📘 Guide to the SAT: What You Need to Know

If you're planning to apply to college, you've probably heard of the SAT. It can feel overwhelming at first — but don’t worry. In this guide, I’ll break it down in a simple, no-stress way, and share tips to help you feel more confident and prepared.

✏️ What Is the SAT, Anyway?

The SAT is a standardized test used by many colleges as one part of your application. It helps schools get a sense of your academic strengths — but it's not the only thing they look at.

The test includes:

  • Reading: understanding passages and answering questions

  • Writing & Language: grammar and editing skills

  • Math: both with and without a calculator

It's now digital, which means you’ll take it on a computer, and it’s shorter than it used to be — about 2 hours total.

⏰ When Should You Take It?

Most students take the SAT for the first time in spring of junior year (11th grade), and many take it again in the fall of senior year if they want to improve their score.

Here’s a simple timeline:

  • 10th Grade: Light prep or PSAT practice

  • 11th Grade (Spring): First real SAT attempt

  • 12th Grade (Fall): Optional retake

Pro Tip: Take it early enough that you have time to retake it if you want to — but don’t stress if it’s not perfect. A good score is one part of a bigger story.

📚 How Should You Study?

The key to the SAT is practice — especially practice that looks like the real test. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Take a full-length practice test (you can find them on Bluebook)

  2. Use free tools like Khan Academy, which is partnered with College Board

  3. Focus on your weak areas first

  4. Practice in timed settings so you get used to the pace

  5. Build a simple study plan — even just 30 minutes a few times a week can make a big difference

Bonus Tip: If you’re already strong in one section (like math), focus more time on your weaker areas.

🏫 Do All Colleges Still Require the SAT?

Not all! Many schools are now test-optional, meaning you can choose whether or not to send your scores. But some colleges do still consider it important, especially for scholarships or competitive programs.

If your score strengthens your application, send it. If not, it’s okay to leave it out.

🎯 What’s a “Good” Score?

A “good” score depends on your goals. Here's a rough breakdown:

  • 1500+ = Ivy League and top-tier schools

  • 1300–1490 = Strong for many competitive schools

  • 1100–1290 = Solid for a wide range of schools

  • Below 1100 = Still okay! Some great colleges are test-optional or place less weight on scores

The best score is the one that supports the rest of your application — your GPA, essays, activities, and story.

💡 Final Thoughts

The SAT doesn’t define you. It’s just one tool — and with the right prep and mindset, you can take control of it (instead of letting it stress you out).

And if you ever want personalized help — whether that’s building a testing timeline, creating a study plan, or deciding whether to submit scores — I offer 1:1 support to walk you through it all.

You've got this! 🎉