SAT Archives - 91ÁÔĆć /blog/category/sat/ Prep for Success Fri, 22 May 2026 20:51:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://assets.testinnovators.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cropped-TI-favicon_512x512-32x32.png SAT Archives - 91ÁÔĆć /blog/category/sat/ 32 32 SAT and ACT Informational Packet /blog/sat-act-informational-packet/ Fri, 22 May 2026 17:18:39 +0000 /?p=9631 91ÁÔĆć can help students manage the SAT and ACT testing process by providing resources about the tests. We recommend creating an informational packet that you can give to your families as they start the testing process. Here’s a sample packet for inspiration. Please feel free to download and use it. Get a PDF of the […]

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91ÁÔĆć can help students manage the SAT and ACT testing process by providing resources about the tests. We recommend creating an informational packet that you can give to your families as they start the testing process. Here’s a sample packet for inspiration. Please feel free to download and use it.

Originally published on August 23, 2023. Updated on May 22, 2026.Ěý

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]]> SAT Infographic /blog/digital-sat-infographic/ Thu, 21 May 2026 19:29:33 +0000 /?p=8410 The SAT hasn't just gone digital—the test has fundamentally changed. Our infographic provides a detailed overview of the structure and content of the new computer adaptive test.

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The SAT is now a computer adaptive test. The following infographic provides a visual overview of the structure and content of the digital SAT.

Click here to download

The SAT hasn’t just gone digital—the test has fundamentally changed. Here are some additional resources to help you prepare for the digital SAT:Ěý

Start Preparing for the SAT Today!

91ÁÔĆć offers 12 full-length adaptive practice tests and 1,700+ additional practice questions. Get started with a free sample test today.

Explore SAT Practice from 91ÁÔĆć

Originally published on February 7, 2022. Updated on May 21, 2026.

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]]> Digital SAT vs Enhanced ACT Infographic /blog/digital-sat-vs-enhanced-act-infographic/ Thu, 21 May 2026 19:15:18 +0000 /?p=15624 Deciding whether to take the SAT, ACT, or both is an important choice. See how the new, enhanced ACT compares to the digital SAT.

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Both the SAT and ACT have recently undergone major changes. Compare the two updated tests side by side to see how they stack up.

A visual comparison of the SAT vs. the ACT from 91ÁÔĆć, including differences in structure, sections, timing, and scoring.

Click here to download

Start preparing for the SAT and ACT today!

SAT Practice
ACT Practice

Originally published on January 17, 2025. Updated on May 21, 2026.Ěý

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]]> How to Study for the ACT and SAT /blog/how-to-study-for-the-act-and-sat/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:38:38 +0000 /?p=19700 Whether your test date is three weeks away or still months out on the horizon, a good study plan makes a real difference. This post walks you through the full process: how to choose between the ACT and SAT, how to build a study schedule based on how much time you have, and what to […]

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Whether your test date is three weeks away or still months out on the horizon, a good study plan makes a real difference. This post walks you through the full process: how to choose between the ACT and SAT, how to build a study schedule based on how much time you have, and what to focus on as test day approaches.

Should I Take the ACT, SAT, or Both?

If you haven’t already decided which test to take, try taking an ACT practice test and an SAT practice test to see if you have a preference. The two tests cover similar content but have meaningfully different formats. The SAT is digital and adaptive. Each section is divided into two modules, and the difficulty of your second module adjusts based on how you do on the first. The ACT is offered both on paper and on the computer, with a fixed format and optional Science and Writing sections.

Some students have a clear preference or find they do better on one test over the other. Others end up taking both. It isn’t necessary to take both tests, but some students find having options reduces stress and anxiety. For a quick side-by-side overview, check out our SAT vs ACT infographic.

What Is the Best Way to Study for the ACT and SAT?

We’ve helped over half a million students prepare for admissions tests, and we’ve found that the following process works very well no matter which test you’re studying for: take a practice test, review your results carefully, and then do targeted practice on your weak areas. Repeat this cycle until test day.

Step 1: Take a Practice Test

Before you do anything else, take a full-length practice test under test-day conditions. That means timed, in one sitting, and without your phone or other distractions. The goal is to find an honest baseline so that you learn what you need to improve in order to reach your goal.

Step 2: Review Your Results

Going through a completed practice test carefully is one of the most valuable parts of test prep, and well worth your time. Don’t just look at your score. Look at your results by content area, by question type, and by timing. Which sections cost you the most points? Which question types tripped you up repeatedly? Where did you run out of time?

