Score Higher: 8 Last-Minute SAT Tips That Work
Did you just realize that your SAT test date is only days away? Don’t panic. Doing something with the time you have left is far better than doing nothing.
The most effective way to make the most of these last few days is to join our SAT prep program in Edison NJ. Our tutors understand how the exam is structured and can help you zero in on the areas that are worth focusing on in the final stretch.
Besides signing up for a SAT prep class, there are 8 things you can do yourself:
1. Get familiar with the Bluebook app before test day
The SAT is now fully digital and uses the Bluebook application for testing, so install it on your device and start navigating its features as soon as you can. You can save a lot of time during the actual exam when you’re familiar with the layout.
2. Make every prep session count
Make the most of every day leading up to the test by scheduling focused study sessions with our SAT prep course in Edison, NJ. Short, consistent sessions are often better than long, unstructured ones.
3. Complete at least one full practice test
Use the Bluebook app to take one of the free full-length practice tests. It’s a great way to identify sections that need more attention and train your brain for test-day pacing.
4. Memorize extra math formulas
The Bluebook app gives you a basic geometry formula sheet during the test — but that’s not enough to cover everything you’ll need. Many SAT math questions rely on algebraic rules, function properties, or trigonometric identities that will not be provided. Take time to review and memorize common formulas like the quadratic equation, exponential growth rules, or sine and cosine ratios. Our SAT prep course in Edison, NJ can help you focus on the ones that are most likely to appear.
5. Get familiar with your calculator
As long as you know how to use it efficiently, a calculator can be your best friend during the math section. When you use the same calculator during practice, you won’t be fumbling with the buttons on test day.
6. Guess smart
Did you know that there’s a way to narrow down your options logically when you’re solving math questions? Try taking each multiple-choice option and substitute it back into the question to see which one works. You can also make abstract problems much more manageable by replacing variables with easy numbers (like 2 or 5) to check which answer choices follow the same pattern or produce the same result.
7. Understand what the reading and writing questions are asking
Take time to understand the structure of SAT Reading and Writing questions. The College Board website provides a list of official question stems, so you can review them with your practice tests. As you study, identify examples of each type of question so you can recognize what’s being asked and respond accurately on test day.
8. Choose your reading strategy and stick to it
In the new SAT format, each Reading and Writing question includes its own short passage — usually between 25 and 150 words. That’s good news because it eliminates a lot of back-and-forth searching. But it also means you’ll read more passages overall.
Try both strategies during your practice sessions in your SAT prep in Edison, NJ. You can read the passage before checking the answers, and then try reading the answers first to see which feels more natural. That way, you can decide which method works best and stick with it during the actual test for consistency and confidence.
Get more last-minute SAT help from a tutor
PALS Learning Center Piscataway, near Edison, can help you prepare effectively for the digital SAT. Our experienced educators use up-to-date tools and strategies designed to boost your confidence and performance, even when test day is just around the corner.
Call +1 732 777 7997 to learn more about our SAT prep in Edison, NJ, or register on our website today to get started.