At Marks Education, we understand that preparing for the digital SAT can be an intimidating task. With the introduction of this new format, students may feel overwhelmed by the changes and unsure of how to approach their study plans. However, with the right strategies and resources, you can learn to maximize your performance and achieve your best score this testing season.
Digital or in-person SAT tutoring can provide the support you need in navigating this new format, ensuring you’re prepared to handle the challenges it brings. Our expert tutors, who have helped hundreds of students improve their SAT scores, have come together to give you 5 essential tips to help you excel on the digital SAT and reach your academic goals.
1. Implement the Second Half First Strategy
One effective technique for tackling the Reading and Writing
section of the digital SAT is the “Second Half First” strategy. This approach
encourages students to complete the latter half of the Reading and Writing section (questions
16-27) before completing the first half. Why? The questions
in the second half of the Reading and Writing section tend to be
quicker and easier to answer – think grammar and punctuation questions
rather than reading comprehension. By completing these questions first, you can build
confidence and create a time buffer for the more challenging questions that appear
in the beginning of the test.
Starting with the easier questions on the second half
of the verbal section helps you relax and manage your time more
effectively. When you face the more complex questions that appear earlier
in the section, you’ll feel less pressured because you’ve already
secured points from the simpler ones. This method can be a game-changer for
your time management and overall test performance on the SAT.
2. Utilize Desmos Effectively
Desmos is an online graphing calculator that can be a powerful tool during the SAT. Many students may already be familiar with Desmos from time spent using it in class, but others might need to take some time to learn the tool effectively. Familiarizing yourself with Desmos can greatly enhance your efficiency and accuracy in the Math section thus improving your overall score.
Here are a few ways Desmos can be beneficial:
- Graphing Functions: Desmos allows you to quickly plot functions to visualize their behavior and identify key features such as intercepts and turning points.
- Solving Equations: Desmos allows you to solve equations and systems of equations graphically, which can be faster than solving them algebraically.
- Exploring Transformations: Desmos allows you to experiment with transformations of functions to better understand their effects and applications.
These resources will guide you through the essential features of Desmos, ensuring you can leverage it effectively during your digital SAT test.
3. Familiarize Yourself with the Bluebook App
The Bluebook app is the platform through which the digital SAT is administered. Becoming familiar with the app and its features ahead of time is crucial for a smooth test experience.
Here are some key tools to master it:
- Markup Tools: Learn how to highlight and underline text to help you quickly reference important information during the Reading section.
- Crossing Out Answer Choices: Practice using the tool to eliminate incorrect answer choices, which can help you narrow down your options and improve your accuracy.
- Navigation: Get comfortable with the app’s navigation features so you can easily move between questions and sections.
Spending time exploring these tools will make you more efficient and confident during the actual test. You don’t want the additional struggle of figuring out the format on test day! Learn today and save yourself the stress.
4. Be Strategic with College Board Practice Tests
The College Board provides six official practice tests for the digital SAT. That may sound like a lot, but it isn’t! Given the limited number of these tests, it’s important to use them wisely. After viewing the practice test for the first time, you won’t truly have an authentic testing experience and therefore your practice scores might not accurately reflect your potential or areas of improvement needed.
Here’s how to make the most of these valuable resources:
- Spread Out Practice Tests: Don’t use all the practice tests at once. Instead, space them out over your study period to continuously assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Simulate Test Conditions: Take the practice tests under realistic test conditions to get accustomed to the timing and format of the digital SAT.
- Review Thoroughly: After each practice test, review your answers carefully. Identify the types of questions you missed and focus your study efforts on those areas.
By strategically using the practice tests, you can build and maintain your test-taking skills over time.
5. Keep Building Vocabulary
Vocabulary plays a significant role in the digital SAT, more so than in previous versions of the test. To excel on the test, you need to have a strong command of SAT-level vocabulary.
Here are some tips to build your vocabulary:
- SAT Vocab Cards: Use SAT vocabulary cards to learn and review essential words regularly.
- Reading: Read widely from diverse sources, including literature, academic journals, and articles, to encounter new words in context.
- Tutoring Resources: Utilize vocabulary lists provided by your Marks Education SAT tutor. These lists are tailored to the test and will help you focus on the most relevant words.
Improving your vocabulary will enhance your comprehension and performance in the Reading and Writing section, giving you a competitive edge.
Conclusion
Preparing for the digital SAT can be challenging, but with the right strategies and resources, you can maximize your performance. By implementing the “Second Half First” strategy, utilizing Desmos, familiarizing yourself with the Bluebook app, strategically using practice tests, and building a robust vocabulary, you can approach the test with confidence. But if you’re still feeling unsure, Marks Education is here to help!
Digital SAT tutoring provides personalized support to help you navigate these strategies and achieve your best results. Don’t hesitate to book a session with a professional tutor to ensure you’re fully prepared for test day. Contact Marks Education today and refer to this blog and receive a FREE CONSULTATION! Learn how we can help you do your best this testing season.