How to Prepare for the SAT in 2024

The definitive guide to preparing for the SAT in 2024.

2024 SAT Exam Dates

It’s time to prepare for the 2024 SAT. Exam dates are as follows:

SAT Test Date	Registration Deadline	Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration
Mar 9, 2024	Feb 23, 2024	February 27, 2024
May 4, 2024	Apr 19, 2024	April 23, 2024
June 1, 2024	May 16, 2024	May 21, 2024

Anticipated 2024 SAT Dates

August 24, 2024

October 5, 2024

November 2, 2024

December 7, 2024

Understanding the SAT in 2024: Changes and Updates

This year marks a big change for the SAT, with several large changes taking place on the test. Here are some of the most important ones as reported by U.S. News & World Report:

The 2024 SAT is now fully digital, no more paper test administrations.
A new adaptive test feature: test questions will change in difficulty as you take the test.
Test day shortened by 33%. Now the test is 2 hours instead of 3 hours.
Shorter reading passages and more concise questions (yay!).
Authorized use of calculators for the entire math segment.
No need to buy a graphing calculator: the test includes an integrated digital Desmos graphing calculator.
Expedited score results: scores are provided in days rather than weeks. Score reports also contain useful information about local community colleges and workforce training options.

Setting Your SAT Goals: What to Aim For in 2024

Setting SAT goals is a crucial step in preparing for the exam and maximizing your chances of success. As you embark on your SAT preparation journey in 2024, it's essential to establish clear and realistic goals that align with your academic aspirations and potential college options. With the SAT evolving over time, understanding what to aim for in 2024 can help you strategize effectively and focus your efforts on areas that matter most.

First and foremost, consider your target colleges and their SAT score requirements. Research the average SAT scores of admitted students at your desired institutions to gain insight into the level of competitiveness you'll be facing. Use this information to set a target score range that aligns with the expectations of your prospective colleges. While aiming for a perfect score may seem appealing, it's essential to set a goal that is challenging yet achievable based on your current academic abilities and preparation timeline.

In addition to considering college requirements, it's crucial to assess your own strengths and weaknesses. Take a practice SAT or diagnostic test to identify areas where you excel and areas that need improvement. Use this information to set specific score goals for each section of the exam, whether it's reading, writing and language, or math. By breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable targets, you can track your progress more effectively and tailor your study plan to address areas of weakness.

Furthermore, consider your timeline for SAT preparation and the resources available to you. Set realistic milestones along the way to monitor your progress and make adjustments to your study plan as needed. Whether you're utilizing prep books, online courses, or working with a tutor, ensure that your chosen resources align with your goals and provide the support you need to succeed. Remember that consistency and dedication are key to achieving your SAT goals, so stay focused and motivated throughout your preparation journey.

Crafting Your Study Plan: Strategies for Effective SAT Preparation

Crafting a well-structured study plan is essential for effective SAT preparation. With the SAT being a comprehensive exam covering various subjects and skills, having a clear strategy in place can help you maximize your study time and improve your chances of success. Here are some strategies to consider when crafting your SAT study plan.

Using your goals, strengths, and weaknesses from the previous section, break down your goals into more manageable chunks. This will allow you to avoid getting overwhelmed and create actionable tasks for yourself to help you reach your goals. Need some help? We love helping students out with this part: check out our Test Prep Tutoring page for more information.

Create a structured schedule: Develop a study schedule that fits your lifestyle and allows for consistent, focused study sessions. Consider factors such as your daily commitments, peak productivity times, and the amount of time you need to cover each section of the SAT.
Mix up your study methods: Incorporate a variety of study techniques into your preparation to keep your learning engaging and effective. This may include reading prep books, watching instructional videos, working on practice problems, and taking timed practice tests.
Review and revise regularly: Schedule regular review sessions to reinforce what you've learned and identify areas that may still need improvement. Use practice tests and diagnostic quizzes to assess your progress and adjust your study plan accordingly.
Stay organized: Keep track of your study materials, notes, and progress to ensure you're staying on track with your goals. Use tools such as planners, calendars, or study apps to help you stay organized and manage your time effectively.
Take care of yourself: Remember to prioritize self-care during your SAT preparation. Get plenty of rest, eat healthily, and exercise regularly to keep your mind and body in peak condition for studying and test day performance.

By incorporating these strategies into your SAT study plan, you can approach your preparation with confidence and set yourself up for success on test day.

Utilizing Online Resources: Top Tools and Websites for SAT Prep in 2024

Although never a substitute for an experienced live tutor, online SAT resources are a good way to refresh test topics, practice questions, and help prepare for the big day. Here are five online SAT prep resources we like at PrepTutors:

College Board Bluebook App: This app has multiple full-length College Board practice SAT exams with official test questions.
Khan Academy: This interactive website has personalized SAT prep, tailored concept recommendations, and integrations with your previous SAT scores.
McGraw-Hill: McGraw-Hill offers five full-length PSAT Practice tests like in an original SAT test format.
The Princeton Review: The Princeton Review offers both online and offline free classes for SAT.
Varsity Tutors: Varsity Tutors offers free SAT diagnostic tests to practice specific areas of the test.

