I was totally freaking out when I realized I had just a month left to prep for the SAT. I had no clue where to even start! But I figured a plan was essential. Here’s what worked for me.
First off, I cut down the full-length tests. I was running out of time, and honestly, doing them every single day was exhausting. Instead, I focused on reviewing mistakes. I created a comprehensive sheet where I listed out each question type I missed, why I got it wrong, and anything I should pay better attention to.
This wasn't super exciting, but after a week, I noticed patterns in my mistakes. For example, I consistently struggled with the math problems involving geometry. Identifying this helped me focus my studies better, and I could target my weak spots.
Another big change was my study resources. I switched from random practice questions to using the official SAT practice resources available online. They gave me a better idea of what to expect on the actual test.
Don’t overlook the importance of timing. I practiced under timed conditions to get used to the pacing. This was critical, especially for the reading section, where I tended to run out of time.
Lastly, I made sure to take breaks and give myself some mental space. I found that a short walk or chilling out for an hour actually helped consolidate everything I was studying.
In the end, I managed to pull my score up way beyond what I thought was possible in just 30 days. It’s all about finding what works for you and focusing on your weaknesses!