What is the SAT?
Students need strong critical thinking and logical reasoning skills to perform well on the SAT, so our SAT Prep curriculum incorporates clear, step-by-step processes to boost students’ reasoning and fine-tune their approach and pacing. We integrate skill building and review, so SAT prep content is interwoven with test-taking techniques. To find more information, learn about SAT dates, or sign up for the SAT, go to the College Board’s website at http://www.collegeboard.org
SAT or ACT?
Juniors and sophomores should weigh the pros and cons of the SAT and ACT to determine which test could better showcase their strengths. We can help you decide the best course of action by sending us your child’s PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT or Pre-ACT scores. We can provide an analysis of your child’s tests scores and administer diagnostic tests, the results of which can guide you on the right steps forward.
SAT Reading & Writing
SAT reading passages draw from variety of sources and test a student’s ability to find the evidence to support his or her answers. Graphs, charts, and other data representation formats are also tested. There is an emphasis on analyzing history and social science passages, especially early American political writings. The Writing (grammar) section’s multiple-choice format almost directly mimics the format of the multiple-choice ACT English. Preparation for the SAT Writing and the ACT English are transferable; studying for one will prepare a student for the other.
SAT Math
The SAT emphasizes Algebra skills over geometry and arithmetic. There are no easy “tricks” to apply now that the SAT was revised to test students’ ease working with complex Algebra. While we teach students to reach into their strategy “toolkit” for alternative approaches, SAT math questions are designed to limit the use of alternative approaches.
Highlights:
- Calculator use is prohibited on section 3
- Emphasis on problem solving and data analysis
- Arithmetic concepts, like ratios, percentages, and proportions, are embedded within the context of an algebra problem rather than as stand-alone problems.
Students need to carefully read word problems, create equations and algebraic expressions, understand linear and quadratic functions, and interpret graphs. Content knowledge is more important than strategy application than ever before. A strong grasp of Algebra 1 and 2 (or Common Core Math 1-3) will be important.
Optional SAT Essay
SAT’s optional essay was discontinued in 2021.