Flag three categories of questions to review: ones you missed, ones you skipped, and ones you guessed on even if you got them right. A lucky guess may not repeat itself on test day.

Read our full guide on how to learn from your practice test mistakes for a step-by-step walkthrough of this process.

Step 3: Do Targeted Practice

Once you know what to work on, focus your practice sessions there. Targeted practice can involve reviewing content, practicing sets of questions similar to the ones you missed on your practice test, or practicing test-taking skills like pacing and endurance.


Then take another practice test and repeat the cycle.

Study Plans by Timeline

How you structure your prep depends on how much time you have. Here’s what we recommend based on when you’re starting.

6+ Month ACT and SAT Study Plan

Six or more months is the ideal runway to prepare for the ACT or SAT. It gives you plenty of time to build your test-taking skills, address content gaps, and still have room to adjust your approach as you get closer to test day.

Start by building a consistent study schedule and stick to it. Make ACT and SAT prep part of your routine. Use the first few weeks to familiarize yourself with the test format, identify your weakest areas, and build strong study habits. Spacing out your sessions over time promotes long-term retention, which means you’ll actually remember what you learned on test day.

Practice tests: One full-length test every three to four weeks, gradually increasing to every one to two weeks as you approach your test date

Targeted practice: 30 to 45 minutes, two to three times per week

2 to 5 Month ACT and SAT Study Plan

Two to five months is enough time to make meaningful gains across multiple areas without feeling rushed. If you’re just getting started, you’re in a good position.Ěý

As you continue to take practice tests, make note of what’s improved and what you still need to work on. Adjust where you focus your targeted practice sessions accordingly.

Practice tests: One full-length test every one to two weeksĚý

Targeted practice: 30 to 45 minutes, three to four times per week

1 Month ACT and SAT Study Plan

One month is still enough time to improve your score, but only if you’re strategic about it. Read our dedicated guide: How to Study for the SAT in One Month.Ěý

Focus first on the areas where you can improve the fastest. For example, reviewing grammar and punctuation rules can have a big impact on your SAT Reading & Writing and ACT English scores.

Practice tests: One full-length test per weekĚý

Targeted practice: 45 to 60 minutes, three to four times per week

The Week Before the ACT or SAT

One week is not a lot of time to prepare for the ACT or SAT. If you haven’t started studying yet, the most valuable thing you can do right now is familiarize yourself with the test format. Knowing what to expect on test day (the structure, the timing, the question types) can make a real difference. However, it’s unlikely you’ll see dramatic score improvements. Instead, focus on doing your best for where you are right now. Read our guide: How to Study for the SAT With One Week Left.

If you’ve been preparing consistently, now is the time to pull back on new material and focus on review. Identify one or two areas that are still costing you points and concentrate your energy there. Read our guide on what to do in the final week before the SAT for a day-by-day breakdown.

Practice tests: One full-length test early in the week

Targeted practice: 30 to 45 minutes, two to three times per week; keep sessions short and focused

The Day Before the ACT or SAT

If your test is tomorrow, put down your books, shut off your computer, and get some rest. Trust the work you’ve put in and don’t try to cram. Pack your bag, plan your morning, and eat a good dinner. Read our full guide: What to Do the Night Before the SAT or ACT.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind as You Study

Consistency beats intensity. Short, regular study sessions are more effective than marathon cramming. An hour three times a week will outperform three hours the night before every practice test.

More practice tests aren’t always better. Taking a practice test without reviewing it carefully is a missed opportunity. The review is where most of the learning happens.

Nerves are normal. It’s completely normal to feel anxious about the ACT or SAT. If test anxiety is affecting your performance, check out our test anxiety resources for practical strategies.

You can retake the test. Most students take the ACT or SAT more than once. Knowing you have another chance can take some pressure off, and it’s worth planning your test schedule to allow for a retake if you need one.

More ACT and SAT Resources

Understanding the Tests

Study Plans

Test-Taking Skills

Test Day

Start Practicing Today

91ÁÔĆć has everything you need to prepare for the ACT and SAT, including full-length practice tests, detailed score reports, and thousands of targeted practice questions.

Explore SAT Practice
Explore ACT Practice

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

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]]> Learning from Your Mistakes: How to Get the Most Out of Your Practice Tests /blog/learning-from-practice-test-mistakes/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:11:38 +0000 /?p=19649 You’ve just finished a practice test. Now what? At 91ÁÔĆć, we talk about test prep in three steps: (1) take a practice test, (2) review your results, and (3) do targeted practice. This post is about step two. Going through a completed practice test carefully is one of the most valuable but overlooked parts […]

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You’ve just finished a practice test. Now what?

