SAT tips
SAT strategies you can put into practice
Choose the part of your prep that needs attention, learn a small set of concrete tactics, and move directly into related questions or a study plan.
5 focused resources · Free · No account required
Study and test-day strategy
Each guide is organized around actions, common mistakes, and the next practice step.
SAT General Study Tips: 20+ Strategies from Top Scorers
These general SAT study strategies apply to every student, regardless of your starting score or target. Mastering these fundamentals is the single most impactful thing you can do before diving into content review. Top scorers consistently cite these habits as the foundation of their improvement.
Open resource math strategySAT Math Tips & Strategies: Score Higher on SAT Math
The SAT Math section covers algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, data analysis, and geometry. With a calculator available for the entire section and the built-in Desmos graphing calculator, smart strategy can dramatically boost your score. These tips come from students who scored 750–800 on SAT Math.
Open resource english strategySAT Reading & Writing Tips: Strategies for a Higher Score
The SAT Reading & Writing section tests your ability to interpret passages, use evidence, apply grammar rules, and analyze rhetoric. Unlike the Math section where formulas matter, success here comes almost entirely from the right approach to each question type. These strategies are used by students who score 700–800 on the Reading & Writing section.
Open resource test-day strategySAT Test Day Tips: What to Do the Day of the SAT
Test day strategy is often underestimated. Students who have prepared thoroughly can still lose points by making avoidable test-day mistakes — poor sleep, skipped breakfast, rushing into hard questions, or mismanaging their time. These tips will help you walk in confident and perform at your absolute best.
Open resource retake strategyShould I Retake the SAT? Complete Retake Strategy Guide
Deciding whether to retake the SAT is one of the most important strategic decisions in college admissions. This guide helps you evaluate your current score, understand what's realistic to improve, and build a plan for your retake — including how to leverage superscore policies that most colleges use.
Open resource