What to Study for the SAT: A Complete Guide

Doing well on the SAT can open a lot of doors, including college acceptances and scholarships. This guide provides a solid plan to help you prepare, so you can walk into the exam feeling confident and get your best possible SAT score. Many students have used these proven strategies to raise their scores, often by 100 points or more. Sticking to this structured test prep plan will get you real results on your test date.

Understanding the Digital SAT Structure

First, it’s essential to understand how the new Digital SAT is set up. The test has two main sections, and each section is split into two parts called “modules.” The test is section adaptive, meaning that your performance on the first module determines which second module you get (the easier or harder one.

• Section 1: Reading and Writing (R&W) This section combines reading comprehension, analysis, and writing conventions into two adaptive modules. You’ll answer questions based on a wide range of shorter passages, testing everything from vocabulary and grammar to data analysis.
• Section 2: Math This section also has two adaptive modules. It measures your skill in algebra, advanced math, data analysis, and geometry. A big difference with the digital SAT is that there is no longer a “no-calculator” section. Students have access to Desmos, a powerful graphing calculator, throughout the entire test. Learning how to effectively use Desmos can really help students.

Developing Your Personalized Study Plan

A generic SAT prep approach is not enough. A personal study plan, carefully made for your unique strengths and weaknesses, is the most efficient way to get the best results.

1. Find Your Starting Point with a Practice Test. Begin with a full-length, timed diagnostic SAT practice test. This is the single most important tip from high-scoring students. This crucial first step shows your starting score. Taking full-length practice tests is the only way to build stamina and master the test’s structure, pacing, and types of questions so you are not caught off guard on test day. By using both the College Board’s Bluebook practice tests and Acely’s full-length practice tests, students have enough tests to take one test per week for 6 months, which is a game-changer for their SAT prep.

2. Learn from Your Mistakes: The “Error Log” Method. Analyzing your test results is where you’ll make the fastest improvement. Don’t ignore your incorrect answers; the best way to improve is to understand why you missed a question. Taking the time to review each and every missed question after a practice test is just as important as taking the test. 

A great method to help not only review missed questions, but also learn from mistakes, is to create an “Error Log.” For every question you missed, log it in a simple table. Record:

• The Question Type (e.g., “Words in Context,” “Solving Linear Systems”)
• Your Initial Thought (What led you to your answer?)
• The Actual Reason for the Error (Be honest: Was it a careless calculation? Did you misread the prompt? Did you fall for a “distractor” answer?)

3. Set Realistic Goals and Timelines. Set clear, measurable, and reachable goals for your SAT score. Break down your big goal into smaller, manageable steps. Use a structured study schedule, setting aside specific study time for each subject based on your error log. Sticking to this study plan is a must-do. Acely has a SAT study plan tool that helps build a daily plan with tasks ranked by priority. As you practice on the platform, the study plan will dynamically update to reflect what you should focus on next. Long-term practice, not cramming, is the key to success on the SAT. 

Mastering the SAT Reading and Writing Section

This combined section rewards you for being precise and analytical. Use these strategies to navigate the section’s unique logic.

• Rely Only on Textual Evidence. This is the most important rule. Every correct answer is 100% supported by evidence in the text. You must train yourself to find the specific lines that prove your answer. Avoid using your own outside knowledge or making assumptions that go beyond what is stated. Even “inference” questions must be based only on what the passage implies.
• Use the Process of Elimination. This is your primary tool. Instead of just searching for the right answer, actively look for reasons to eliminate wrong answers. The test is often designed to get you stuck between two plausible choices. This is intentional. On both the Bluebook tests and Acely tests, there is an answer elimination tool that can be very helpful. Practice using this tool as you complete full-length practice tests. 
• Identify Common “Trap” Answers. When stuck between two choices, look for subtle “traps.” The wrong choice is often a “distractor” that is:
  • Too Extreme: Uses absolute words like always, never, all, or impossible.
  • Overly Emotional: Uses charged, biased, or exaggerated language (positive or negative) that doesn’t match the passage’s tone.
  • Out of Scope: Is a true statement but doesn’t actually answer the question, or is irrelevant to the passage’s main point.
  • Subtly Incorrect: Seems plausible but slightly misrepresents or exaggerates a detail from the text. The correct answer is often more moderate and neutral.
• Analyze the Author’s Intent. Pay attention to the author’s tone (e.g., critical, supportive), vocabulary, and use of context clues. Before reading the options, try to summarize the author’s purpose or main point in your own words.
• Master Grammar and Punctuation Rules. Do not skip this. The fastest way to improve in the R&W section is to know the fundamental grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure rules. 
• Practice “Notes” Synthesis. Pay special attention to the questions that require you to synthesize information from a set of bulleted notes. Be careful: some answer choices may sound plausible but are directly contradicted by one of the notes.