At 91ÁÔĆć, we talk about test prep in three steps: (1) take a practice test, (2) review your results, and (3) do targeted practice. This post is about step two.

Going through a completed practice test carefully is one of the most valuable but overlooked parts of test prep. This post walks you through how to review your results step by step, and while we’ll point to some tools inside 91ÁÔĆć along the way, this process works no matter what materials you’re using to prepare.

Start With the Big Picture, Then Zoom In

Before you dive into individual questions, take a step back and look at your results from the top down.

Start with your overall scores. How did you do on the test as a whole? Which section was your strongest? Which needs the most work?Ěý

Then look at each section individually to see how you did by content area. Once again, make note of both your strengths and your weaknesses. Knowing what you’re already doing well is just as useful as knowing where you need to improve.

91ÁÔĆć SAT Score Report Module Summary
91ÁÔĆć breaks down each section or module by difficulty level, content area, and time.

Once you have your bearings, it’s time to dive in and go question by question. As you do, you’re looking for three categories of questions to review:

  • Questions you missed
  • Questions you skipped
  • Questions you flagged, even if you ended up getting them right

That last category is easy to overlook. You may have ultimately guessed correctly, but that doesn’t mean you’d actually know how to solve a similar question on the real test. Those questions belong in your review too.

Example of a incorrect question from 91ÁÔĆć' SAT Practice Test #1
For each question, 91ÁÔĆć shows your answer, the correct answer, a full explanation, and a follow-up exercise to practice similar questions.

Reread the Question and Figure Out Why You Missed It

Start by rereading the question. Do you remember what tripped you up? Do you see how to solve it now that the pressure of the test is over? Or is it still giving you trouble?

It helps to think about missed questions in two broad categories:

Execution Errors

Execution errors are mistakes that have nothing to do with your understanding of the content. Perhaps you misread the question. Or you meant to bubble in C but filled in D instead. Or you ran out of time and had to guess randomly. Or you skipped a line on your answer sheet and threw off everything that followed. These happen to everyone, and they’re frustrating precisely because you know the material.

Knowledge Gaps

On admissions tests, you may run into questions where you genuinely aren’t sure how to approach the problem. Perhaps you haven’t studied the material in school yet, or it has been a while and you need to refresh your memory.Ěý

To determine whether a question is a knowledge gap or execution error ask yourself: “would I have known how to solve this with no time pressure and no stakes?” Better yet, try it now. Cover the answer and work through the question again from scratch. If you can get there on your own, it was likely an execution error. If you still can’t, you have a knowledge gap.

As you go, jot down what you think went wrong for each question. If you identify a knowledge gap, note the specific topic (e.g. right triangles, comma splices, reading inference questions, etc). That list will help you determine where to focus your targeted practice.

91ÁÔĆć lets you hide the answers when you review a practice test.
Use the Hide Answer toggle to cover the correct answer and try the question again on your own.

Read the Answer Explanation

Once you’ve thought through why you missed the question, read the answer explanation. Does the solution make sense to you now? If so, great. You’ve got a clearer picture of what happened and you’re ready to move on to targeted practice.

If the explanation doesn’t fully click, that’s useful information too.Ěý

91ÁÔĆć has detailed answer explanations.
91ÁÔĆć has detailed answer explanations.

Talk Through the Problem if You're Still Stuck

If you’re still stuck after reading the explanation, try working through the problem out loud with a tutor, parent/guardian, or a study partner. Explaining your reasoning forces you to slow down and can help you identify exactly where your thinking breaks down.Ěý

If you’re using 91ÁÔĆć, you can also try Wild Zebra, an AI study buddy, by clicking the zebra icon in the lower left corner of the screen. Wild Zebra uses Socratic conversation to guide your reasoning, asking questions and checking your understanding rather than just handing you the answer. Working through a problem this way can either help the solution click or confirm that there’s a knowledge gap that needs some dedicated study time. All 91ÁÔĆć accounts include 10 free Wild Zebra conversations.

Wild Zebra helps students think through problems.
Wild Zebra helps students think through problems.

Do Targeted Practice

Now that you know where to focus, it’s time for step three: targeted practice.

For execution errors, or any question where the explanation made the problem click, go straight to similar practice problems. The goal is to apply what you just learned while it’s fresh to new questions. That will help reinforce the material and build confidence that you’re ready for similar problems on the real test.

