Top SAT Study Tips

A handful of habits make a bigger difference than any single study session. These are the tips I come back to most with students working through the Digital SAT Writing course.

1. Limit social media use. Research shows that social media is addictive. It is also associated with negative outcomes—lower grades and a higher risk of depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and more.
2. Use flashcards or spaced-repetition software (e.g., Anki). You will forget what you learn in these lessons unless it's reinforced over time. Regular reviews will help you retain concepts over the long term.
3. Avoid checking explanations too soon. Try to solve each in-lesson question yourself before revealing its explanation. Resisting the temptation to peek is where most of the learning happens.
4. Use official practice tests strategically. The official Bluebook practice tests are the best study resource you have, but use them sparingly. Don't take too many too soon—instead, take tests regularly to see whether your skills have improved.
5. Stay positive. Don't treat the test as an enemy or label yourself a “bad test taker.” Treat it as an engaging challenge, and approach the passages as something you might actually learn from.
6. Read. Expose yourself to high-quality journalism, scholarship, and literature. This is the ultimate way to prepare for the SAT—and for your college journey. Strong readers often internalize grammar rules without needing much SAT Reading and Writing prep.