For many students, the SAT feels like a daunting exam. However, the test can become less intimidating when students learn from upperclassmen who can share what they learned from their own experience with the test. Regardless of one’s age, listening to prior test-takers can be an effective way to begin preparing for the SAT or to gain a clearer understanding of what lies ahead.
A recurring piece of advice shared by upperclassmen is the importance of taking multiple practice tests, especially in timed settings. Corrine Chen ’27 advises, "Definitely when you’re starting out, take a mock test to see what you need to work on.” Chen’s advice reveals that taking the SAT requires not only content knowledge, but also strong time management skills and a familiarity with test-taking. Both of these skills require time and practice, so it is important for students to understand that persistence and consistency are key.
Several interviewees also offered detailed advice for a particular section of the SAT. It is worth noting that the SAT is divided into two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. Within the Reading and Writing section, students encounter various types of questions, such as short/long passage reading analysis, grammar, inferences, vocabulary in context, and so on. Boris Liu ’27 explains, “You don’t have to answer the questions in order, so to save time for longer readings, I would do the grammar part first.” Since students can freely move between questions, flagging or skipping a question is an effective way of managing time. Understanding the structure of the test and types of questions that appear can help prepare students to approach the exam more strategically.
Another important skill for the Reading and Writing section is consistently learning vocabulary and improving reading speed. Edie Menard ’26 shares, “It took me a long time to read the actual questions, so I would have to re-read it if I didn't understand it. So, for practice, try and get through a long passage really only skimming and getting the main points [in] under one minute.” This advice is especially valuable for younger students, as vocabulary building and reading practice are habits that accumulate gradually over time. It is never too early or too late to start expanding one’s vocabulary or reading more frequently to increase speed and comprehension.
For the Math section, interviewees unanimously emphasized the importance of effectively utilizing the built-in Desmos Calculator. Menard shared, “What really helped me specifically for math is utilizing Desmos because that will cut the time you spend on each problem in half. I looked up all the different problems that have shortcuts with Desmos, and that helped me get through hard questions really easily.” At the same time, other upperclassmen stressed that conceptual understanding is also essential. Mei Yang ’27 added, “Math is just practice. When I consolidate a math problem, I have to solve a lot of problems.” While Desmos is a strategic tool, understanding concepts and grasping key knowledge allows students to decide whether a problem is best solved manually or with a calculator, ultimately saving time and helping with increased accuracy.
Overall, the advice from upperclassmen makes it clear that time management is the key to success in taking the SAT. As Issac Lu ’27 summarizes, “The main part is to just practice and find your own pace.” Although many students study similar material, those who consistently practice and review are better equipped to move confidently through the test. Effective preparation not only reduces time pressure and careless mistakes but also provides reassurance, allowing students to double-check their work and revisit challenging questions. By taking this advice into account, students can approach the SAT with greater confidence and composure.