If you’re using 91ÁÔĆć, you’ll notice that every question has a recommended follow-up exercise. Click the link and you’ll get a set of similar practice questions to work through right away.

For knowledge gaps, study the underlying content first, then come back and do the practice problems. Drilling practice questions on a concept you haven’t learned yet isn’t the best use of your time.

Every 91ÁÔĆć practice test question is linked to a follow-up exercise for additional targeted practice.
Every 91ÁÔĆć practice test question is linked to a follow-up exercise for additional targeted practice.

One More Thing: Missing Questions Is Part of the Process

It’s easy to feel discouraged when you see mistakes on a practice test. But we’d invite you to think about it differently: the questions you miss are problems you caught before they mattered. If you discover a knowledge gap now, you have time to fill it. If you find out you have a habit of misreading questions under pressure, you can work on it. And if you bubbled in an entire section offset by one line, you can be sure you’ll double-check your answer sheet on test day.

Mistakes show you how to be better, and that’s what practice is for.

Take Your Next Practice Test

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Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

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]]> How to Study for the SAT in One Month /blog/sat-prep-one-month/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:28:46 +0000 /?p=19488 One month is enough time to make a real difference on the SAT, but only if you use that time well. Here’s how to be strategic and make the most of your remaining weeks. Start With a Practice Test Before you do anything else, take a full-length practice test. Every student starts with a different […]

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One month is enough time to make a real difference on the SAT, but only if you use that time well. Here’s how to be strategic and make the most of your remaining weeks.

Start With a Practice Test

Before you do anything else, take a full-length practice test. Every student starts with a different set of strengths and weaknesses. A practice test shows you exactly what you need to work on so you can focus your time where it will actually make a difference to your score, rather than spending hours covering things you already know.Ěý

Dig Into Your Performance Data

Your practice test results are only useful if you understand what they’re telling you. Spend some time with them before jumping into studying. Where are you losing points? Are there specific question types that consistently trip you up, or whole content areas where your accuracy drops? Look for patterns.

If you’re using 91ÁÔĆć, here’s how to get the most out of your practice test results:

Start With the Big Picture

Head over to your analysis tab and look at your overview. Here you’ll see the total score, your section scores, and which Module 2 you took for each section. (The SAT is an adaptive test, and your performance on Module 1 determines whether you get an easier or harder Module 2.) If you landed in Module 2 Easy, your focus should be on solidifying core content and filling gaps in the fundamentals. If you managed to unlock Module 2 Hard, you’re already in solid shape on the basics, so your energy is better spent refining advanced concepts and working on skills like pacing.

91ÁÔĆć SAT Score Report Overview

Review Each Module

For each module, you can see how you did by question difficulty, and type, and how you spent your time. Make note of what you did well and what you need to improve.

91ÁÔĆć SAT Score Report Module Summary

Go Question by Question

Review every question you missed, skipped, or flagged. Read the answer explanation carefully. If you still don’t understand, open up the Wild Zebra widget in the bottom left-hand corner and talk through the problem.ĚýĚý

As you work through your practice test results, you’ll find links to targeted follow-up exercises for each question so you can practice the question types you struggled with. 91ÁÔĆć has 1,700+ practice questions covering every question type on the SAT.

91ÁÔĆć Score Report Question Review

Make a Study Schedule

Once you know what to work on, create a manageable, consistent study plan that you can stick to. A month goes faster than you think, and having a plan keeps you from wasting time.

Start by blocking out your practice test days, then work backwards to fill in your study sessions:

  • Practice tests: Block out one to two longer sessions per week for a full-length practice test and review.
  • Targeted practice: Fill the days in between your practice tests with shorter, focused sessions of 30 to 60 minutes. Use 91ÁÔĆć’ practice questions to zero in on the specific content areas and question types you need to work on most.

Consistent short study sessions will serve you better than sporadic long ones. The goal is steady progress without burnout.

Go After the Quick Wins First

One month isn’t enough time to overhaul everything. However, you can make significant progress if you’re deliberate about where you spend your energy. Identify the areas with the biggest potential payoff for you and go after those first.

Every student’s weak spots are different, but two areas tend to offer the fastest returns for almost everyone who hasn’t mastered them yet:

  • Grammar and punctuation. The SAT’s Standard English Conventions questions follow predictable rules. If you know those rules, these questions are quick and easy to answer. Check out our Guide to SAT Grammar and Punctuation for a solid overview.
  • Desmos. The built-in graphing calculator can save you a lot of time and help you solve problems you might otherwise get stuck on. Learn how to use it, but know that you won’t be able to use it for every problem.

