SAT Preparation Time totally depends on the weakness and strengths of different subjects. If the test-taker scores well in the diagnostic test then they will require lesser time compared to the one who scores less. For a beginner, not knowing the answer to ‘how long should I study for the SAT?’ is a common question. To know the actual SAT preparation time, candidates are required to make a study plan.
Before starting with SAT preparation, candidates have to find a suitable study approach. They will be required to understand their method of studying, know their target SAT score, SAT preparation materials, and also hours of study they can devote. The answer to ‘how long should you study for the SAT?’, according to experts, is around 3 months. In these three months, candidates will be able to learn the approaches, SAT exam pattern, score, and also tips and strategies. They will also be able to know the number of SAT full-length practice tests they should take.
Score Difference | Hours of Study Required |
---|---|
Increase score by 30 points | 10 hours |
Increase score by 30 - 70 points | 20 hours |
Increase score by 70 - 130 | 40 hours |
Increase score by 130 - 200 points | 80 hours |
Increase score by 200 - 330 points | 150 hours+ |
Once you consider all these factors, that will be the best time to take SAT prep course.
It may happen that the SAT test date is just a month away and you didn’t begin your preparation. Though the answer to ‘Is 1 month enough to study for SAT?’ is no, a strategic SAT preparation plan will help students prepare for the exam. If you require a score improvement of up to 100 points then studying for a month will help you with the target SAT score. Below are a few steps that will help candidates prepare for SAT in a month:
Also, check 3 Month SAT Study Plan
Setting the hours of study: Start by finding the difference between your initial and target SAT scores. According to the difference, below are three suggestions of SAT preparation time:
Points to be increased | Total SAT Preparation Time | Schedules |
---|---|---|
30 points increase | Total 10 hours of SAT preparation time | 2 hours 30 minutes – once a week |
1 hour 15 minutes – twice a week | ||
30 minutes – 5 times a week | ||
30 – 70 points increase | Total 20 hours of SAT preparation time | 2 hours 30 minutes – twice a week |
1 hour – 15 minutes – 4 times a week | ||
1 hour – 5 times a week | ||
70 – 130 points increase | Minimum SAT preparation time of 40 hours | 3 hours and 20 minutes – thrice a week |
2 hours and 30 minutes – 4 times a week | ||
2 hours – 5 times a week | ||
130 – 200 points increase | Minimum SAT preparation time of 80 hours | 5 hours – 4 times a week |
4 hours – 5 times a week | ||
3 hours and 20 minutes – 6 times a week |
Buy Proper SAT Preparation Materials: Candidates questioning how to prepare for SAT in one month are required to purchase the best SAT preparation books. Only authentic SAT preparation books can help candidates prepare for SAT in a month. Below are some of the best SAT preparation books:
Know SAT Exam Pattern: Spend time knowing the SAT exam pattern and format, scoring method, number of questions, penalty, the difficulty level of questions, and sources.
SAT Practice Paper: Nothing is better than practicing from SAT practice papers on a constant basis. Experts recommended practicing from sample questions to measure the progress. Constant practicing also helps in tracking the mistakes and finding solutions to them.
Focus on Fundamental Math Topics: Learning the basic SAT Math topics like algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis, and advanced math is necessary. Along with it, also focus on the fundamentals like linear functions, single-variable equations, systems of linear equations for algebra, quadratic equations, and nonlinear functions, graphic functions for advanced math, and statistics, ratio and proportion, and graphs for the problem-solving part.
Focus on Fundamentals of Grammar: Like SAT Math, also focus on the basics of SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing like punctuation and grammar. It includes topics like apostrophes, commas, modifiers, subject-verb agreement, homophones, and more.
Two months is considered a proper SAT preparation time. Below is a sample 2 month SAT study schedule to help candidates with their preparation:
Weeks | SAT Math | SAT EBRW |
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Week 1 |
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Week 2 |
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Week 3 | Practice from College Board’s full-length practice test | |
Week 4 |
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Week 5 | Solve a College Board Practice Test and watch coordinate geometry videos | |
Week 6 |
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Week 7 |
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Week 8 |
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The decision of ‘how long should I study for SAT everyday?’ depends on the SAT study plan of the candidate. If the candidate needs to improve the score by 100 or more points then they need to study for more than a month at least.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.