NUM8ERS SAT: Global Strategy Tool Box

The SAT is unlike many exams students encounter, demanding a unique approach to tackle its challenges effectively. To excel, you’ll need more than just subject knowledge—you need a solid strategy. This guide offers comprehensive strategies designed to help you navigate the SAT with confidence, providing you with the tools you need to maximize your score across all sections of the test.

Global Strategy Toolbox

What is a Global Strategy?

A global strategy refers to techniques and approaches that are universally applicable to standardized tests. These strategies are not confined to one particular section of the SAT but can be utilized throughout the entire exam. Implementing these strategies effectively will help you manage your time, reduce errors, and approach each question with clarity and purpose. Let’s dive into these essential strategies:

1. Read Everything Thoroughly

One of the most critical strategies for the SAT is to read every part of the question and answer choices meticulously. SAT questions are designed to be tricky, and even a single word can change the meaning of an answer choice entirely. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that you understand each part of the question before selecting your answer.

When reading answer choices, keep in mind that an answer is only correct if it is entirely accurate. If even one word is incorrect or misleading, the whole answer choice is incorrect. This principle applies especially to the Reading and Writing sections, where precision in language is paramount. By taking the time to read everything thoroughly, you can avoid falling into traps set by partially correct or misleading answer choices.

2. Refer Back to the Text for Evidence

In the Reading section of the SAT, every correct answer is directly supported by evidence in the text. This means that you should always refer back to the passage to verify that your answer is supported by the information provided. The SAT does not test your opinions or interpretations that are not grounded in the text, so relying on direct evidence is crucial.

When you encounter a question, first locate the relevant part of the passage. Then, compare the answer choices against the text. The correct answer will either restate information from the passage or be a logical inference based on the evidence provided. This strategy is particularly useful for questions that ask about the meaning of words in context or the author’s intent.

3. Practice Pacing Yourself

Time management is one of the most challenging aspects of the SAT. The test is designed not only to assess your knowledge but also your ability to apply that knowledge under time constraints. Practicing pacing is essential to ensure you have enough time to answer every question without rushing or skipping important details.

Start by taking timed practice tests to get a sense of how long you typically spend on each question. Then, work on gradually improving your speed while maintaining accuracy. It’s important to develop a sense of when to move on from a difficult question so that you don’t waste too much time on any one part of the test. Remember, the goal is to answer every question to the best of your ability within the allotted time.

4. Eliminate Incorrect Answer Choices

A key strategy for multiple-choice questions is the process of elimination. On the SAT, most questions will have one correct answer, one or two distractor answers, and one or two obviously incorrect answers. By quickly eliminating the obviously wrong answers, you can focus your attention on the remaining choices, increasing your chances of selecting the correct one.

When eliminating answers, look for choices that are factually incorrect, irrelevant to the question, or too extreme to be correct. By narrowing down your options, you give yourself a better shot at choosing the correct answer, even if you’re unsure at first glance.

5. Mark Questions for Review

It’s not uncommon to encounter a question that stumps you during the SAT. When this happens, it’s important not to spend too much time on it, as this can detract from the time available for easier questions later on. Instead, make your best guess, mark the question for review, and move on. If you have time at the end of the section, you can return to the marked questions and reconsider your answers.

This strategy ensures that you’re maximizing your time and scoring as many points as possible. Remember, it’s better to move on and answer more questions correctly than to get stuck on one challenging question and miss out on easier points.

6. Stick to a “Letter of the Day” for Random Guesses

When you have to make a random guess on a question, which may happen if time is running out, it’s beneficial to have a consistent strategy. One effective technique is to choose a “Letter of the Day” (A, B, C, or D) and stick to it for all your guesses. This strategy increases the likelihood of guessing correctly on at least some of the questions.

The reasoning behind this strategy is statistical. By sticking to one letter, you’re not spreading your guesses too thinly across different options, which could lower your chances of guessing correctly. This method is particularly useful when you’re short on time and need to make quick decisions.

7. Rephrase Questions in Your Own Words

Sometimes, SAT questions are worded in a complex or unfamiliar way, making them harder to understand. A useful strategy is to rephrase the question in your own words. Simplifying the language can help you grasp the core of what the question is asking, making it easier to find the correct answer.

This technique is especially helpful for word problems in the Math section or for questions in the Reading section that involve complex sentence structures. By translating the question into simpler terms, you can focus on the essential information and avoid getting confused by the wording.

8. Learn from Your Mistakes

Effective test preparation involves more than just practice; it also requires reflection and improvement. After taking practice tests, review your mistakes carefully. Instead of simply acknowledging that you made an error, develop a strategy to avoid making the same mistake in the future.

For example, if you find that you frequently misinterpret questions, work on reading more carefully and using your pencil as a guide to ensure you don’t skip over any words. If your mistakes stem from a lack of content knowledge, take the time to review the relevant material thoroughly. By actively learning from your mistakes, you can turn your weaknesses into strengths.

BONUS TIP: Stay Calm and Focused

The SAT can be a stressful experience, but staying calm and focused is crucial to performing well. Stress can lead to careless mistakes, so it’s important to manage your nerves. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing before and during the test to keep anxiety at bay.

Remember that the SAT is just one part of your college application, and your preparation has equipped you with the tools you need to succeed. Trust in your abilities, follow your strategies, and approach the test with confidence.

Conclusion

The SAT is a challenging exam, but with the right strategies, you can maximize your score and achieve your college goals. By reading questions thoroughly, referring back to the text for evidence, practicing pacing, eliminating incorrect answers, marking questions for review, sticking to a “Letter of the Day,” rephrasing complex questions, learning from your mistakes, and staying calm, you can navigate the test successfully.

© NUMBERS. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT ® are trademarks registered by the College Board.  College Board is not affiliated with nor endorses this website.