Consider a Class or Workshop

If you know you work best with structure and accountability, a live prep class might be the best fit for you. 91ÁÔĆć offers intensive summer classes and workshops designed for students on a tighter timeline. Learn more here.

Take Practice Tests Throughout the Month

Aim to take one to two full-length practice tests per week as your test date approaches. Each test shows you how you’re improving and helps you build your stamina and confidence.

After each test, review your performance data carefully (not just your score), study the questions you missed, and follow up with targeted practice on those areas. Understanding what you missed and why is more important than your score on any practice test.Ěý

Plan to take at least one of your practice tests in , College Board’s official testing app. Make sure Bluebook works on the device you plan to use on test day, and get familiar with the look and feel of the interface. If you’ve been using 91ÁÔĆć, you might notice that Bluebook feels a little easier. That’s intentional: we make our practice tests a bit more difficult so you’re prepared for the hardest questions on test day. Read more about our approach here.

Don't Overdo It in the Final Days

As you get close to test day, resist the urge to cram. The last few days before the SAT are for light review, not heavy studying. Trust the work you’ve been doing and prioritize sleep so you can walk into the test well-rested.

Check out our post on What to Do the Week Before the SAT for a detailed guide to tapering well.

Put Your Study Plan Into Action

You know what to work on. Now it’s time to do the work. 91ÁÔĆć has 1,700+ targeted practice questions and full-length practice tests to help you make the most of your remaining weeks.

Explore SAT Practice

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

The post How to Study for the SAT in One Month appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> What to Do the Night Before the SAT or ACT /blog/night-before-sat-act/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:22:10 +0000 /?p=19122 The night before the SAT or ACT is not a time for studying. Your preparation is behind you. What you do tonight won’t change what you know, but it can absolutely affect how you feel and perform tomorrow. Here’s how to spend the evening well. Don’t Try to Cram The SAT and ACT reward skills […]

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The night before the SAT or ACT is not a time for studying. Your preparation is behind you. What you do tonight won’t change what you know, but it can absolutely affect how you feel and perform tomorrow.

Here’s how to spend the evening well.

Don't Try to Cram

The SAT and ACT reward skills built over time, not last-minute memorization. A late-night cramming session is more likely to leave you tired and anxious than it is to boost your score.

If you’ve been studying consistently, trust the work you’ve already done. If you feel like you need to do something, a short, focused review of one or two question types is fine. Avoid taking a full-length practice test or any attempt to rework your approach to an entire section.

You are much better off completing a few practice problems in an area where you feel confident and then stepping away. That way you’ll wrap up your prep feeling sharp rather than overwhelmed.

Pack Your Bag Tonight

Don’t leave this for the morning. Gather everything you need now.

For the SAT, make sure you have:

  • Your photo ID
  • Your SAT admission ticket from Bluebook (printed)
  • Your fully charged testing device (laptop or tablet with the Bluebook app installed)
  • Your College Board login information
  • A charger for your testing device (bring it just in case)
  • Pencils or pens
  • A permitted calculator with fresh batteries
  • Snacks and water for the break

See the College Board’s for the complete and current list of what to bring.

For the ACT, make sure you have:

  • Your photo ID
  • Your ACT admission ticket (printed)
  • Several sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers
  • If you’re taking the computer-based ACT, your fully charged laptop, charger, and any required login information
  • A permitted calculator with fresh batteries
  • Snacks and water for the break
  • A simple analog watch (no smartwatches, no watches with alarms)

See ACT’s for the complete and current list of what to bring.

Plan Your Morning

Look up your test center address tonight and figure out how long it will take to get there. Build in extra time, just in case you encounter weekend traffic or construction delays.

Set your alarm (and a backup), lay out your clothes, and decide what you’re having for breakfast. Stick with something familiar. Tomorrow is not the morning to try a new food or skip a meal.

It's Normal to Feel Nervous

Some nervousness before a big test is completely normal. It means the test matters to you, and a little adrenaline can actually help you stay focused and sharp once you sit down.

If anxiety is making it hard to settle down tonight, try stepping away from screens, taking a few slow deep breaths, or doing something that you enjoy. You don’t need to feel perfectly calm to perform well tomorrow. You just need to rest.

For more on managing test anxiety in the moment (including what to do when nerves show up once the test begins), read our guide to managing test anxiety on test day.

Relax

You’ve put in the work, and you’ve earned a relaxing evening.

