SAT Study Guide: How to Prepare for the SAT in 3 Months

What’s on the Digital SAT

The SAT transitioned to a digital format in spring 2024, featuring a shorter test with adaptive questions that adjust difficulty based on student performance. The exam consists of two sections: Reading and Writing (54 questions in 64 minutes) and Math (44 questions in 70 minutes), for a total testing time of 2 hours and 14 minutes.

Each section is divided into two modules, with the second module’s difficulty determined by performance on the first module. Students receive scores ranging from 200 to 800 for each section, combining to a total score between 400 and 1600.

Score Requirements and College Admissions

For the 2023-24 admission cycle, the average SAT score for admitted students at selective universities ranged from 1400 to 1560, while many state universities accept scores in the 1000-1200 range. Understanding your target schools’ middle 50 percent score ranges helps you set realistic preparation goals.

Test-optional policies remain common at many institutions, but submitting strong SAT scores can still strengthen applications, particularly for merit scholarships and honors programs.

Month 1: Diagnostic Assessment and Foundation Building

Begin with a full-length diagnostic practice test under timed conditions to establish your baseline score and identify content gaps. The College Board provides eight official practice tests through their Bluebook app, which replicates the actual digital testing experience.

After scoring your diagnostic test, analyze which question types and content areas need the most improvement. Focus the first month on reviewing fundamental concepts in reading comprehension, grammar rules, and math foundations (algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry).

Dedicate 10-12 hours per week during Month 1: 2-3 hours for practice tests, 4-5 hours for content review, and 3-4 hours for targeted practice on weak areas.

Month 2: Strategy Development and Skill Building

The second month focuses on developing test-taking strategies and building speed. Practice the two-pass approach: answer easier questions first, mark difficult questions for review, and return to them if time permits. This strategy maximizes points by ensuring you capture all questions you can confidently answer.

For Reading and Writing, practice identifying main ideas quickly, recognizing transition words, and eliminating obviously wrong answers. For Math, memorize key formulas, practice mental math shortcuts, and learn to recognize question patterns that signal specific solution approaches.

Complete two full-length practice tests during Month 2, spaced two weeks apart. Increase weekly study time to 12-15 hours: 3-4 hours for practice tests, 5-6 hours for strategy practice, and 4-5 hours for skill drills.

Month 3: Test Simulation and Fine-Tuning

The final month prioritizes test simulation under realistic conditions and fine-tuning strategies. Complete three to four full-length practice tests, with the last one taken one week before your test date. This final week should focus on light review rather than intensive studying to avoid burnout.

Analyze each practice test thoroughly, tracking which question types consistently challenge you. Use Khan Academy’s personalized practice, which links directly to your College Board account and provides targeted exercises based on your practice test results.

Maintain 12-15 hours of weekly study through Week 11, then reduce to 5-6 hours in Week 12 for final review and mental preparation.

Mastering Evidence-Based Reading

The Reading and Writing section combines reading comprehension with grammar and usage questions in a single adaptive module. Each passage is shorter than previous SAT versions (25-150 words), with one question per passage, allowing you to move through content more quickly.

Focus on identifying the main purpose of each passage immediately. Questions often ask you to determine the best evidence, identify author’s tone, or recognize logical relationships between ideas. Practice reading actively by mentally summarizing each paragraph as you go.

For vocabulary-in-context questions, always return to the passage and substitute answer choices into the sentence to test which maintains the intended meaning. Never rely solely on the word’s general definition without checking contextual fit.

Grammar and Usage Rules to Master

Standard English conventions questions test punctuation, sentence structure, and grammatical agreement. The most commonly tested rules include subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, comma usage, apostrophe placement, and parallel structure.

Create a reference sheet of the top 20 grammar rules tested on the SAT. Review this sheet weekly and practice identifying these rules in sample questions. When you encounter a grammar question, first determine what rule is being tested, then apply that rule systematically.

Pay special attention to questions involving transition words (however, therefore, additionally) and punctuation (especially comma splices and semicolon usage). These appear frequently and can be mastered with focused practice.

Essential Math Content Areas

The SAT Math section tests four main content domains: Algebra (35% of questions), Advanced Math (35%), Problem-Solving and Data Analysis (15%), and Geometry and Trigonometry (15%). Both modules allow calculator use, but some questions are designed to be solved more efficiently without a calculator.

