The SAT is a standardized test that colleges require for admission. The key to being successful on the SAT is having a systematic, strategic approach to taking the test. It is about knowing the test and knowing how to do the test. Score improvement comes in stages. As soon as you master the techniques, you will see score improvement. This manual covers all the material you will need to do well on the SAT. Doing the required homework, taking practice tests, and using the strategies are critical to maximizing score improvement. Your SAT scores are dependent on your raw scores, which are dependent on how many questions you get correct.

Correct answer: 1 raw point
Incorrect answer: 0 raw points
Blank: 0 raw points

You will learn how many questions you need to answer correctly to get the number of points required for a specific score. SAT scores range from 200 - 800 for each of the two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. Your total score, which ranges from 400 - 1600, is the sum of your scores on these two sections. There is also an optional writing section (essay), which is scored from 0-8.

Registering for the SAT - Visit the website www.collegeboard.org to register for the SAT. It is possible to take the SAT (No Writing) without the essay. Always sign up for SAT with essay, since colleges strongly recommend this version of the test. In addition, sign up for Question-and-Answer Service whenever possible. This service allows you to get a copy of the test booklet and the answers to the test questions. However, this service is only available on certain test dates.

The goal is always to maximize your score. Therefore, you should always do questions that you consider easy before questions that you consider challenging. Additionally, there is absolutely NO reason to skip a question because there is no guessing penalty. ALWAYS answer every question. It is statistically more likely that you will guess correctly by choosing the same letter for all the questions that you have no idea how to do. Choose the same letter for all “blind” guesses.

Pace yourself appropriately. Being aware of how much time is left in a given section is very important on the SAT. A lot of students struggle to finish the sections on the SAT because they are not conscious of the time while doing the sections. Bring a watch to your test so that you are always aware of how much time you have left.

Remember, the key to doing well is using the techniques that you will learn from this book. Develop the good habit of using the techniques. Improvement in scores is strongly dependent on applying the proper techniques.

What is a good score to get on the SAT? The score that gets you into the college of your choice.