Do something you genuinely enjoy that has nothing to do with the SAT or ACT. Watch a favorite show, take a short walk, cook a good dinner, or call a friend. You’ll approach the test feeling more refreshed and ready.

A note for parents: The way you approach tonight matters too. If your student picks up on your stress or feels pressure to perform, it can make it harder for them to relax. The most helpful thing you can do is keep the evening normal and calm. A good meal, a calm house, and an early bedtime go a long way.

Go to Bed Early

A rested brain reads faster, retains information better, and makes fewer careless errors than a tired one. No amount of last-minute studying can make up for a poor night’s sleep.

Wind down, put your phone away, and go to bed at a reasonable hour. You’ve worked hard to get here. Tomorrow is about showing what you already know. Good luck!

Taking the test again, or preparing for a future date?

91ÁÔĆć has full-length practice tests and thousands of additional targeted practice questions to help you put your best foot forward.Ěý

Explore SAT Practice
Explore ACT Practice

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

The post What to Do the Night Before the SAT or ACT appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> What to Do the Week Before the SAT /blog/sat-prep-final-week/ Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:04:11 +0000 /?p=18952 You might feel pressure to do more in the final week. But if you’ve been preparing consistently, you don’t need to ramp up the pace. You’ve already put in the work.

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This post is for students who have been preparing for the SAT and are one week away from the test.ĚýĚý

Haven’t started studying yet? Here’s what to do if you only have one week left.

Trust the Work You’ve Already Done

You might feel pressure to do more in the final week. But if you’ve been preparing consistently, you don’t need to ramp up the pace. You’ve already put in the work.

Look back at your practice tests and progress so far. Remind yourself where you started and how far you’ve come. Identify one or two areas that are still costing you points and focus exclusively on them.

Lighten Up Your Study Schedule

Elite athletes often train less hard before a major competition to ensure they are well-rested and fresh. The final week of SAT preparation should look more like tapering before a competition than intensive training.

It’s normal to feel nervous, but avoid the temptation to dramatically increase your workload. Cramming in four full practice tests and completely reworking your pacing strategy is more likely to lead to burnout than real progress.

Instead, use this week for light, targeted review on the specific question types or content areas that still trip you up.

If it helps alleviate stress, take one more practice test early in the week. As you know by now, practice tests are the key to preparation, but they are also mentally draining. Avoid taking a practice test within 48 hours of test day so you feel energized and sharp.Ěý

Don’t panic if your score fluctuates. Small score differences between practice tests are common. This is especially true if you’re switching platforms, because each system is a little different. For example, if you take your first 91ÁÔĆć practice this week and it feels harder than the Bluebook practice tests, that’s intentional. Our practice tests are designed to push your skills a little further so that the real SAT feels more manageable.

Don’t Study the Night Before the SAT

The SAT rewards long-term studying and skill development. You’ve already done that work. Your job now is to rest so you’re ready to focus and show what you know.

Instead of cramming the night before, get ready for the next day. Pack everything you need for the test center, charge your testing device, and make sure you know where you’re going and how long it will take to get there. Then, relax. Watch a movie, read a book, or spend time with friends. Be sure to go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep.

A Few Resources for the Final Week

SAT Practice Materials

If you need a final set of high-quality problems to sharpen your skills, 91ÁÔĆć has 1,700+ targeted practice questions, along with full-length practice tests.

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Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

The post What to Do the Week Before the SAT appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> How to Study for the SAT With One Week Left (If You Haven’t Started Studying) /blog/sat-study-plan-one-week/ Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:04:07 +0000 /?p=18943 If you have one week left before the SAT and haven’t studied yet, here’s the truth: you’re not going to transform your score in just a few days. However, even in one week, there are a few smart steps you can take to walk into the testing center feeling more confident and prepared to perform at your best.

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This guide is for students who haven’t started studying yet and have just one week left. If you’ve already been preparing, your strategy for your final week should look different.Ěý

Set Realistic Expectations

If you have one week left before the SAT and haven’t studied yet, here’s the truth: you’re not going to transform your score in just a few days.

That might be perfectly fine depending on your goals and where you are starting from. You might walk out of the testing room with a score you’re happy with. But don’t expect to go from a 1250 to a 1500 in a week.

The SAT rewards long-term skill development, not last-minute cramming. However, even in one week, there are a few smart steps you can take to walk into the testing center feeling more confident and prepared to perform at your best.

