The SAT is used by many colleges to determine admission, scholarships and placement. It is not the end-all-be-all of applying to colleges. However, for some students it is the easiest part of their application to improve and a big part of their applications. Preparing for the SAT will help students improve their scores. SAT prep can be done in a number of ways, including classes, tutoring, online courses and self-study with books.
The SAT is taken by high school students around the world; although, it is predominantly used by students in the United States as part of their college applications.
SAT Preparation
It’s Possible to Improve 100+ Points on the SAT by Only Studying 7 Topics
Register for a free diagnostic SAT to identify the 5-10 topics your child needs to master to improve 100+ points on the SAT.
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Diagnostic Registration Form
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Caddell Prep offers many ways to help students prepare for the SAT and increase their scores. We offer SAT prep classes and 1-on-1 tutoring, bother in-person and online.
SAT Prep Options
SAT Prep Classes Overview
- 4-week course
- 3 times per week
- 8 x 3-hour lessons and 4 practice tests
- Sundays 9am-12pm, Mondays 6pm-9pm, and Wednesdays 6pm-9pm
- Limited to 8 students per course
SAT Tutoring Overview
- 1-on-1 Tutoring
- Online or In-Person
- Flexible Schedules
- Students get Full Attention of the Tutor
- Can Focus on Exactly What the Individual Student Needs
SAT On-Demand Course
- 4 Practice Tests
- Interactive Video Lessons
- Sample Questions with Video Explanations
- Study at Your Own Pace
- (Coming Soon)
SAT Prep Book
- Digital SAT Math Secrets
- Lessons for All Math Topics
- Sample Questions
- 3 Practice Tests
- Available on Amazon
When Should Students Prepare for the SAT?
Students should prepare for the SAT when they have time to devote themselves to it. How much preparation is necessary depends on the student’s current score and his target score.
What Should Students Do to Improve Their SAT Scores?
Students should start with a diagnostic practice test to get a benchmark score, analysis of strengths and weaknesses, and become familiar with the format of the test.
After the diagnostic test, students will need their own plan for how to prepare for the SAT based on their assessments and on their target scores.
What is on the Digital SAT?
The SAT consists of 2 main sections:
- Reading & Writing
- Math
Each section has two modules, so there are four modules all together.
Topics on the SAT
Reading & Writing
There are two Reading & Writing modules on the SAT. Each of the modules typically follows a pattern with the reading questions, including vocabulary, first, followed by the writing questions.
Topics on the Reading & Writing SAT Modules
- Information and Ideas
- Craft and Structure
- Expression of Ideas
- Standard English Conventions
Math
There are two Math modules on the SAT. The questions in each of the modules typically get more difficult as the questions progress.
Topics on the Math SAT Modules
- Algebra
- Advanced Math
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis
- Geometry and Trigonometry
How is the Digital SAT Administered?
The test is administered digitally on a computer or device at a designated test center. Students are encouraged to bring their own devices with the Bluebook app already installed. However, if students do not have their own device, one will be provided to them.
Adaptive Test
The Digital SAT is adaptive. It is not adaptive from question to question; instead, it is adaptive from module to module.
A student’s performance on the first module of each section determines the difficulty of the second module. For example, all students get one difficulty level of the first math module. If students get approximately 2/3 or the questions or more correct, they will get the more difficult second module. If they get less than 2/3 of the question right on the first module, they will get the easier second module.
Students need to take the more difficult second module to maximize their test scores.
Timing on the Test
Each of the four modules on the Digital SAT are timed separately. Each Reading and Writing module is 32 minutes long with 27 questions. Each Math module is 35 minutes long with 22 questions. Students are given a 10-minute break after the second Reading & Writing module, before the first Math module.
| Module | Number of Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing Module 1 | 27 | 32 mins |
| Reading & Writing Module 2 | 27 | 32 mins |
| Math Module 1 | 22 | 35 mins |
| Math Module 2 | 22 | 35 mins |
Types of Questions on the SAT
The overwhelming majority of the test is made up of multiple choice questions. In fact all of the Reading and Writing questions are multiple choice questions. Only the Math section has some questions that require the student to enter in an answer. There’s no partial credit for the work on the math section.
When Do Students Take the SAT?
The majority of students take the SAT for the first time in spring of junior year, but they can take the SAT earlier or later if they want. Students should take the SAT exam when they have time to prepare for it. For example, if a student has many AP tests in May, he will likely not have a lot of time to prepare for the SAT while studying for AP exams, so taking the SAT earlier in March or later in June or August is better. Earlier is always better because it will allow time for the student to study and prepare for a retake if necessary.
When is the Latest Students Can Take the SAT?
In most cases the last attempt for taking the SAT is December of junior year. However, if a student is applying for early decision or early action, the last time will be October or November of senior year, depending on when the application is due.
How Many Times Can a Student Take the SAT?
Students can take the SAT as many times as they like. For almost all college applications, students can even choose which scores to send with their applications. Therefore, those colleges will only know about the SATs that you choose to share.
How to Register for the SAT
To register for the SAT, you should create an account on collegeboard.org. It is possible to register by mail also, but we recommend registering online. You can register for the SAT here: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register
When Should Students Register for the SAT?
Students should register for the SAT when they are certain they will be ready to take the SAT on a specific date. Typically, registration for the entire school year opens in late May or early June. Registering early improves a student’s chances of getting his preferred test center before the seats fill up.
