Even to take a practice test, you need to prepare the conditions like the actual test day. Same goes for the SAT and all other international exams. This will actually help you get in the test-mode and take the test seriously. Here are some tips on how you can create exam-day like settings
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Reserve 3 hours and 50 minutes of uninterrupted time
You need to complete the entire test in one sitting. Note: The total testing time for the redesigned SAT is 3 hours and 50 minutes with the optional essay, but you save 50 minutes if you choose to omit the optional essay. So you can choose to take the test in 3 hours as well.
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Clear your table of any papers or books
Since you aren’t allowed to take a dictionary, notes, books, or scratch paper into the test room, it is better you practice taking the exam without taking help from those.
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Keep a check on the specified amount of time for each section
Pace yourself by keeping an eye on your watch, and finish each section within the respective specified time. The reason not to use an alarm clock or other audible alarm is that you are allowed to bring only your watch to the test room.
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Use calculator in the math sections for only those questions which allow the use of it
In the redesigned SAT, the use of calculator is allowed for only 37 questions and is not allowed for 20 questions. You need to get used to answering questions without a calculator, so it’s better you start practising in the practice test.
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Read the instructions carefully multiple times before starting the practice test
Every official practice test will have the same instruction set as the actual test. Reading and understanding them before will help you save time on the test day as you will be asked to read them before answering questions. If you have read them before and know the instructions, you can skip doing so later.
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Make sure you use an HB pencil
You need to fill in the entire circle on the answer sheet completely. The pencil that is recommended for the purpose is the HB pencil. If you change your answer, make sure to erase it completely.
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Record your answers on paper, then score your test
Use the answer sheet when taking the practise test on paper to mimic the actual testing environment. After completing, you can score the test yourself.
Online Resources
Here are the best resources for practising SAT. These include the official College Board practise tests as well as the most popular preparation material.
Official SAT practice questions - The Official SAT Practice Test for the current SAT is available for you to take. To score the Practice Test, download the Scoring Guide separately.
The Princeton Review International Free Practice Tests - Take the test in person or online. You’ll get a detailed score report that analyzes your strengths and weaknesses and gives you an action plan for improvement.
Manhattan Review SAT Practice Test - Practice test results allow test takers to identify weaknesses and devise a strategy for focusing study on areas that might make the most impact.
Khan Academy SAT practice tests - Download a real, full-length SAT practise test, watch Sal work through real SAT problems, and get even more practice using our interactive questions.
Related articles about the SAT exam
There are various challenges while preparing through online materials, and in such cases SAT books can be of great help. There are various books available for purchase to prepare for SAT exam. Books on SAT can help students in making their personal notes, go back for revision and also help them with practice which is more helpful for retention.
Some of the old SAT books or study guides can still prove beneficial, depending upon the topic of preparation for each section. While others can check out some resources on the official website of the College Board and prepare accordingly. The SAT prep tips are not very different from the already existing exam prep strategy. Choose the appropriate SAT books for preparation only after checking out the SAT syllabus and also thoroughly understanding the SAT exam 2023 pattern before finally registering for SAT exam. Here we have curated a list of official resources by the College Board to help you prepare for the new redesigned SAT exam 2023.
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Some of the best books for the preparation of SAT exam are:
1. KALLIS' Redesigned SAT Pattern Strategy + 6 Full-Length Practice Tests
2. McGraw-Hill Education SAT 2016
3. Barron's New SAT
4. Princeton Review's Cracking the New SAT
5. Dr. Steve Warner's New SAT Math Problems
6.Dr. Jang's SAT 800 Math Workbook for the New SAT
7. The Complete Guide to SAT Reading by Erica Meltzer
The students are free to choose their SAT prep books and resources and prepare as per their previous knowledge. Also there are materials available online also which can be used for preparation.