SAT Preparation Time totally depends on the weakness and strengths of different subjects. If the test-taker scores well in the diagnostic test then they will require lesser time compared to the one who scores less. For a beginner, not knowing the answer to ‘how long should I study for the SAT?’ is a common question. To know the actual SAT preparation time, candidates are required to make a study plan.
How to Start Studying for the SAT?
Before starting with SAT preparation, candidates have to find a suitable study approach. They will be required to understand their method of studying, know their target SAT score, SAT preparation materials, and also hours of study they can devote. The answer to ‘how long should you study for the SAT?’, according to experts, is around 3 months. In these three months, candidates will be able to learn the approaches, SAT exam pattern, score, and also tips and strategies. They will also be able to know the number of SAT full-length practice tests they should take.
Factors to Consider about SAT Preparation Time
- Occupations apart from school schedule: If you are involved in any extracurricular activities, you may need to allocate your studying time either before or after that. If you find studying at night peaceful then set that time. If not, set the weekends as your SAT preparation time.
- Your selected schools: Study the SAT cutoff of the schools you’ve selected. If you have selected top universities like MIT, Stanford, Harvard, UCB, then you have to aim for SAT scores as high as 700+. In this case, the answer to your question of ‘how long to prepare for SAT?’ may include increased hours as the score requirement is very high.
- Are you planning to apply for a scholarship?: The SAT score required for SAT scholarship is quite high. If you’re planning to apply for SAT scholarship then you might have to score higher than even the average SAT cut-offs. The SAT scholarship score requirement rises up to 1500, therefore, requiring more SAT preparation time.
- Note the difference between the initial score and target score: Before beginning your SAT preparation, take a diagnostic test and note the score that you receive. If there is a huge difference between your obtained score and target score then the SAT preparation time required will be more. Below is a list containing the hours of study and SAT preparation time:
| Score Difference | Hours of Study Required |
|---|---|
| Increase score by 30 points | 10 hours |
| Increase score by 30 - 70 points | 20 hours |
| Increase score by 70 - 130 | 40 hours |
| Increase score by 130 - 200 points | 80 hours |
| Increase score by 200 - 330 points | 150 hours+ |
Once you consider all these factors, that will be the best time to take SAT prep course.
Is One Month Enough to Study for SAT?
It may happen that the SAT test date is just a month away and you didn’t begin your preparation. Though the answer to ‘Is 1 month enough to study for SAT?’ is no, a strategic SAT preparation plan will help students prepare for the exam. If you require a score improvement of up to 100 points then studying for a month will help you with the target SAT score. Below are a few steps that will help candidates prepare for SAT in a month:
Also, check 3 Month SAT Study Plan
Setting the hours of study: Start by finding the difference between your initial and target SAT scores. According to the difference, below are three suggestions of SAT preparation time:
| Points to be increased | Total SAT Preparation Time | Schedules |
|---|---|---|
| 30 points increase | Total 10 hours of SAT preparation time | 2 hours 30 minutes – once a week |
| 1 hour 15 minutes – twice a week | ||
| 30 minutes – 5 times a week | ||
| 30 – 70 points increase | Total 20 hours of SAT preparation time | 2 hours 30 minutes – twice a week |
| 1 hour – 15 minutes – 4 times a week | ||
| 1 hour – 5 times a week | ||
| 70 – 130 points increase | Minimum SAT preparation time of 40 hours | 3 hours and 20 minutes – thrice a week |
| 2 hours and 30 minutes – 4 times a week | ||
| 2 hours – 5 times a week | ||
| 130 – 200 points increase | Minimum SAT preparation time of 80 hours | 5 hours – 4 times a week |
| 4 hours – 5 times a week | ||
| 3 hours and 20 minutes – 6 times a week |
Buy Proper SAT Preparation Materials: Candidates questioning how to prepare for SAT in one month are required to purchase the best SAT preparation books. Only authentic SAT preparation books can help candidates prepare for SAT in a month. Below are some of the best SAT preparation books:
- The College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide(2006) - Check PDF
- Barron’s SAT, 29th Edition - Check PDF
- Kalli’s SAT Pattern Strategy - Check PDF
- Kaplan SAT Prep Plus 2021- Check PDF
- The Princeton Review's Cracking the SAT, 2020 Edition - Check PDF
- McGraw Hill Education SAT Elite 2021 Edition - Check PDF
Know SAT Exam Pattern: Spend time knowing the SAT exam pattern and format, scoring method, number of questions, penalty, the difficulty level of questions, and sources.
SAT Practice Paper: Nothing is better than practicing from SAT practice papers on a constant basis. Experts recommended practicing from sample questions to measure the progress. Constant practicing also helps in tracking the mistakes and finding solutions to them.
Focus on Fundamental Math Topics: Learning the basic SAT Math topics like algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis, and advanced math is necessary. Along with it, also focus on the fundamentals like linear functions, single-variable equations, systems of linear equations for algebra, quadratic equations, and nonlinear functions, graphic functions for advanced math, and statistics, ratio and proportion, and graphs for the problem-solving part.
Focus on Fundamentals of Grammar: Like SAT Math, also focus on the basics of SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing like punctuation and grammar. It includes topics like apostrophes, commas, modifiers, subject-verb agreement, homophones, and more.
Is 2 Months Enough to Study for the SAT?
Two months is considered a proper SAT preparation time. Below is a sample 2 month SAT study schedule to help candidates with their preparation:
| Weeks | SAT Math | SAT EBRW |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 |
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| Week 2 |
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| Week 3 | Practice from College Board’s full-length practice test | |
| Week 4 |
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| Week 5 | Solve a College Board Practice Test and watch coordinate geometry videos | |
| Week 6 |
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| Week 7 |
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| Week 8 |
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The decision of ‘how long should I study for SAT everyday?’ depends on the SAT study plan of the candidate. If the candidate needs to improve the score by 100 or more points then they need to study for more than a month at least.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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