If You Only Do One Thing This Week: Download the Bluebook App and Take a Full-Length Practice Test

Bluebook is the official testing platform used for the SAT, and becoming familiar with it before test day can make a big difference. , make sure it works on your device, and take one of the practice tests.

The practice test will help you:

  • Get comfortable with the digital format and interface
  • See how the computer adaptive format works
  • Practice using the built-in Desmos calculator
  • Familiarize yourself with the question types

The practice test will show you where you’re most likely to lose points. That information will help you decide where to focus the rest of your limited study time.

If You Have Time for Two Things: Take One Practice Test and Do Targeted Practice

After taking the practice test, review your results and identify where you’re losing points.

With only a week left, you won’t be able to fix everything. Instead, choose one or two question types where improvement is realistic in a short amount of time. A few hours of focused practice can make a difference if you concentrate on the right areas.

Once you identify your priorities, focus your practice there rather than jumping between unrelated topics.

To make the most of your remaining time, consider the 91ÁÔĆć Scholar Package. It provides a full-length practice test and 1,700+ targeted questions, an ideal combination for focused, last-minute prep.

Focus on the Fastest Score Gains

When time is limited, it helps to focus on areas where improvement tends to happen quickly.

Reading & Writing: Prioritize Standard English Conventions and Transitions

Standard English Conventions questions test grammar and punctuation rules that can be reviewed relatively quickly. Similarly, Transitions questions depend on knowing a limited set of transition words.

Reviewing these areas is one of the fastest ways to gain points.

For a deeper breakdown, see our guides to SAT Grammar and Punctuation and SAT Transitions.

Math: Get Comfortable Using Desmos

During the math section, you’ll have access to the Desmos graphing calculator. Learning how to use it effectively can save significant time on the test.

The more comfortable you are with Desmos before test day, the more efficiently you’ll be able to work through the Math section.

What Not to Do This Week

With only a week left, it’s important to avoid panic and stress. At this point, it’s about doing the best you can based on where you are right now. Remember, you can take the test again if you don’t get the score you want. Giving yourself more time to prepare next time can make a real difference. So this week:

  • Don’t try to fix everything. The SAT tests a wide range of skills built over many years. Instead of trying to review everything, focus on a small number of areas where improvement is realistic in a short time.
  • Don’t take practice tests every day. Practice tests are extremely valuable, but they’re also mentally demanding. Taking multiple full-length tests in a short period of time often leads to burnout rather than improvement. Limit yourself to one or two practice tests during the week before the test. Use the rest of your study time for targeted practice and review.
  • Don’t stay up late cramming. Sleep matters. A tired brain makes more careless mistakes, struggles with reading comprehension, and processes information more slowly. Getting enough rest in the days leading up to the SAT is more important than that late-night study session.

The Night Before the Test

The night before the SAT, your focus should shift away from studying. Take a few simple steps to make the next morning go smoothly:

  • Get a good night’s sleep. A rested brain performs better than a tired one.
  • Pack what you need. Make sure you have your ID, admission ticket, and testing device ready.
  • Know your route. Check where the testing center is and how long it will take to get there.
  • Eat normally. Stick with foods you’re used to rather than trying something new.

Then relax. Read a book or watch a movie, and go to bed.

You can’t change everything in a week. But you can familiarize yourself with the test format and reduce surprises on test day. Showing up calm, rested, and prepared will help you perform at your best.

Have more than a week before the SAT?

Give yourself time to build skills and confidence.

Explore SAT Practice Options

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

The post How to Study for the SAT With One Week Left (If You Haven’t Started Studying) appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> Test Prep Tips: How to Improve Your Pacing /blog/how-to-improve-test-pacing/ Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:37:57 +0000 /?p=18595 Have you ever felt the stomach-dropping realization that you have five questions left and only two minutes on the clock? For some students, time is the biggest challenge on tests like the SAT, ACT, ISEE, and SSAT. Perhaps you’ve studied the content, and you understand all of the concepts. But the moment the clock starts […]

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Have you ever felt the stomach-dropping realization that you have five questions left and only two minutes on the clock?

For some students, time is the biggest challenge on tests like the SAT, ACT, ISEE, and SSAT.

Perhaps you’ve studied the content, and you understand all of the concepts. But the moment the clock starts ticking down in the testing room, your pacing falls apart and anxiety kicks in. Maybe you didn’t finish a section, but you’re confident you could have answered those last few questions correctly with just a few more minutes. If this sounds familiar, time may be the ceiling on your score.

The good news is that pacing is a skill. It’s something you can improve with the right strategies and deliberate practice. Simply telling yourself to “go faster” isn’t a strategy that holds up under pressure.

