The new SAT is very different and, yes, harder than the old SAT. The process of mastering the new SAT is simple, though doing the actual work in the process may not be so easy. Here are the steps:

Important Note: Give yourself plenty of time; because the SAT is an academic assessment test, there may not be a quick fix for you. Get started on the preparation process as soon as possible in order to give yourself enough time to learn the material!

There are now three parts to the SAT: READING, WRITING, and MATH

Question types: Sentence Completions and Reading Passages

Skills tested: Reading comprehension and vocabulary

Ames Comments:
The reading sections on the SAT have expanded significantly! Students who find it difficult to read and evaluate different types of passages will be in trouble. Vocabulary remains a major factor for students seeking high scores.

Question types: A written essay and three types of grammar questions

Skills tested: Essay writing and grammar knowledge

Ames Comments:
Students who can quickly write a coherent argumentative essay will flourish; many others will struggle. Time may be an important factor for students who have not previously written with time constraints (like on AP tests). Students who have not had a strong grammar education and are not avid readers, MUST learn the grammar that frequently appears on the test. Grammar items tested are very predictable and repetitive, so learning these items can help immensely.

Question types: Multiple choice and student produced answers. Math now includes Algebra II.

Skills tested: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II

Ames Comments:
The new Math sections are more difficult than those on past tests. And some of the weird and obfuscated word problems remain. However, the math content is predictable, so students can fill the gaps in their knowledge and skill. SAT weirdness is combated best by becoming familiar and comfortable with the test.

If you took the PSAT, your results are a good place to start in evaluating your position with the SAT. Any glaring weakness will come through, but remember PSAT math only goes through Geometry and the test does not include an essay. To really know where you stand on the SAT, come in and take a sample SAT test at Ames Seminars. We will gladly score the test and give you computerized results. Once you know your strengths and weaknesses, you can then design your own preparation or take a class.

Be sure to learn the right stuff!

Ways to patch up or improve your score include: review text books, hire an academic tutor, or take a summer class. You can also take an SAT class - be sure the class is comprehensive.

Standardized tests tend to be predictable and the new SAT is no exception. To get results where scores don't fluctuate too wildly, test-makers must repeatedly use the same concepts and academic knowledge. For example, while there are thousands and thousands of difficult words that can be used on sentence completion questions, the College Board uses a relatively small base of words. They know how many students understand words like assiduous, obsequious, and ubiquitous from previous SAT tests and they use them repeatedly. Students need to know the vocabulary words that will invariably be on the test!

In our 10 + years of preparing students to take the SAT we have become very adept at recognizing and teaching students about these recurring concepts. A good SAT class will introduce you to the concepts on the test. A great SAT prep course will teach you what will be on the test, how to handle the tricks and traps, and give in-depth instruction and practice on real SAT tests.

Obviously, if you plan to take a class, the Ames Seminars course should be your choice! We will cover EVERYTHING you need. At Ames Seminars we already have examined the new available SAT tests -- math content, grammar concepts, vocabulary lists and more cover our boards and fill our computers

Finally, Practice, Practice, Practice

back to top