Overcoming Test Anxiety: Strategies for Staying Calm and Focused on Test Day

Test anxiety is a common challenge that many students face when preparing for standardized exams like the SAT. The pressure to perform well, coupled with the importance of the test for college admissions, can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. However, there are several strategies that students can employ to overcome test anxiety and stay calm and focused on test day.

Take practice tests. A meta-analytic review found strong evidence that practice tests significantly reduce test anxiety.
Practice relaxation techniques. A systematic review found that several relaxation techniques helped reduce testing anxiety in nursing students taking some of the most grueling academic exams. It found that aromatherapy, music therapy, confidence training, and visualization techniques can help calm the mind and body, allowing students to stay focused and centered during the exam. Taking breaks during the test to engage in these relaxation techniques can also help manage anxiety and maintain focus.
Reframe negative thoughts. Instead of dwelling on fears of failure or catastrophic outcomes, students can focus on positive affirmations and reminders of their preparation and abilities. Adopting a growth mindset and viewing the test as an opportunity to demonstrate one's skills and knowledge can help shift perspective and reduce anxiety.
Arrive early, well-rested, and with all necessary materials prepared. Establishing a routine for the morning of the test can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and readiness.
Stay cool during test time. During the exam, students should focus on pacing themselves, managing their time effectively, and staying present in the moment, rather than worrying about the outcome.

Finally, seeking support from teachers, counselors, or test prep tutors can be beneficial for students struggling with test anxiety. These professionals can provide guidance, encouragement, and practical strategies for managing anxiety and performing at their best on test day. With the right preparation and mindset, students can overcome test anxiety and approach the SAT with confidence and focus.

Seeking Support: How PrepTutors Can Enhance Your SAT Preparation Journey

At PrepTutors, we love seeing students succeed. Our expert tutors work closely with each student to develop a customized study plan tailored to their specific needs and goals. Our SAT tutors also work alongside our Academic Program Managers to make sure every PrepTutors student is on track to success. Here are some of the benefits we’ve seen students experience by trusting Preptutors with their SAT tutoring:

Higher SAT scores. All of our students have improved their SAT scores after tutoring with us. It’s that simple! Through personalized instruction, targeted practice, and strategic guidance, our tutors help students strengthen their skills and maximize their potential, resulting in higher SAT scores.
Improved academic confidence. Our students report being more confident for the SAT after just one tutoring session. Through thousands of hours of tutoring and analyzing students taking practice tests, we’ve seen this confidence improve time spent per question, reduce the number of flagged questions, and improve performance on test days.
Greater motivation to follow through. PrepTutors students report being more motivated to pay attention to their classes and perform better academically after tutoring with us. By experiencing success and progress in their SAT preparation, students gain a renewed sense of purpose and determination to excel in all areas of their academic journey.

By choosing PrepTutors for SAT tutoring, students not only improve their SAT scores but also gain increased confidence, motivation, and academic success. Our proven track record of helping students achieve their goals speaks for itself, and we're committed to empowering every student to reach their full potential. Don't leave your SAT preparation to chance – trust PrepTutors to guide you toward success.

Staying Motivated: Maintaining Momentum Throughout Your SAT Prep Efforts

As you gear up to tackle the SAT in 2024, maintaining motivation throughout your preparation journey is key to achieving success. With the SAT being a crucial milestone in your academic journey, it's important to stay focused, driven, and determined to reach your goals. Here are some effective strategies to help you stay motivated and maintain momentum throughout your SAT prep efforts. You’ll notice that they closely follow the tips we’ve outlined in other parts of this blog post:

Set Clear Goals: Start by setting clear and achievable goals for your SAT preparation. Whether it's a target score range, specific improvement in certain sections, or mastering particular test-taking strategies, having concrete goals will give you something to strive for and keep you motivated.

Break It Down: Break your SAT preparation journey into smaller, manageable tasks. Rather than focusing solely on the end goal of acing the exam, set smaller milestones along the way. Celebrate each achievement, whether it's completing a practice test, mastering a difficult math concept, or improving your time management skills.

Find Your Why: Take some time to reflect on why achieving a high score on the SAT is important to you. Whether it's gaining admission to your dream college, qualifying for scholarships, or proving your academic abilities, understanding your motivations will fuel your determination and keep you committed to your preparation.

Stay Organized: Keep your study materials, notes, and schedule organized to stay on track with your SAT prep. Use tools such as planners, calendars, or study apps to plan your study sessions, track your progress, and stay accountable to your goals.

Mix It Up: Keep your SAT preparation engaging and varied by mixing up your study methods. Incorporate a variety of resources, such as prep books, online courses, flashcards, and practice tests, to keep your learning fresh and interesting.

Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. Whether it's from family, friends, teachers, or tutors like us, having a support system in place can provide encouragement, guidance, and motivation to keep going, even when the going gets tough.

Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset throughout your SAT preparation journey. Focus on your strengths, celebrate your progress, and learn from your mistakes. Remember that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process and an opportunity for growth.

By implementing these strategies, you can stay motivated and maintain momentum throughout your SAT prep efforts. With dedication, perseverance, and a positive attitude, you'll be well on your way to achieving success on the SAT and opening doors to exciting opportunities.