Prep Zone Academy | SAT - SAT International Test Dates 2022-2023

How long should I prepare for the SAT?

Here’s our yearly advice to SAT candidates which never go wrong. The preparation time needed would depend on this top 3 factors:

• Your starting score
• Whether you’re on school break or not
• How much time you can dedicate to SAT preparation per week

Step 1 – Focus on the syllabus, concepts & strategies

Typically students need anywhere between 3-6 months to be well-prepared for the SAT. The first month or so should be spent focusing on covering the SAT syllabus, concepts and strategies.

• SAT Group Courses

Step 2 – Take full-length SAT tests

Once done, you should move onto doing full-length SAT tests under timed conditions to acclimatize yourself with the actual test. This is also the time to fine-tune your preparation by focusing on specific topics/sections where you’re still getting questions wrong, or working on effective time management.

The only way to progress and build your stamina is by powering through and attempting several practice tests. As soon as you end your test, Prep Zone Academy sends you a score report with areas of improvement for students to focus on. Please ensure though that you are practicing with proper direction and purpose; doing daily tests without addressing your mistakes and weaknesses from previous tests isn’t a very effective approach to preparation.

How About College Applications?

Taking the SAT is crucial, but do remember to keep track of your college application deadlines and work backwards accordingly. Ideally, a good time to attempt the SAT for the first time is in the middle of your junior year (IB year 1 for our international school students and JC 1 for the local students). This way you don’t need to worry about your SAT tests in your senior year (Grade 12) and can focus on school final exams and college applications instead.

Remember, as crucial as it is, the SAT is only one component of your college application. Colleges would be taking into account your school grades, co-curricular activities, leadership roles, volunteer work, references, and application essays when they consider your profile for admission.

Knowing that the test is offered several times does not suggest that you should delay your application process. Don’t be complacent. Plan early & get going!

What’s next?

The first step would be to come up with a preparation plan and timeline for your SAT. The good news – Prep Zone Academy™ has a host of free tools you can utilize to prepare for your SAT.

For students who have already taken the actual SAT or a mock test before, we can have you dive right into preparation! Feel free to get in touch to know how we can help, and also check out our SAT courses or contact us for a personalised schedule which fits your needs.