Algebra questions focus on linear equations, inequalities, systems of equations, and absolute value. Advanced Math includes quadratic functions, exponential functions, and polynomial operations. Problem-Solving questions involve ratios, percentages, and data interpretation. Geometry covers area, volume, circles, triangles, and basic trigonometry.

Calculator Strategies and When to Use Them

The digital SAT includes a built-in graphing calculator, accessible through the Desmos interface embedded in the testing application. Familiarize yourself with this tool during practice, as it differs from physical calculators you may use in school.

Use the calculator for complex arithmetic, graphing functions to visualize solutions, and verifying answers. However, many questions are designed to be solved more quickly through algebraic manipulation or mental math. If a calculation seems overly complex, look for a simpler algebraic approach.

Practice taking official digital practice tests to become comfortable with when to use the calculator versus when to solve problems analytically. Time management improves when you develop intuition about which approach suits each question best.

College Board provides eight official digital practice tests through the Bluebook application, which replicates the actual testing interface and adaptive algorithm. Taking practice tests in this official format is essential because it familiarizes you with the digital experience, navigation tools, and timing.

Schedule practice tests at the same time as your actual SAT (typically 8:00 AM on Saturday mornings). Simulate test-day conditions: minimize distractions, take breaks only during designated times, and complete the test in one sitting. This builds stamina and reduces anxiety about the test-day experience.

Take at least five full-length practice tests during your three-month preparation: one diagnostic (Week 1), three during active preparation (Weeks 4, 7, and 9), and one final test (Week 11). Space tests at least one week apart to allow time for focused studying between assessments.

What to Bring on Test Day

Arrive at your test center with your admission ticket (printed or digital), an acceptable photo ID, several sharpened number 2 pencils (for scratch work), an approved calculator as backup, and an approved snack and drink for the break. The College Board maintains a detailed list of acceptable and prohibited items on their website.

Prohibited items include mobile phones (which must be powered off and stored), smartwatches, recording devices, and any resources or notes. Test centers enforce these rules strictly, and violations can result in dismissal and score cancellation.

Managing Test Day Anxiety

Most test anxiety stems from uncertainty about the testing experience or fear of underperformance. Combat this by taking multiple practice tests under realistic conditions, which builds confidence and familiarity. The digital SAT’s adaptive format means you’ll see harder questions if you perform well on early questions, so don’t panic if the second module feels more challenging.

Sleep eight hours the night before, eat a protein-rich breakfast, and arrive at the test center 30 minutes early to settle in and relax. During the test, if you feel overwhelmed, close your eyes and take three deep breaths before continuing. Remember that you can skip difficult questions and return to them later.

Official College Board Resources

College Board offers the most comprehensive free SAT preparation through their partnership with Khan Academy. This personalized practice platform links to your College Board account, analyzes your PSAT or SAT scores, and generates customized practice recommendations targeting your specific weaknesses.

The Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy includes thousands of practice questions, video explanations, and full-length practice tests. All content is created by the test makers, ensuring accuracy and alignment with the actual exam.

Additional Study Materials

Your school counselor or library may provide access to test prep books and resources. Many public libraries offer free SAT prep courses and study group sessions. Additionally, some nonprofit organizations provide free tutoring and test preparation for students who qualify based on financial need.

While paid test prep services exist, research shows that disciplined self-study using official materials produces results comparable to expensive courses for motivated students. Focus on maximizing free resources before considering paid options.

Understanding Your Score Report

SAT scores are typically available within two weeks of your test date. Your score report includes your total score (400-1600), section scores (200-800 each), subscores showing performance in specific areas, and percentile rankings comparing your performance to other test-takers.

The score report also provides a detailed breakdown showing which questions you answered correctly, incorrectly, or skipped, along with difficulty ratings and content categories. Review this report carefully to understand your strengths and areas for improvement if you plan to retake the test.

Retaking the SAT

Students can take the SAT multiple times, and most colleges participate in Score Choice, allowing you to select which test dates to send. Research shows that students who retake the SAT after additional preparation often improve their scores, with the largest gains typically occurring between the first and second attempts.

If you plan to retake the test, wait at least two months to allow time for focused studying on your weakest areas. Use your previous score report to guide preparation, concentrating on question types where you lost the most points. Most students take the SAT two to three times, with spring of junior year and fall of senior year being the most common testing windows.