Six studying tips for Juniors as SATs near

By Ava Quattlebaum, Staff Reporter

With SATs coming up, students need to start to prepare as soon as possible for the test next month.

BHS teachers, Ryan Roberts, who teaches math, and Karen Izzo, an English teacher, have given positive and effective feedback to help juniors prepare.

Based on their feedback, check out this list of the top six tips for juniors to help prepare them for the SAT, scheduled for March 19 at BHS.

Tip #1 – Review your PSAT results
The first step is to start by looking back on your PSAT resuts, which juniors took this fall. The PSAT, which is identical to the SAT, gives insight into your current strengths and weaknesses, as well as how you might do on the SAT based on this practice trail.

Go to the College Board website or BigFuture App to find your score. When looking at the BigFuture App, it will tell you the sections you were tested on and how well you did. From there, you can review what you did well on, and what needs attention.

BHS both pays for and administers the PSAT to 9th, 10th and 11th-graders, which Izzo said “is very helpful.” There’s a reason you took the PSATs… now make the most your the results.

Tip #2 – Utilize practice tests
There are numerous places to find practice exams and released questions; take advantage of all that’s out there. Try creating a study guide with practice questions online with Quizlet, which most BHS students utilize. Or check out Khan Academy’s full SAT suite, allowing you to plug in your PSAT results for a fully personalized study outline.

Both software also have practice tests with customizable response options, such as multiple choice, true or false, written responses, grid-ins for math, and passage-based readings. 

“Taking practice tests on the College Board website, I think, is helpful,” Izzo noted.

Tip #3 – Organizing and choosing the right location
If you do decide to put in some extra time studying, it is important to be well-prepared. A good way to organize is to make a pile of your notes, worksheets, or topics; or try to organize by unit and chapter. This can help identify some gaps in your learning to tighten before the test. Instead of rereading notes you already know, try separating your notes based on what you know, and what you don’t.

When studying, having a comfortable study environment helps a lot. This can be done by studying on your own, in a quiet environment, in a group setting, or with a tutor. If you struggle to stay focused, try putting your phone on silent mode, or put it in another room to keep you physically away from distractions.

Tip #4 – Maintain good physical and mental health
Going into the test healthy and well-rested is one of the best advantages you could have.

“Make sure you’re getting a good amount of sleep,” Roberts said. “Doing that daily will make it more likely that on the night of the exam, you’ll get a good night’s sleep, which is really important.”

Students should try going to sleep for a minimum of seven hours each night. Try to get into the routine of sleeping seven or eight hours a couple weeks before the test date, which helps your body adapt to the new sleep schedule. It can also help reduce stress leading up to exam day.

While taking the test, bring a water bottle and a silent stress ball or fidget toy to help you focus.

Tip #5 – Take notes in class
The biggest step-up over other test takers is fast recall, and notes are proven to help you recall knowledge fast; and it’s especially helpful on timed exams, like the SAT.

During class time, take note on the presented material. Try making bulleted lists with definitions and questions, which will also help when preparing for upcoming quizzes and tests. 

Tip #6 – Have the right attitude about the SAT
When taking any test, it is common among students to be scared, anxious, and experience heavy emotions. Try your best to compose and believe in youself.

The score you get doesn’t define you as a person, so don’t walk into school expecting it to.

“Our goal is to make sure every student walks into SAT Day prepared, confident, and ready to show their growth this year,” BHS Principal Lee Panagoulias said. “No single test defines you, but this test can help open doors.”

From the Buzz Staff, best of luck on your SATs!