For more Reading & Writing tips for the digital SAT, check out our more in-depth guide.

Conquering the SAT Math Section

The SAT Math Test checks your problem-solving abilities in different areas. A structured approach, combining knowledge of the concepts with answering quickly, is essential for the math section.

• Master Algebra and Advanced Math. Algebra makes up a large portion of the math section. Master linear equations, systems of equations, functions, and quadratic and polynomial functions.
• Review Data Analysis, Geometry, and Trigonometry. Focus on understanding data from tables and graphs, as well as concepts like mean, median, and mode. Review key theorems for triangles, circles, and basic trigonometry ratios (SOH CAH TOA).

Mastering the Built-in Desmos Calculator

Mastering the built-in Desmos calculator is no longer optional—it’s a core test-taking strategy for top scorers. This powerful tool can solve complex systems of equations, find intercepts, model data, and visually solve math questions in seconds, letting you skip slow by-hand work. Understanding when and how to use it effectively is a key thing that sets top scorers apart. For a deep dive into specific functions, shortcuts, and SAT tips, check out our complete guide on Mastering Desmos for the Digital SAT.

Utilizing Effective Study Resources for Your SAT Prep

The right resources will boost your SAT prep efforts, providing targeted practice and expert guidance.

Official SAT Practice from the College Board

The College Board’s official Bluebook practice tests are essential. They are the most accurate representation of the Digital SAT and the actual SAT experience. We recommend using this official practice as key benchmarks in your study plan. However, the College Board offers a limited number of tests, which are easy to burn through. That’s where a platform like Acely comes in.

Use a Complete Prep Platform like Acely

To carry out your study plan, an all-in-one platform is your most effective tool. Acely is built for this exact purpose, offering a high-quality, interactive question bank based on the official SAT. It includes:

• A dynamic study plan that updates in real-time based on your focus areas.
• 25 full-length, adaptive SAT practice tests to build stamina and track your progress.
• Over 8,000 SAT practice questions so you can drill your specific weaknesses.

Other Free Practice Resources

For high school students looking to add to their study sessions, free resources can be helpful. While Khan Academy offers free practice tests and practice quizzes, it’s often used for learning the basics. Many students find that a dedicated SAT prep course or a complete platform like Acely is necessary to manage their full study guide and get realistic practice. 

Maintaining Peak Performance on Test Day

All your hard work comes together on test day. Having a good plan and a strong mindset are just as important as knowing the content.

• Time Management Strategies. Practice strict time management. Learn to pace yourself effectively. Don’t spend too much time on difficult questions. Never leave a question blank. The SAT does not penalize for guessing, so it is always better to make an educated guess and move on than to leave an answer blank. Regular timed practice builds the internal clock you need to finish the test with enough time.
• Stress Reduction Techniques. Managing stress is vital. Add mindfulness or short breaks into your routine. Getting adequate sleep the night before and eating a nutritious breakfast are non-negotiable for test day.
• Test Day Logistics. Plan your test day details carefully. Know the exact location of your test center and how to get there. Gather all required materials (admission ticket, photo ID, approved calculator) the night before. Arrive early. Good luck!
• After the Test. If you don’t get the SAT score you want on your first try, remember that many students retake the SAT. College admissions officers typically consider your highest test scores (or ‘superscore’). Use your score report to create a new study plan, focus on your weaknesses, and try again.