1. BE PREPARED: SAT exam prep
an educational workshop hosted by:
Nabil Kayali

2. Can preparation really boost your score?
YES! We know exactly what the SAT measures. We know the question types, the content, and the strategies required to do well. It’s not a mystery! But, it WILL take work to get the score you’re aiming for. With the right preparation, you can definitely increase your score… and learn a ton of valuable information along the way

3. How are your REASONING SKILLS?
The SAT Measures your skills in:
Reading
Writing & Language
Math
More specifically, it measures your ability to:
Understand – Analyze – Solve – Apply
Hmmm….these abilities might be helpful beyond the test, like in real life, too….
don’t you think?

4. No penalty for guessing (do NOT leave a single answer blank!)
The basics…
There are 3 sections on the SAT & an “optional” essay (we recommend you take the essay because many schools require it)
No penalty for guessing (do NOT leave a single answer blank!)
3 Hours for the test, plus 50-minutes for the “optional” essay (yes, it’s a long test that will require every bit of mental stamina you have)
Reading Section: 65 minutes Writing & Language Section: 35 minutes Math Section with NO calculator: 25 minutes Math Section with calculator: 55 minutes Essay: 50 minutes

5. About your Scores (or the part that makes your heart beat faster)
Score for Evidence-based Reading & Writing & Math: You will receive one score between 400 to 1600 (hopefully yours will be closer to the 1600 range!)
Scores for the SAT Essay: you will receive 3 scores between 2-to-8
Scores for individual sections: you will receive 2 section scores between for Evidence-based Reading & Writing (it’s a combination reading, writing, and language scores) AND a Math score
…and if these scores aren’t enough to make your head spin, you will also receive:
3 test scores between for Reading, Writing & Language, and Math
2 cross-test scores between for Analysis in Science & Analysis in History/SS
7 subscores between 1-15 for: Command of Evidence, Words in Context, Expression of Ideas, Standard English Conventions, Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving & Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math

6. The minimum you NEED to do
KNOW THE DIRECTIONS AHEAD OF TIME the time you save on skipping the “directions” during the test will be used on more important things…like getting more points TAKE A REAL PRACTICE EXAM IN A TIMED SETTING know your starting point; understand your strengths and weaknesses CREATE A STUDY PLAN the discipline you gain from sticking to a routine will help you in more ways than you know ANSWER EVERY QUESTION ON THE TEST you are not penalized for incorrect answers, so make an educated guess when stuck ADDITIONAL ADVICE: GET A TUTOR FOR PERSONALIZED INSTRUCTION it’s easy to skip areas you don’t understand, but with a tutor, you will tackle your challenges

7. Evidence-based Reading and Writing
Reading Test: How well you understand what you read (comprehension)
Writing and Language Test: Revise and edit text
Key Areas of Emphasis:
Vocabulary (words in context)
Supporting viewpoints (evidence-based)
Graphs and Charts (interpreting information)
Text Complexity (passages range from 9-10 grade level to college level)

8. Reading Test Overview
52 questions, 65 minutes FACTS and TIPS: Focus on what is stated in the passage, do not make assumptions The information you need is IN THE PASSAGE Questions are not in order of difficulty Question types emphasize: central ideas, themes, point of view, text structure, details, vocabulary, evidence Each passage is followed by 10 or 11 questions You may see “pair of passages” where you are asked questions related to two separate passages (compare/contrast, analyze, etc)

9. Writing and Language Test Overview
44 questions, 35 minutes FACTS and TIPS: Topics include history/social studies, humanities, science You are asked to revise and edit text to improve it or correct errors The passages and questions will be side-by-side in column format Learn the directions ahead of time in order to skip reading directions on the test May include charts/graphs/tables

10. Math Test Overview
No calculator Portion: 20 questions, 25 minutes Calculator Portion: 38 questions, 55 minutes FACTS and TIPS: You don’t need to memorize formulas, if needed they will be provided Ask yourself, what is the question asking; is there more than one step involved? Use the test booklet for scratch work Pace yourself- don’t get stuck on one problem if it’s taking too long, come back to it Check your answer: does it make sense, is it reasonable Allowed calculators: check yours on sat.org/calculator Most graphing calculators are allowed (NOT permitted- ones that can access internet…obviously!)

11. Essay Test Overview
50 minutes You read a passage and write an essay analyzing the passage Present a clear, logical analysis and use language precisely Must be legible handwriting! Scoring: 3 separate scores on a scale of 2-to-8

12. Reminders
You get a 10-minute break after the Reading Test (65 minutes long)
No break after the Writing & Language Test (35 minutes)- you still start the next section, Math (no calculator) immediately (25 minutes)
You will get a 5 minute break after the Math (no calculator section) then start the Math (calculator) portion
Use a #2 pencil
Fill in the circle completely, if you change your answer erase it completely

13. The fun part: FREE Resources!
Khan Academy Free, personalized practice you can access anytime, anywhere; you can even upload your scores and get individualized instruction in the key areas you need the most! Sat.org and Satpractice.org Know what the test is all about, and practice with test questions from real tests Bigfuture.org Resources to help you with college planning Bridge Academy free resources, tips, and tools