SAT

PREPARATION GUIDE
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Overview
The SAT is a standardized test administered by the College Board, primarily used for college admissions in the United
States. It is also accepted by universities in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries as part of their
admissions process.

As of 2024, the SAT has transitioned to a digital format and consists of two main sections:

1. Reading and Writing Section: This section is 64 minutes long and includes 54 questions. It presents short reading
passages (or passage pairs), each followed by a single multiple-choice question. Questions assess skills across
four content domains: Craft and Structure, Information and Ideas, Standard English Conventions, and Expression
of Ideas.
2. Math Section: This section is 70 minutes long and comprises 44 questions. It evaluates mathematical skills and
concepts typically covered in high school, focusing on problem-solving and data analysis.

The SAT follows a multistage adaptive testing format, meaning the difficulty of the exam adjusts based on a student’s
performance. Each section—Reading & Writing and Math—is divided into two modules. The first module presents
a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on your accuracy in this module, the second module adjusts in
difficulty; strong performance leads to more challenging questions, while weaker performance results in an easier
set. This adaptive structure allows for a more precise assessment of a student’s skills, ensuring that high-performing
candidates are appropriately challenged while still providing an accurate measure of ability for all test-takers.

The SAT emphasizes reasoning, data interpretation, and the application of knowledge in real-world contexts, rather
than rote memorization. There is no limit to how many times you can take the SAT, and most students take the SAT two
to three times to improve their scores as many colleges allow Superscoring (combining the highest section scores
across different test dates).

Below is a summary of the SAT structure:

Subtest Number of Question Timing Scores

Reading and Writing 54 64 minutes 200-800
Math 44 70 minutes 200-800
Total 98 2 hours 14 minutes 400-1600
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Requirements
Understanding what constitutes a good score can help you set realistic goals for your preparation. Out of a total of
1600 (800 per section):
• Excellent Score: 1500–1600 — Places you in the top percentile and makes you highly competitive for Ivy League
schools, Stanford, MIT, and other top-tier universities.
• Competitive Score: 1300–1499— TA solid score that increases your chances for admissions at many reputable
institutions, including UCLA and the University of Michigan
• Average Score: 1100–1299 — May be sufficient for moderately competitive schools but may not stand out at highly
selective institutions.
• Below Average: <1100 — Could limit options unless complemented by strong extracurriculars, a high GPA, and
compelling application essays.

While SAT score expectations vary by university, aiming for a competitive or excellent score will significantly improve
admission chances at top schools.

Preparation Tips
Create a Study Schedule – Consistency is key when it comes to SAT prep. Develop a study schedule that allocates
specific time each day or week for focused practice. By breaking your preparation into manageable chunks, you
can ensure you’re covering all areas of the test without feeling overwhelmed. A structured approach will help you
stay on track and avoid last-minute cramming.

Practice with Timed Sections – Practice taking full-length tests under timed conditions to simulate the real
test experience. This helps build stamina, so you’re not fatigued during the actual test. It also ensures you get
comfortable with the pacing of each section and identify which areas need improvement.

Use Official and Supplementary Resources – Official SAT materials from the College Board are one of the best
resources for practice. They provide free practice tests and study guides that accurately reflect the actual test
format. Additionally, platforms like Bluebook allow you to practice under timed conditions and track your progress
over time.

Review Mistakes and Track Progress – After each practice session, review your errors carefully. For every incorrect
answer, identify why you chose it and analyse the correct answer. Were you misreading the question? Did you
misunderstand the passage? Track your progress over time & focus on the types of questions you struggle with.
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Section-Specific Tips
The Reading and Writing sections of the SAT require you to demonstrate
strong comprehension, grammar, and analytical skills. These sections
often include complex passages and questions that assess your ability
to understand and interpret written content, as well as your command
of language rules. Here are some tips to tackle them:

Review Grammar and Sentence Structure – SStrengthen your understanding of basic grammar rules, including
subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and modifiers. Make sure you’re comfortable with SAT-specific grammar
topics, such as sentence fragments, parallel structure, and proper use of commas. Use official SAT practice
materials to review common question types.

Understand Rhetorical Strategies –Practice identifying rhetorical devices like tone, perspective, and purpose in
reading passages. Focus on how these elements contribute to the overall effectiveness of the passage and the
author’s argument.

Build a Vocabulary Strategy – Even though vocabulary is not explicitly tested in isolation, a strong vocabulary
is essential for understanding reading passages and answering questions accurately. Use flashcards to learn
high-frequency SAT words, but focus more on understanding how context determines the meaning of unfamiliar
words. Make a habit of reading diverse materials (books, newspapers, magazines) to see words used in context.

Practice Active Note-Taking – While reading passages, make quick notes on the side or in the margins, identifying
the main idea, tone, or key points the author is making. This will help you locate relevant information more easily
when answering specific questions about the passage.

The Math section of the SAT tests your ability to think logically and apply mathematical concepts to a variety of
problems. It requires a combination of problem-solving skills, algebraic reasoning, and data analysis. Here are some
tips to help you tackle it effectively:

Master Algebraic Operations and Problem Solving – Focus on strengthening your understanding of linear
equations, systems of equations, and polynomials. Regularly practice solving word problems, especially those
involving rates, proportions, and percent changes.

Refine Mental Math and Estimation – Practice solving problems mentally, focusing on estimation techniques for
quick problem-solving. This will help you avoid spending too much time on more complex questions.

