How to Study for the SAT in One Month
One month is enough time to make a real difference on the SAT, but only if you use that time well. Here’s how to be strategic and make the most of your remaining weeks.
Start With a Practice Test
Before you do anything else, take a full-length practice test. Every student starts with a different set of strengths and weaknesses. A practice test shows you exactly what you need to work on so you can focus your time where it will actually make a difference to your score, rather than spending hours covering things you already know.
Dig Into Your Performance Data
Your practice test results are only useful if you understand what they’re telling you. Spend some time with them before jumping into studying. Where are you losing points? Are there specific question types that consistently trip you up, or whole content areas where your accuracy drops? Look for patterns.
If you’re using Test Innovators, here’s how to get the most out of your practice test results:
Start With the Big Picture
Head over to your analysis tab and look at your overview. Here you’ll see the total score, your section scores, and which Module 2 you took for each section. (The SAT is an adaptive test, and your performance on Module 1 determines whether you get an easier or harder Module 2.) If you landed in Module 2 Easy, your focus should be on solidifying core content and filling gaps in the fundamentals. If you managed to unlock Module 2 Hard, you’re already in solid shape on the basics, so your energy is better spent refining advanced concepts and working on skills like pacing.
Review Each Module
For each module, you can see how you did by question difficulty, and type, and how you spent your time. Make note of what you did well and what you need to improve.
Go Question by Question
Review every question you missed, skipped, or flagged. Read the answer explanation carefully. If you still don’t understand, open up the Wild Zebra widget in the bottom left-hand corner and talk through the problem.
As you work through your practice test results, you’ll find links to targeted follow-up exercises for each question so you can practice the question types you struggled with. Test Innovators has 1,700+ practice questions covering every question type on the SAT.
Make a Study Schedule
Once you know what to work on, create a manageable, consistent study plan that you can stick to. A month goes faster than you think, and having a plan keeps you from wasting time.
Start by blocking out your practice test days, then work backwards to fill in your study sessions:
- Practice tests: Block out one to two longer sessions per week for a full-length practice test and review.
- Targeted practice: Fill the days in between your practice tests with shorter, focused sessions of 30 to 60 minutes. Use Test Innovators’ practice questions to zero in on the specific content areas and question types you need to work on most.
Consistent short study sessions will serve you better than sporadic long ones. The goal is steady progress without burnout.
Go After the Quick Wins First
One month isn’t enough time to overhaul everything. However, you can make significant progress if you’re deliberate about where you spend your energy. Identify the areas with the biggest potential payoff for you and go after those first.
Every student’s weak spots are different, but two areas tend to offer the fastest returns for almost everyone who hasn’t mastered them yet:
- Grammar and punctuation. The SAT’s Standard English Conventions questions follow predictable rules. If you know those rules, these questions are quick and easy to answer. Check out our Guide to SAT Grammar and Punctuation for a solid overview.
- Desmos. The built-in graphing calculator can save you a lot of time and help you solve problems you might otherwise get stuck on. Learn how to use it, but know that you won’t be able to use it for every problem.
Consider a Class or Workshop
If you know you work best with structure and accountability, a live prep class might be the best fit for you. Test Innovators offers intensive summer classes and workshops designed for students on a tighter timeline. Learn more here.
Take Practice Tests Throughout the Month
Aim to take one to two full-length practice tests per week as your test date approaches. Each test shows you how you’re improving and helps you build your stamina and confidence.
After each test, review your performance data carefully (not just your score), study the questions you missed, and follow up with targeted practice on those areas. Understanding what you missed and why is more important than your score on any practice test.
Plan to take at least one of your practice tests in Bluebook, College Board’s official testing app. Make sure Bluebook works on the device you plan to use on test day, and get familiar with the look and feel of the interface. If you’ve been using Test Innovators, you might notice that Bluebook feels a little easier. That’s intentional: we make our practice tests a bit more difficult so you’re prepared for the hardest questions on test day. Read more about our approach here.
Don't Overdo It in the Final Days
As you get close to test day, resist the urge to cram. The last few days before the SAT are for light review, not heavy studying. Trust the work you’ve been doing and prioritize sleep so you can walk into the test well-rested.
Check out our post on What to Do the Week Before the SAT for a detailed guide to tapering well.
Put Your Study Plan Into Action
You know what to work on. Now it’s time to do the work. Test Innovators has 1,700+ targeted practice questions and full-length practice tests to help you make the most of your remaining weeks.
Sara Laszlo
Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.
