Increasing Your Digital SAT Score From 1300 to 1500

Getting a 1500 on the SAT is a dream for many students, and it can unlock the path to top-tier universities, but it's by no means an easy feat. Many students get stuck at the 1300-1400 range, unable to progress further. Today, we'll be dissecting this challenge into manageable chunks and arm you with tips and strategies to conquer both the Reading and Writing section and the Math section.

Section 1: Reading and Writing

• Memorizing Vocabulary for "Words in Context" Questions

  Your vocabulary is the bedrock of your SAT Reading and Writing performance. The "Words in Context" questions test your ability to deduce the meaning of words or phrases in the passage. So, memorizing a range of words can be beneficial. Here's how:

  • Word Lists: Start with a recognized SAT word list. These lists comprise words most frequently appearing in the SATs. Memorize 10-20 new words a day, and make sure you don't forget words from previous days.
  • Flashcards: Write each word on one side of a flashcard and its meaning, along with a sentence using the word, on the other side. Review these flashcards regularly.
  • Reading: Immerse yourself in a variety of texts, like novels, newspapers, or academic articles. This not only broadens your vocabulary but also helps you understand how these words are used in context.

• Practicing Grammar for "Standard English Conventions" Questions

  Grammar in English can be tricky, but fortunately there's a limited number of rules, and they account for over a quarter of all Reading and Writing questions. Here's how you can quickly master grammar rules:

  • Learn the Rules: Begin by understanding the basics—subject-verb agreement, pronoun antecedent agreement, punctuation, parallelism, etc.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: Use SAT prep books and online resources to practice these grammar rules. Make it a habit to dissect sentences in your reading practice as well.
  • Memorize your mistakes: After each mistake you make, don't just read the explanation and move on - spend at least a couple minutes to figure out why the correct answer is correct, and memorize the grammar rule for that particular question. Write down the rules if needed.

• Increasing Reading Speed

  To succeed in the Reading and Writing section, you need to be a swift, yet careful reader. Many questions contain passages with 80-100 words, and time is not your friend. If you're able to increase your reading speed, you'll have more time to answer the questions and double-check your work. Here are a few tips to increase your reading speed:

  • Skimming: Skim through each passage first, focusing on topic sentences and conclusion sentences of each paragraph to get the gist.
  • Chunking: Break down the text into smaller chunks or phrases instead of reading word by word.
  • Practice speed reading: Use speed reading apps or try reading newspapers or magazines under a set time limit. Aim to read 80 words (typical passage size on the exam) in 15 seconds or less.

Section 2: Math

• Work on Practice Problems for Speed

  As with Reading and Writing, the key to acing the Math section is to answer accurately within the stipulated time. Here's how:

  • Timed Practice: Use a timer while solving practice tests to simulate the actual SAT environment. Start by giving yourself extra time, then gradually decrease it until you can comfortably finish within the SAT time limit.
  • Repetition: Repeatedly practice problems from every topic. Over time, this will help you recognize problem types and solve them faster.

• Know All Formulas by Heart

  Knowing all formulas by heart can save valuable time. Here's how:

  • Flashcards: Write each formula on a flashcard with a solved example on the other side. Regularly review these flashcards.

• Work on Mental Math

  Having a strong mental math ability helps reduce errors and saves time spent on calculations. Here's how:

  • Mental Math Apps: Use apps dedicated to improving mental math. They offer quick arithmetic drills to enhance speed and accuracy.
  • Break it Down: Break down complex calculations into simpler ones that can be easily solved in your head.
  • Daily Practice: Incorporate mental math into your daily life. Calculate your total at the grocery store, convert units in recipes, or determine the distance traveled during a trip.

Making the leap from 1300 to 1500 on the SAT is a journey of commitment, consistency, and smart work. Remember, while these strategies are guides to improving your score, every student's learning style and pace are unique. Make adjustments as necessary, and keep faith in your abilities. Happy studying!