How to Ace the SAT with Help from College Counseling Team

Every upper-level high school student wants a clear path to passing standardized tests and being accepted into their college or university of choice. Fortunately, you don’t have to go at it alone as you seek out how to ace the SAT.

Our college counseling team is available to help you charter the best course on your academic journey. Learn how we can help you achieve your goals!

At this point, you’ve already completed the PSAT (known as the Preliminary SAT), which is a crucial checkpoint in your pursuit of excellence. In preparation for the PSAT, you probably used official PSAT resources on the College Board website.

You may have also used Kaplan’s PSAT Test-Taking Strategies or Higher Scores Test Prep to ensure success. But now you are preparing for the SAT which can be more daunting than the PSAT, but leveraging the resources available through our team can make a significant difference. Here’s a guide on how to effectively use these resources.

Begin by scheduling a meeting with your college counselor to discuss your goals and create a study plan. Your counselor can provide an initial assessment of your strengths and weaknesses based on previous test scores and academic performance. This step helps identify areas that need more focus.

Then, together you can establish a target test score. Having a target test score can be helpful when considering the average SAT range of the colleges on your list or requirements for scholarships.

You may also want to discuss with your counselor whether applying to test-optional colleges might be a good strategy for you, depending on your SAT practice test scores and overall academic profile.

You should also identify with your counselor the right time to take the SAT. Your college counselor will have the latest information on SAT test dates, registration deadlines, and any changes to the test format. Staying informed ensures you don’t miss important deadlines and allows you to plan your preparation schedule accordingly.

The College Counseling office has access to a variety of SAT prep materials, including practice tests, study guides, and online resources. Ask your counselor for recommendations and borrow any available resources.

High schools like St. Agnes offer SAT prep courses or can recommend reputable external programs. These courses provide structured learning environments, practice tests, and strategies for tackling each section of the SAT.

For example, the College Counseling team at St. Agnes partners with Khan Academy, which provides free, online SAT prep tutorials and practice tests. The College Board also offers an SAT Daily Practice.

Use the practice tests provided by the College Counseling team to simulate real test conditions. Time yourself strictly to get used to the pacing of the SAT. Review your answers thoroughly to understand your mistakes and learn from them.

Also, if you are enrolled in AP classes, including honors or advanced classes, you are already helping yourself prepare for the SAT. Taking challenging courses helps you stay sharp and focused all year, giving you the skills needed to be successful on your test day.

Regularly meet with your college counselor to review your academic and prep progress. They can offer valuable feedback on your practice test results and suggest specific strategies to improve your score.

Counselors can also provide tips on managing test anxiety and maintaining a positive mindset. Students at St. Agnes Academy have the opportunity to meet with College Counselors and Wellness Counselors to manage stress and anxiety regarding test taking as well as general academic stress.

Many college counseling departments host workshops and information sessions on SAT preparation. These sessions can cover test-taking strategies, time management, and tips for specific sections of the SAT. Attending these can provide additional insights and keep you motivated.

The College Counselors at St. Agnes keep students and parents well informed of workshops, information sessions, and learning opportunities through college counseling newsletters targeted to specific grade levels.

We recommend forming a study group with peers who are also preparing for the SAT. The College Counseling team can help facilitate these groups, providing a collaborative environment where you can share resources, practice together, and support each other.

Ensure you maintain a balanced schedule that allows for adequate study time while also engaging in extracurricular activities and maintaining good grades. Your college counselor can help you prioritize and manage your time effectively.

It is important not to overwhelm yourself. This helpful article provides a breakdown of how many hours of studying are necessary based on your improvement goal.

By actively engaging with the College Counseling team and utilizing the resources we offer, you can develop a comprehensive and effective SAT preparation plan. This collaborative approach not only enhances your readiness for the SAT but also boosts your confidence, setting you on the path to achieving your desired score.

 

The College Counseling Team at St. Agnes provides many of the resources listed above and more support for St. Agnes students taking the SAT. Just ask us how we can help you on the journey.

- Learn more about how our College Counseling Team prepares students to master the SAT and review our school’s testing stats.

- To learn more about the PSAT testing deadlines, visit our dedicated page for 10th and 11th graders.

- Have more questions about how to ace the SAT? Talk to our College Counseling department today.