A strategic 3-month SAT prep plan can boost your score by 100-300 points. Here's a week-by-week guide to maximize your performance.
Before You Start
Diagnostic Test (Week 0)
- Take a full-length official SAT practice test
- Score it carefully
- Identify weak areas
- Set a realistic goal score
Materials You'll Need
- Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy (free)
- Official SAT Study Guide (College Board)
- Quality prep book (e.g., Erica Meltzer for Reading/Writing, College Panda for Math)
- Practice tests (8+ official tests available)
Month 1: Foundation Building
Week 1-2: Content Review
Math:
- Review algebra fundamentals
- Practice problem-solving strategies
- Learn formula shortcuts
- Master calculator techniques
Reading:
- Practice active reading
- Learn to annotate passages
- Identify question types
- Build reading stamina
Writing:
- Review grammar rules
- Learn punctuation patterns
- Practice concise writing
- Memorize common errors
Daily Schedule (90 minutes):
- 30 min: Math review
- 30 min: Reading practice
- 30 min: Writing review
Week 3-4: Skill Development
Math:
- Practice by topic (algebra, geometry, data analysis)
- Time yourself on sections
- Review mistakes thoroughly
Reading:
- Practice passage types (literature, history, science)
- Improve reading speed
- Learn to predict answers
Writing:
- Drill grammar rules
- Practice identifying errors quickly
- Learn common wrong answer traps
Daily Schedule (2 hours):
- 45 min: Timed section practice
- 45 min: Mistake review and concept reinforcement
- 30 min: Weak area drills
Month 2: Strategy and Practice
Week 5-6: Test-Taking Strategies
Learn to:
- Eliminate wrong answers efficiently
- Manage time per section
- Guess strategically
- Handle difficult questions
Practice drills:
- Timed 10-question sets
- Process of elimination exercises
- Pacing drills
Weekend: Full practice test + review (4-5 hours)
Week 7-8: Intensive Practice
Weekdays (2 hours):
- Timed section practice
- Immediate review
- Focused weak area practice
Weekends: Full practice test + thorough review
Track progress:
- Log scores by section
- Identify persistent weaknesses
- Adjust study focus
Month 3: Test Simulation and Refinement
Week 9-10: Full-Length Tests
- Take 2-3 full practice tests under real conditions
- Review every mistake
- Refine strategies
- Build stamina
Simulate test day:
- Start at 8:00 AM
- Use a timer
- Take breaks as allowed
- Use pencil and paper
Week 11: Final Review
- Review all previous mistakes
- Drill weak topics
- Practice mental math
- Memorize key formulas
No new material: Focus on consolidating what you know
Week 12: Test Week
Monday-Thursday: Light review only
- Review formula sheet
- Do a few easy practice problems
- Read one passage for confidence
Friday (day before test):
- No studying
- Relax
- Prepare materials (ID, calculator, pencils, snacks)
- Get 8+ hours of sleep
Saturday: Test day!
Study Tips
Effective Practice
- Quality > Quantity: Review mistakes thoroughly
- Simulate real conditions: Timed, quiet environment
- Official materials first: Use College Board tests
- Track everything: Log scores, mistakes, time spent
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Studying too close to test day (cram fatigue)
- Not reviewing mistakes (repeating errors)
- Ignoring weak areas (focus on improvement areas)
- Over-relying on tricks (fundamentals matter more)
Time Management
During study:
- Use Pomodoro technique (25 min focus, 5 min break)
- Schedule specific topics per session
- Protect study time (minimize distractions)
During test:
- Wear a watch (not all rooms have clocks)
- Know your pacing targets
- Move on from difficult questions
Score Improvement Expectations
| Starting Score | Realistic 3-Month Gain |
|----------------|------------------------|
| <1000 | 150-250 points |
| 1000-1200 | 100-200 points |
| 1200-1400 | 50-150 points |
| 1400+ | 50-100 points |
Diminishing returns: Higher starting scores require more effort for smaller gains.
Resources
Free:
- Khan Academy SAT prep
- Official College Board practice tests
- SAT Question of the Day
Paid (optional but helpful):
- Erica Meltzer Reading/Writing books
- College Panda Math
- PrepScholar or Magoosh (online courses)
Final Tips
Consistency beats intensity: 90 minutes daily > 10 hours on weekends
Sleep and health matter: 8 hours sleep, regular exercise, healthy eating
Test day preparation: Know your testing center, bring correct materials, arrive early
With disciplined execution of this plan, most students can achieve significant score improvement. Stay consistent, review mistakes, and trust the process.