Tackle Word Problems Strategically – Many SAT Math questions are presented as word problems, requiring you
to translate text into mathematical equations. Practice identifying keywords, setting up equations correctly, and
solving step by step. Read carefully to avoid missing important details.
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Sample Question
The following sample questions in this guide is sourced from the official SAT practice tests, provided on the College
Board website. For official practice materials, visit https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/practice/practice-tests.

SAT Sample Question - Reading and Writing

1. The general store was essential to daily life in the rural United States during the 1800s because it provided the supplies
that the people living in nearby communities needed. Also, the store was a __________ of information. People
socializing at the general store would share news and help spread it throughout their communities.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. source
B. rival
C. condition
D. waste
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SAT Sample Question - Reading and Writing

1. The general store was essential to daily life in the rural United States during the 1800s because it provided the
supplies that the people living in nearby communities needed. Also, the store was a __________ of information.
People socializing at the general store would share news and help spread it throughout their communities.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. source
B. rival
C. condition
D. waste

Answer : A

Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the role of the general store
in US rural communities during the 1800s. In this context, “source” means a place where something originates or is
obtained. The text states that people would share news while socializing at the general store. This context supports
the idea that the store served as a source of information in rural communities.
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SAT Sample Question - Reading and Writing

Chile’s Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth. Mary Beth Wilhelm and other astrobiologists search for
life, or its remains, in this harsh place because the desert closely mirrors the extreme environment on Mars. The algae
and bacteria found in Atacama’s driest regions may offer clues about Martian life. By studying how these and other
microorganisms survive such extreme conditions on Earth, Wilhelm’s team hopes to determine whether similar life
might have existed on Mars and to develop the best tools to look for evidence of it.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
A. To contrast the conditions in the Atacama Desert with those on Mars
B. To explain why many life-forms cannot survive in the Atacama Desert
C. To indicate why astrobiologists choose to conduct research in the Atacama Desert
D. To describe certain limitations to conducting scientific study in the Atacama Desert
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SAT Sample Question - Reading and Writing

Chile’s Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth. Mary Beth Wilhelm and other astrobiologists search for
life, or its remains, in this harsh place because the desert closely mirrors the extreme environment on Mars. The algae
and bacteria found in Atacama’s driest regions may offer clues about Martian life. By studying how these and other
microorganisms survive such extreme conditions on Earth, Wilhelm’s team hopes to determine whether similar life
might have existed on Mars and to develop the best tools to look for evidence of it.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
A. To contrast the conditions in the Atacama Desert with those on Mars
B. To explain why many life-forms cannot survive in the Atacama Desert
C. To indicate why astrobiologists choose to conduct research in the Atacama Desert
D. To describe certain limitations to conducting scientific study in the Atacama Desert

Answer : C

Choice C is the best answer because it most accurately describes how the underlined sentence functions in the text
as a whole. The first sentence describes a unique location on Earth, the Atacama Desert. The next sentence, which is
the underlined sentence, states that the reason why astrobiologists study life, or its remains, in this unique location is
that Atacama is a harsh environment that closely resembles the extreme environment of Mars. The remainder of the
text explains that the researchers hope their work in Atacama will support inquiry into life on Mars. Thus, the underlined
portion functions mainly to indicate why astrobiologists choose to conduct research in the Atacama Desert.
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SAT Sample Question - Maths

1. Triangles ABC and DEF are congruent, where A corresponds to D, and B and E are right angles. The measure of angle
A is 18°. What is the measure of angle F?

A. 18°
B. 72°
C. 90°
D. 162°
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SAT Sample Question - Maths

1. Triangles ABC and DEF are congruent, where A corresponds to D, and B and E are right angles. The measure of angle
A is 18°. What is the measure of angle F?

A. 18°
B. 72°
C. 90°
D. 162°

Answer : B

It’s given that triangle ABC is congruent to triangle DEF. Corresponding angles of congruent triangles are congruent
and, therefore, have equal measure. It is given that angle A corresponds to angle D, and that the measure of angle A
is 18°. It is also given that the measures of angles B and E are 90°. Since these angles have equal measure, they are
corresponding angles. It follows that angle C corresponds to angle F. Let x° represent the measure of angle C. Since
the sum of the measures of the interior angles of a triangle is 180°, it follows that 18° + 90° + x° = 180°. Subtracting 108°
from both sides of this equation yields x° = 72° . Therefore, the measure of angle C is 72°.
Since angle C corresponds to angle F, it follows that the measure of angle F is also 72°
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SAT Sample Question - Maths

2. Argon is placed inside a container with a constant volume. The graph shows the estimated pressure y, in pounds
per square inch (psi), of the argon when its temperature is x kelvins.

What is the estimated pressure of the argon, in psi, when the temperature is 600 kelvins?

A. 6
B. 12
C. 300
D. 600
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SAT Sample Question - Maths

2. Argon is placed inside a container with a constant volume. The graph shows the estimated pressure y, in pounds
per square inch (psi), of the argon when its temperature is x kelvins.

What is the estimated pressure of the argon, in psi, when the temperature is 600 kelvins?

A. 6
B. 12
C. 300
D. 600

Answer : B

For the graph shown , the x-axis represents temperature, in kelvins, and the y-axis represents the estimated pressure, in
pounds per square inch (psi). The estimated pressure of the argon when the temperature is 600 kelvins can be found by

locating the point on the graph where the value of x is equal to 600. The graph passes through the point (600, 12). This
means that when the temperature is 600 kelvins, the estimated pressure is 12 psi.
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