of four times. Intelligent guessing – eliminating poor choices and then taking an educated guess – results in even better odds!
On the Reading section, students should pay extra attention to the “duo” questions where two points are at stake. Students are asked one question based on the passage, and then a second question asking in which of four lines the answer can be found. It’s often easier to read the four lines first and identify which one answers the previous question.
Students should likewise carefully consider the “vocabulary in context” questions. For example, if asked to choose between “retire,” “evacuate,” “vacate,” or “depart,” students need to consider the context of the sentence as all of these words mean “to leave,” but are seldom interchangeable.
On the grammar section that is titled, “Writing and Language,” it’s vital that students recall the proper use of the comma, semi-colon, colon and hyphen. It’s also important for students to examine each question for correct tense, structure and word choice. Students should think of themselves as journalists for this section, as the correct answer is usually the shortest, most succinct way of wording a sentence.
On the two Math sections, one that allows the use of a calculator and one that does not, students should use their test booklet as scrap paper as none is provided. Students should also refer to the box of math formulas that is provided on the direction page, but should memorize two important formulas that are not included: the center-radius form of the circle equation and the quadratic formula. The highest level of math on the test is trig, and students usually just need to know that, in a right triangle, sin x = cos y.
The best strategy is to prepare, well in advance of the test day, with prior tests written by College Board, in order to be proficient in the material tested and knowledgeable of the directions for each section.
To download a free Strategy Guide, with detailed advice and examples for each test section, visit www.SATsmart.com
Susan Alaimo is the founder of SAT Smart. For the past 25 years, SAT Smart’s Ivy League educated tutors have prepared students for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, Subject Tests, AP courses, and all high school subjects. Visit www.SATsmart.com or call 908-369-5362.
Where is the link to the free Strategy Guide that is referred to in the above article (Strategies for Scoring High on the PSAT/SAT Exams)? The last sentence says: "To download a free Strategy Guide, with detailed advice and examples for each test section, visit www.SATsmart.com"
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