Little orange alarm clock, pencil, pencil sharpener on SAT answer sheet

6 Things You're Doing Wrong in SAT Prep, Plus Tips to Fix It

Do you know you may be unintentionally holding yourself back in your SAT prep? Here are six things possibly preventing you from getting your best scores.

The SAT is one of the biggest tests of a student's life. You may think you're doing everything possible to earn a top score—but you may be wrong. There are many everyday habits that could be hurting rather than helping in your SAT preparation. From the way you study to what you eat, there are many ways to fine-tune your SAT prep strategies. Below are a few things that may be inhibiting you achieving the best possible SAT scores, plus what to do instead.

1. Studying only while sedentary

Students who spend hours at a desk studying are depriving their brain of much needed stimulation through physical activity. Many studies show a positive association between physical activity and academic performance. While researchers haven't determined the reason this happens, many experts point to an increased flow of blood and oxygen to the brain as well as higher levels of chemicals that help improve mood. Instead of dedicating all your time to studying in a chair, take breaks to get out and go for a walk, play your favorite sport, or find another way to infuse physical activity into your routine.

2. Hiding your phone while studying

Students can access so many options for SAT prep through their phones today. Though it may seem counterintuitive, if putting away your phone is part of your study plan, you could be missing out. SAT study apps can break up monotonous routines. Additionally, many websites and tutoring companies like Kaplan offer a free SAT Question of the Day on their websites. By using your phone, you'll be able to tackle SAT prep even on the go!

Related: Over 20 Apps to Help You Get Through Tough Finals This Semester

3. Concentrating on the clock

One of the biggest barriers to achieving high SAT scores is the lack of time during the exam. Most students would do much better if they weren't stressed and worried that they may not finish all the questions in time. One strategy to overcome this problem is to put away the clock during your SAT practice exams; if you do better when not timing yourself, you'll know lack of time on the SAT is an issue for you. You can then use your remaining study time to practice time-saving techniques. You can also take comfort in knowing that the more you practice, the faster you'll get.

4. Seeing the road instead of the destination

It’s easy to get caught up thinking about the actual test during SAT prep. But by concentrating on the actual exam—what it’s going to be like, how to manage time, and so on—you can forget about the end result: your SAT score. In any goal setting, it’s helpful to picture the end result. This kind of visualization might seem wishy-washy, but this strategy can help. Envision yourself achieving the score you want. To aid these efforts, you should write your SAT goal on a piece of paper then pick a place you see often, like a bathroom mirror or the family fridge, and post your goal there. This physical reminder will help you see your goal.

Related: How to Set Reasonable Expectations for Your SAT or ACT Scores

5. Not maximizing downtime

Students are busier than ever with athletics, arts, social activities, and not to mention regular schoolwork all competing for time in your schedule. But there are small available windows in your day that you may forget to use—before class, in between activities, or right before dinner, for example. These pockets are a great time to learn SAT vocabulary. By committing to learning one or two words during breaks throughout the day, you'll easily be able to memorize over 10 new terms, which will not only help you score higher on SAT Sentence Completions but also on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading section. This will also help broaden your vocabulary for college and scholarship essays.

6. Eating an unbalanced diet

What you eat may seem like it has nothing to do with SAT prep, but that old adage of “you are what you eat” does have merit. Binging on fast food can affect your energy levels, which can have adverse consequences on your study habits. Try eating more whole fruits, vegetables, and grains during SAT prep (and throughout life, of course). Foods rich in phytoestrogens, like soybeans and soy-based products, can also be beneficial. Soybeans have phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, that have been linked to improved function of the frontal lobe, which is responsible for short-term memory, attention, and motivation. Students who eat healthily can see improved results in their academic performance as well as their overall well-being.

Related: The Best Advice for Healthy Eating in High School

When trying to achieve your highest scores possible on the SAT, every little bit of prep helps. Being aware of some of the things that may be hurting your SAT prep and what you can do about it may be just what you need to succeed.

While you're adjusting your SAT prep approach, check out Our Best Advice for Homework, Studying, and Tests for even more great tools and tips!

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

Tags:

About Dr. Shaan Patel

Dr. Shaan Patel

Dr. Shaan Patel is the founder and CEO of Prep Expert and a #1 bestselling SAT and ACT prep author. He holds an MBA from Yale University and an MD from the University of Southern California. Patel once won an investment deal with billionaire Mark Cuban on ABC’s Shark Tank. He raised his own SAT scores from average to perfect using 100 strategies taught in Prep Expert's SAT and ACT courses.

 

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress

College Quick Connect

Swipe right to request information.
Swipe left if you're not interested.

High Point University

High Point, NC


Victoria

Victoria

High School Class of 2019

CollegeXpress has helped me by opening my eyes to new opportunities. I learned about such easy ways to get financial help to achieve my dreams while also learning about myself and who I truly am. I know this isn't a very long explanation of what CollegeXpress has done for me, but nonetheless, I believe it's crucial to how I developed as a person throughout my time as a college student.

Damian Rangel

Damian Rangel

September 2021 Mini Scholarship Winner, High School Class of 2022

CollegeXpress has helped me tackle college expenses, which will allow me to put more of my time and effort into my studies without the need of worrying as much about finances.

Joseph Johnsly

Joseph Johnsly

High School Class of 2021

It's an honor for me to be writing to share a little about my experience with CollegeXpress. I've been using CollegeXpress for about a year now, and the reason why I chose it is because it provides astonishing scholarships for every student around the globe. Besides that, this organization dispenses all the information necessary to help students get to college. CollegeXpress has helped me have an easier experience with applying to colleges and choosing the best fit for myself.

Bri'Yana Brown-Dunn

Bri'Yana Brown-Dunn

High School Class of 2022

CollegeXpress helped me gain interest in many colleges/universities and many scholarships. I would say the most helpful thing CollegeXpress has done for me is sending me emails that tell me certain types of colleges are interested in me as well as emails about scholarships that I can look at and possibly apply for.

Lydia Huth

Lydia Huth

Student, Campbell University; CollegeXpress Student Writer

I discovered CollegeXpress while embarking on my college search journey as an excited—but scared and way confused—high schooler without a counselor or college-bound sibling to give me advice. Let me tell you, I’m so glad that I stumbled on this community! CollegeXpress helped me find potential colleges and keep application deadlines straight. It gave me a great list of scholarships, and the blogs and emails made me feel like I wasn’t going it alone. Almost three years later and with freshman year of college down, I still love the CollegeXpress vibe so much that I’m writing for them. I’d recommend this site to anyone!