The SAT exam plays a crucial role in the global college admissions process, serving as the benchmark for academic excellence and preparation. For students seeking to study abroad, achieving a high SAT score is essential for several reasons – among others it significantly enhances their chances of securing admission to a top-ranked institution. According to Oxford International’s Student Global Mobility Index, nearly 69% of Indian students consider the U.S. their top choice for pursuing higher education abroad, thereby making SAT score a vital component of their college application strategy.
In this article, we will explore the top strategies for achieving a high SAT score, providing insights on how students can maximise their opportunity of securing an admission in a top US university. However, before diving into specific test strategies, it’s crucial for students to be comfortable with the digital nature of the SAT.
The SAT has two sections: Reading and Writing, and Maths. Each section is divided into two modules with varying difficulty levels, with the second module adapting to the student’s performance basis the first module. Here is a breakdown of these sections:
Scoring
The SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800 for each of its two sections. The aggregate score is the sum of the scores from the two sections, making the total possible score of anywhere between 400-1600.
Timing
The students have 2 hours and 14 minutes (134 minutes) to complete the test with a 10-minute break between sections. Each section of SAT has a specific time limit:
Strategies for Reading Comprehension Passages (Reading & Writing Section):
The Reading Comprehension section of the SAT checks a student’s ability to understand and analyse a written passage from various branches of literature, social sciences, and natural sciences. So, here are a few strategies to attempt this section well:
Read the Passage Carefully: Approach the text in the passage with care and take time through the lines to understand the central idea, supporting details, and any nuances.
Identify the Purpose: The purpose should be identified, which may be persuasion, information, and/ or entertainment. This helps in understanding the author’s tone and approach.
Key Words and Phrases: Jot down key terms and phrases that catch attention. These are often very helpful in establishing main ideas and supporting details.
Approach the passage with a critical eye: Don’t skim the passage! Think through and ask questions like, “What is the author trying to say?”, “What is the main idea?”, and “What is the significance of this detail?”
Read Actively: Read actively—ask questions, make connections, and visualise.
For passages, consider literary devices—symbolism, imagery, foreshadowing. In science passages, grasp technical terms and watch for descriptions of complicated ideas. With social science passages, take some time to think about the historical context, and the theoretical framework.
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Strategies for Writing (Reading & Writing Section):
The writing section is used to test a student’s ability in identifying grammatical errors and correcting them. The questions in the writing section fall into four content domains. So, here are a few strategies that will help for each domain:
Information and Ideas: Use a combination of reading comprehension, note-taking, and analysis to extract and organise information from texts.
Craft and Structure: Evaluate the author’s use of language, tone, and structure to identify effective and ineffective writing techniques.
Expression of Ideas: Revise written expression to improve clarity, coherence, and effectiveness by using transitions, varied sentence structure, and concise language.
Standard English Conventions: Carefully edit text to ensure accuracy in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting to conform to standard conventions.
Therefore, look for clues in the punctuation marks and verb tenses and use the knowledge of grammar to spot grammatical mistakes, such as subject-verb agreement or incorrect modifier placement.
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Strategies for Maths Questions
The Maths section of the SAT tests one’s skills in mathematical concepts such as Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Data Analysis. Some of the strategies that aspirants can put to use in this section are as under:
Read questions carefully: Carefully read the question to understand what is being asked.
Identify the problem type: The first step towards the solution of a math problem is to identify the type of problem: algebra, geometry, or data analysis. This will help to refer to the correct approach and avoid confusion.
Use the right tools: Make sure to use the right tools for the job. For example, if it is a graphing problem, use a calculator to graph the equation.
Work Backwards: Sometimes it is a good idea to work backwards. Solve for one variable, then put it back into the original equation.
Check Again: Always double check by putting the answer into the original equation.
To prepare for the SAT, students can utilise the College Board’s (a Not-for-profit organisation) official resources that provide interactive practice exercises, personalised progress tracking, and customised learning plans to help students prepare for the test.
To achieve a high score in SAT, students should create a comprehensive study plan and commit themselves to rigorous practice, focusing on areas of weakness. Familiarity with the exam format is also crucial, and students should take practice tests to become comfortable with the format, while also timing their attempts. By sticking to a well-structured preparation plan, being aware of various sections and use of official resources, students can significantly improve their prospects of a good SAT score.
The author is Senior Director & Regional Head, College Board – India, South & Central Asia
