Lessons for Test-Taking Strategies & Reducing SAT Anxiety

Have you tried the following two lessons yet? You can find them in the Toolbox on the Home tab.

Test-Taking Strategies for the SAT

This lesson will teach you the "Top 12 Strategies" for maximizing your SAT score. For right or for wrong, your performance on the SAT is a reflection of both your knowledge of the things you've learned in school and your ability to take a standardized test.  By using what you've know about the design of the SAT to your advantage, you can learn the ways to maximize the points you earn on test day.This BTP Online SAT Prep lesson will teach you the strategies you need to master the SAT.

Reducing SAT Anxiety

Generally speaking, anxiety is defined as "A state of uneasiness and apprehension caused by uncertainty."  Reducing test-taking anxiety means learning to replace these feelings of uncertainty with feelings of confidence. By teaching you to focus on the things you CAN control, this lesson will teach you several strategies for removing your uncertainty about the things you DON’T know, as you gradually become more confident in the things you DO know.

This lesson discusses some of the most common causes of SAT anxiety and provides strategies and techniques for reducing anxiety, building confidence, and mentally preparing for test day.  The lesson also provides some last-minute prep pointers for the final days before the actual test.

Did you know you can print your scores?

Go to the Past Quiz Results tab in any of the three SAT test areas. Not only will you see your quiz results for the past 90 days, you will also see a printer icon labeled "Print Friendy Version."  By selecting this button you can print the results shown on the screen to pass in to a teacher or take with you.

Vocabulary Lesson

On the SAT you will never be asked to provide a definition of a specific word, so there is no need to study the dictionary to improve your SAT score.  However, you will be tested on your ability to use and understand words in context. 

The vocabulary lesson in the Critical Reading Center section of the BTP SAT Prep Program will help you with:

1. strategies for increasing the number of words you know
2. tips for using parts of words to figure out the general meaning of words you don't know, and
3. information about what to watch out for on the test.

In addition to this narrated lesson on building your vocabulary, we've also  provided you with flashcards of the 500 words that you are most likely to encounter on the SAT.  Print them off and carry them with you.  Practice using the words you learn to help you memorize their meaning.

Expanding your vocabulary doesn't need to be a daunting task.  Learn how to use the words around you to increase your vocabulary and take the time to review the words most commonly tested. 

All About Math Questions

When you think about the Math section of the SAT do you feel anxious?  Do you get nervous at the thought of all of those numbers and formulas? 

One of the best ways to combat SAT math anxiety is to become familiar with the questions, directions, and formulas used for these sections.  To help you better understand the types of questions you will be asked and to help you know what to expect on test day, we have a BTP Online SAT lesson called "About Math Questions." 

This lesson will provide you with:

• a general overview of the topics tested in each of the four areas of Math (Numbers & Absolute Value, Algebra & Functions, Geometry & Measurements, and Data Analysis, Statistics & Probability)
• an introduction to "grid-in" questions, including a review of how to submit answers using the special form provided for these questions
• review of the directions and formulas that will be provided in your SAT test booklet
• strategies for using the organization of the math sections of the SAT to your advantage
• bits of advice for students who plan to bring a calculator with them on test-day

So take a deep breath and check about About Math Questions.  On test day you'll know what to expect, you will feel less anxious, and you will be better prepared to maximize your points on this section of the SAT.

Where do I begin?

Okay - so you are ready to begin preparing for the SAT.  But where do you begin? With so much information to review and so much to know about the test itself, it can be hard to know where to start!

While some students like to just jump in and get started, others like to have a plan to follow.  Knowing this, we have created a 12-week study plan for you to use.

During the first week you will test yourself to get a pre-study measure of your skills.  You will also familiarize yourself with the BTP Online SAT Program and register for the SAT via the College Board website.

During the final week you will test yourself again, review a few final areas, and then get review some final tips for the SAT.

For each of the weeks in between, you will focus on a specific topic area.  You will have a checklist each week to map out your study tasks for the week, as well as a BTP Point goal to aim for.  You will take quizzes, review lessons, build your vocabulary, and learn all about writing an SAT essay.

Getting started with your SAT prep can be the hardest part (and staying on track can be fairly challenging, too!)  Having a plan of action can help you organize your time and your prep. Check out the new BTP SAT Preparation Plan. The SAT countdown has started . . .

BTP To Go: Downloadable SAT Prep

Imagine being able to prepare for the SAT while waiting for a ride to school, walking to a friend's house, or even while you are lying in bed at night.

You can with the BTP To Go audio download - An SAT Prep Talk.

Unlike the BTP Online SAT Program, the SAT Prep Talk isn’t focused on reviewing the things you’ve studied in school or taking quizzes to practice these skills.  Instead, it’s more like a one-on-one conversation with an SAT expert. The Prep Talk discusses the SAT’s design and covers ways to use the test’s quirks to your advantage.  It is also a great way to get yourself mentally prepared by learning what to expect and how to turn your test anxiety into test taking confidence.

Part motivation, part preparation, the Prep Talk is just under three hours in length.  The talk is broken down into 34 tracks, making it easy to find what you are looking for or to pick up where you left off.  And because the average track is less than five minutes in length, it’s easier to fit studying for the SAT test into your day.  Best of all, it's downloadable, so you can take it anywhere!  Just download the file to your computer or any digital audio player (think iPod) and PRESTO!  SAT Prep to go.