To help you break through your own scoring ceiling, let’s look at practical ways to take control of the clock.

Study Your Timing Patterns

You can’t fix what you haven’t measured. Before you try to speed up, you need to understand where and how you’re spending your time.

After every practice test, look past the number of correct and incorrect questions and pay attention to how long you spent on each question.

If you’re using the 91ÁÔĆć platform, you can review the timing graph at the bottom of each section summary. You can also see how long you spent on each individual question compared to the average response time in the question-by-question results.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Any Long Bars on the Timing Graph

These are the questions that took significantly longer than average. Even if you answered correctly, ask yourself why it took so long.ĚýĚý

  • Did you reread the prompt multiple times?
  • Did you try a method that required extra steps?
  • Did you get stuck before switching strategies?
  • Did you freeze or blank out for a moment?

2. Performance Trends

Are you consistently slow on specific question types or content areas, like geometry or reading inference questions? Do certain types of reading passages slow you down? A consistent pattern may indicate that you need to do some focused content review.

A quick note: some question types naturally take longer than others. That’s why comparing your time to the average response time is helpful. It gives you context.

Ultimately, even if you got a question right, taking too long may still cost you points elsewhere in the section. Accuracy without efficiency can hold you back.

If you notice that certain problem types consistently slow you down, look for alternative methods. For example, could you:

  • Plug in numbers instead of solving algebraically?
  • Eliminate answer choices more strategically?
  • Answer some questions while reading a passage instead of waiting until the end?

When you practice new methods, don’t worry about speed at first. Focus on learning the process correctly. Efficiency comes with familiarity.

Don’t Be Afraid to Skip Questions

Your fundamental goal is simple: answer as many questions correctly as possible.Ěý

This goal sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you’re mid-test, especially when you’re staring at a question you feel like you should be able to solve. That pressure can keep you stuck longer than you realize.Ěý

If you hit a wall, make a decision. Flag the question and move on. You can always return to it later if time allows.

Spending five minutes wrestling with one problem while three or four other questions sit unanswered is a losing trade. Even if you eventually solve the hard question, the opportunity cost may lower your overall score. (And yes, this basic principle is still true for an adaptive test like the SAT, even though scoring is more complex).Ěý

Remove the Pressure of the Clock

It sounds counterintuitive, but if you’re struggling with time management, one of the best things you can do is temporarily remove the clock.Ěý

Try this experiment: take a full practice test section untimed. Instead of setting a countdown timer, use a stopwatch and track how long it takes you to complete every question carefully and accurately.

If you’re using 91ÁÔĆć, you can also try extended time (1.5x) or double time (2.0x) accommodations. That way, you’ll still collect timing data for each individual question. You can adjust timing accommodations by clicking your name in the upper-right corner and selecting “My Profile.” We’ve outlined the steps in this if you need additional guidance.

This exercise will help you diagnose what’s really happening:

  • If you struggle to answer questions or fully understand what they’re asking even with unlimited time, your primary issue may be content, not pacing. You may need to review concepts or become more familiar with certain question types.
  • If you lose focus or find your mind wandering, you may be dealing with an endurance issue. In that case, gradually build up to longer practice sessions until you can sustain focus for a full section or test.
  • If you finish comfortably when the clock isn’t pressuring you, test anxiety may be playing a significant role. The ticking clock can create stress that disrupts an otherwise strong performance. You can find more information and practical strategies in our Test Anxiety Resources Center.
  • If you could answer most questions correctly with just 10–15 extra minutes, pacing is likely the main issue. The good news is that this gives you a clear, measurable gap to close.

Close the Gap Gradually

Once you know how much extra time you need to comfortably finish a section, you can begin closing the gap. Instead of forcing yourself to jump immediately to official timing, reduce your buffer gradually until you can complete the section within the allotted time.

For example, let’s say you currently need 10 extra minutes to complete a section accurately:

  • Practice Test 1: Give yourself 10 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 2: Reduce the buffer to 8 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 3: Reduce it to 5 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 4: Reduce it to 2 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 5: Complete the section under official time constraints.

This gradual tapering allows you to build speed incrementally. Just as you would if you were training for an athletic event, increase intensity in controlled steps so your performance improves without breaking down.

By analyzing your performance data, experimenting without time pressure, and gradually tightening your timing, you shift from reacting to the clock to managing it.

Ready to Improve Your Pacing? Start Practicing Today.

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Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

The post Test Prep Tips: How to Improve Your Pacing appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

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