Tips for Acing the SAT

Dr. Shaan Patel, founder & CEO of Prep Expert, answers questions about acing the SAT and ACT, and about the new Digital SAT.

1. Tell me about your background, and what you do? In other words, what makes you an expert on SAT prep?

My name is Dr. Shaan Patel, and I am the Founder & CEO of Prep Expert, a leading test preparation company. My journey into the world of SAT prep began with my own experience as a high school student. Through dedicated study and strategic preparation, I was able to raise my SAT score from average to a perfect score—a feat achieved by only 0.02% of students. This dramatic improvement in my SAT score not only helped me gain admission to prestigious universities, but also won me over $250,000 in scholarships. My personal success with the SAT inspired me to help other students achieve their academic goals.

Over the years, Prep Expert has helped over 100,000 students improve their SAT and ACT scores, gain admission to top universities, and win over $100 million in college scholarships. As seen on Shark Tank, we offer online SAT and ACT courses, 1-on-1 academic tutoring, and college admissions consulting.

2. How is the digital SAT different from previous SAT tests?

The Digital SAT, debuting in 2024, marks a significant departure from the traditional paper-based exam. Here are some of the key differences:

• Format: The SAT has transitioned from a paper-based test to a fully digital, online format.
• Duration: The Digital SAT is shorter, lasting about 2 hours compared to the previous 3-hour duration.
• Question Types: The exam features new question types and a more interactive format, including adaptive testing.
• Content: The SAT has removed obscure vocabulary and long reading passages, focusing instead on more relevant content.
• Calculator Use: A digital calculator is allowed for all math questions, simplifying calculations for students.

3. How should students prepare for the SAT?

Preparation for the SAT involves a combination of practice, strategy and familiarity with the test format. Here are some essential steps:

• Practice Regularly: Use high-quality practice materials, such as the College Board’s Bluebook Application, which offers official Digital SAT practice questions.
• Learn Strategies: Effective test-taking strategies can significantly boost your score. These include time management techniques, answer elimination methods and specific strategies for tackling different question types.
• Simulate Test Conditions: Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to build stamina and get accustomed to the digital format.
• Review Mistakes: Analyze your practice test results to identify and work on your weaknesses.
• Seek Expert Guidance: Consider enrolling in a reputable SAT prep course or working with a tutor to receive personalized instruction and support.

4. What are your tips for doing well on the new digital SAT?

Here are some specific tips for excelling on the new Digital SAT:

• Hide the Timer: Use the “Hide” feature on the Digital SAT interface to reduce anxiety caused by the ticking clock. This allows you to focus better on the questions.
• Avoid “Kiss of Death” Phrases: For the writing section, avoid answer choices containing phrases like “being,” “is why/is because,” “there is/there are,” “it is,” and “very.” These are often incorrect.
• Test Answer Choices in Math: For multiple-choice math questions, substitute answer choices back into the original problem to see which one works. This technique can save time and improve accuracy.
• Avoid Extreme Adverbs in Reading: In the reading section, be cautious of answer choices containing extreme adverbs like “completely,” “perfectly,” and “absolutely,” as they are often incorrect.

5. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Yes. It’s crucial to emphasize the importance of the SAT despite the rise of test-optional admissions policies. Here are a few reasons why students should still take the SAT:

• Reinstatement of Test Scores: Many top universities, including Harvard, Yale, MIT and more, have reinstated SAT requirements, recognizing the importance of standardized testing in admissions.
• Higher Acceptance Rates: Students who submit SAT scores to test-optional universities often have higher acceptance rates compared to those who do not.
• Scholarship Eligibility: Billions of dollars in merit-based scholarships are awarded based on SAT scores. Without a test score, students may miss out on these opportunities.

In conclusion, with the right preparation and strategies, students can excel on the new Digital SAT, enhancing their college admissions prospects and scholarship opportunities. For more information and resources, visit prepexpert.com

Dr. Shaan Patel is the founder & CEO of Prep Expert.