Top Five SAT Subject Exams Study Tips

Top Five SAT Subject Exams Study Tips

Schedule the test at the right time

The first thing you should do is make note of when specific tests are offered before you put together your study schedule. Something you need to know is that you can’t take subject tests on the same day as the SAT. You should make sure to visit the CollegeBoard page for each SAT subject test and check the recommended preparation section. An example is for Math II, CollegeBoard asks that you have taken “more than three years of college-preparatory mathematics, including two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and elementary functions (precalculus) or trigonometry or both.” You need to make sure you are taking a test you can do well on and are prepared for. If you haven’t taken geometry yet, this probably isn’t a good test for you. You will also see a list of topics covered and anticipated skills you will need on this page,
so make sure you’re familiar with these before you sit for the test

Pro Tip: If you are taking an AP subject exam on the same topic, take these two tests around the same time as this way you can study for both at the same time.

Plan Ahead!

Some things you should do before the big check to see what you need for test day and understand the grading scale. Not only do you want to be prepared for test day, but it is good to use the same tools to practice as you will have on your test. For example, for the two math tests, you can use certain types of calculators (check CollegeBoard’s website for more information). This way you can get to answering the question like you would on the test. The more familiar you are with your calculator the better you will do. The grading scale is something you will want to understand for understanding your practice tests. Like the SAT, the subject exams are all scored on a 200-800 scale. Unlike the SAT, all questions are multiple-choice, and you lose a portion of a point for an incorrect answer. Although you do not lose points for any questions you do not answer.

Take Practice Tests!

Practice tests are your best friend. Practice allows you to see where you are at so you find out how to grow. You can get practice test sheets from almost everywhere you can get SAT practice tests. CollegeBoard has its “official” sat subject tests book available to buy on their website that isn’t too costly. Kaplan and Princeton Review also sell some. These books will contain not only multiple practice tests but as well as lessons with practice problems to review. These books are a huge help to prepare for the test. Unfortunately, there aren't as many free practice tests or lessons as there are for the SAT. You can always try to find books on sale or for a discount. You also always check your local library to see if they have any books on your subject exam.

Hire a Tutor!

Now, this isn’t going to be an option for everything (nor should it be), but for those students wanting to get a high score this may be a good option for you. Tutoring allows you to work one on one with a professional on areas of the test you need help on. Now, do you need to do some long program for the test? Absolutely not. if you have only one or two areas you need help on then make a few sessions to work on them. If you have to take this test on a certain subject and you are horrible at this subject, then maybe a longer program would be best. Now not everyone wants or needs a tutor so that is something you need to figure out for yourself. Figure out what is best for you and what you can afford.

Put Together A Study Plan!

Saying you are going to study is one thing. If
you don’t have a set plan, you probably won’t study as much as you need to. Scheduling times to study will help you keep yourself accountable and help you focus. Something will come up if you don't have a plan that will cause you not to study. You will always push it back and back until you completely forget it. If you make a plan and write it into your schedule then you will be able to take the time to study. You will have a focus at a time for your studying. You can make it for however long and however many days you want. This is your plan. Think about a few key things though. Are you a morning or night person? This will help you determine when you should study. What other priorities do I have? Even though you need to study, you may have other activities found on your need to plan around. Where is a good place for me to study? What else is going on at home? If studying at home is something that works best for you. You sort of have to plan around the others in your house’s plans. You cannot study while your sibling is having their at home drum lessons.

These are my top five tips that will help you study for your SAT subject. I wish you luck as you start your journey of studying!