Pittsburgh Prep
How to Crush Your Digital SAT Exam with Confidence
The brand spanking new Digital SAT exam is a crucial step in the college admissions process, and acing it can significantly impact your future academic endeavors. Whether you’re a high school junior gearing up for the test or a senior looking for a chance to improve your scores, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to help you crush the Digital SAT exam.
Understanding the Adaptive Format
The digital SAT is section adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the questions from one module adapts to your performance from your performance on the previous module. (For more details on the Digital SAT structure, read our blog entry HERE). A solid performance in the first module leads to more challenging questions in the second module, while a bad performance on the first module will result in a less difficult one after. Familiarize yourself with this format, as it significantly influences your test-taking strategy.
Timeline Your Plan of Attack
Go open your Google Calendar app (or a physical paper based one if you can steal one from your Grandma) and ensure that you can spend a MINIMUM of 30 minutes every single day dedicated to test prep. Think of your test prep like you’re in a relationship – you need to spend time with the test in order for you to have good outcomes.
Develop a Study Plan:
Create a study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses. Begin by taking a diagnostic test to identify your areas of improvement. You can access FREE exams here via the Collegeboard Bluebook App – but BE FRUGAL and only take one diagnostic test from here because you only get a total of 4 digital tests! Allocate time to review challenging topics while maintaining a balance across all sections: Reading & Writing and the Math sections.
Utilize Official SAT Resources
The College Board, the organization behind the SAT, provides official study materials and resources through the Bluebook App. Khan Academy is another free resource that you should tap into. Testing for Good is another solid resource for practice question banks and 5 more practice exams for a fee. Utilize these tools to familiarize yourself with the test structure, underlying concepts, and question types. Practice tests will also help you manage your time effectively during the actual exam.
Practice Time Management
Time management is crucial in the digital SAT. Practice solving questions under timed conditions to simulate the pressure of the real exam. Learn to allocate your time efficiently, ensuring that you have ample time for each section. Familiarity with the pacing will boost your confidence on test day.
Strengthen Reading and Writing Skills
The Reading and Writing and Language sections require strong analytical and reading comprehension skills. Practice reading diverse texts and answering questions that assess your understanding of the content. Brush up on grammar rules and punctuation to excel in the Writing and Language section.
Master Math Concepts
For the Math section, review fundamental math concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Work on solving problems efficiently and accurately. Practice using your calculator effectively and be familiar with the different types of math questions that may appear on the exam. Also, be familiar with how to use scientific calculators or online calculators like Desmos.
Enhance Your Vocabulary
Do you know what “exigency” means? Or “aggrandizement?” Well, you need to because the Digital SAT will test you on collegiate-level vocabulary. Expand your vocabulary to excel in the Reading and Writing sections by reading a variety of texts, use flashcards to memorize challenging words, or purchase SAT vocabulary books like Pittsburgh Prep’s Vocabulary Mastery Book to supercharge your vocab knowledge for the test. Understanding context clues can also help you decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words but learning new vocab words is the best way to go here.
Review and Analyze Mistakes
Regularly review your practice tests’ results and analyze the mistakes you make. Understand the underlying concepts, identify patterns in errors, and adjust your study plan accordingly. Learning from mistakes is integral to continuous improvement.
Simulate Test Conditions
Conduct full-length practice tests under conditions that mimic the actual exam environment by isolating yourself in your room with a laptop free from distractions. This includes adhering to the time limits on the software, using the same tools (calculator, scratch paper), and TURNING OFF your smartphone. Simulating test conditions will build your endurance and mental resilience.
Take Care of Yourself
In the days leading up to the exam, prioritize self-care. Ensure you get adequate sleep, eat well-balanced meals, and manage stress. A healthy mind and body will contribute to better focus and performance on test day.
Review and Reflect
Before the exam, review key concepts, strategies, and any notes you’ve taken during your preparation. Reflect on your progress and make any final adjustments to your study plan. Approach the test with confidence, knowing that you’ve put in the effort to crush the Digital SAT exam.
Crushing the SAT requires dedication, strategic preparation, and a positive mindset. By following the advice above and staying committed to your study plan, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the exam and showcase your academic abilities to prospective colleges and universities. Of course, if you need any help, contact us at Pittsburgh Prep! We’ll be happy to help you achieve your best. Good luck!
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