Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

As strange as it may sound, for experienced test prep tutors, taking a new SAT or ACT can actually be fun. I can move through an SAT verbal section in under ten minutes and usually score near-perfect results. Scoring that section feels even better—question after question marked correct, each one reinforcing confidence.

Math, however, is a completely different experience.

If verbal questions are cookies, math questions are lima beans.

I don’t get every math question right. Some problems require real effort. Others make me uneasy—especially trigonometry, which I never studied in high school. Grading math sections still makes me nervous, and getting a question wrong stings.

Students Naturally Avoid Their Weak Spots

What’s true for tutors is even more true for students.

Every student has strengths and weaknesses across SAT and ACT sections. When completing homework or practice tests, students almost always:

• Start with the sections they enjoy

• Save the harder topics for last

• Sometimes skip the hardest material entirely

Why? Because strong areas give positive feedback, while weak areas bring frustration, doubt, and stress. Since test prep doesn’t involve grades, weaker sections often don’t get the attention they need.

Smart Test-Day Strategy: Do the Easy Questions First

On test day, there is no rule that says you must answer questions in order.

In fact, the smartest ACT and SAT test-taking strategy is:

• Answer easy and medium questions first

• Secure points you’re likely to earn

• Leave difficult questions for the end

If you run out of time, it’s far better to miss questions you were unlikely to answer correctly anyway. Even if time isn’t an issue, this strategy reduces stress and keeps you focused—because you already have points “in the bank.”

Prep Strategy Is the Opposite of Test-Day Strategy

Here’s the paradox.

What works on test day does not work during preparation.

You’re already good at the material you like. That means there aren’t many new points hiding there. Your weaker sections, on the other hand, are filled with missed opportunities—by definition.

Every skill you improve in a weak area unlocks:

• New points

• Better timing

• Higher consistency

This is where real score gains come from.

Why Real Improvement Requires Discomfort

The essence of effective SAT and ACT prep is choosing the path of greatest resistance.

To raise your score, you must:

• Identify the questions that give you the worst feedback

• Spend time on topics you’d rather avoid

• Face the discomfort head-on

It’s like walking into a room full of people who don’t like you and figuring out how to make friends. That’s uncomfortable—but it’s also how growth happens.

Let Go of Your Practice Test Score

Here’s the good news:
Your practice test score doesn’t matter.

It has:

• No impact on your future

• No audience

• No permanent consequences

You don’t even need to look at the final score.

In fact, obsessing over practice test results often makes improvement harder. When students fixate on the score, they retreat to their comfort zones and avoid risk. Ironically, letting go of the score is what allows the score to improve.

Practice tests are meant to be:

• Experimental

• Risk-friendly

• Strategy-driven

Trying new approaches will feel uncomfortable at first—but those moments are exactly where new points are created.

Use ScoreSmart to Target the Right Struggles

This is where ScoreSmart becomes essential.

ScoreSmart score reports show you:

• Where you are losing points

• Where you are losing time

• Which question types need the most attention

The Drill Banks then deliver exactly what you least want to practice—and most need to practice.

That’s where your time should go.

Final Thought: Eat Your Vegetables First

I hate to say it, but your mom was right.

You have to eat your vegetables before dessert.

In SAT and ACT prep, those “vegetables” are the hard questions, weak topics, and uncomfortable strategies. Master those—and the score increase will follow.

That’s the path of most resistance. And that’s how scores change.

If you’re wondering how to improve your SAT score and get closer to your dream college or scholarship, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of students ask the same question: “What is the best way to improve your SAT score?” The truth is, with the right preparation and mindset, you can significantly increase your score—whether you’re retaking the SAT or preparing for it the first time.

At ScoreSmart, we believe that success on the SAT doesn’t come from luck or raw intelligence—it comes from smart preparation. Let’s go over effective, research-backed strategies to help you improve SAT score and reach your goals.

Strategies To Improve Your SAT Score

1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

Before diving into test prep, set a clear target score. Research the SAT score ranges of your dream schools and scholarship programs. This helps you set a realistic goal and track your progress.
Use online tools like BigFuture™ by College Board to compare your SAT results with the average scores of your preferred universities. Knowing your goal helps you plan your study sessions strategically and stay motivated.

2. Plan Ahead and Register Early

Timing is everything when it comes to the SAT. Choose a test date that gives you enough time to prepare—ideally a few months in advance.
Many students take the SAT twice—once in the spring of their junior year and again in the fall of their senior year. This gives you a chance to identify weak areas and improve your SAT score before college applications are due.
Register early because popular test dates fill up quickly!

3. Practice with PSAT and Sample Tests

If you’ve already taken the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or PSAT 8/9, you’ve already had a taste of the SAT format. Use your PSAT score report to identify your areas of improvement.

Taking full-length practice SAT tests is one of the best ways to improve your SAT score. Simulate real test conditions—use a timer, limit distractions, and review your mistakes after each test.

This approach helps you understand question patterns, manage your time, and gain confidence for the actual exam.

4. Strengthen Your Core Knowledge with Challenging Courses

The SAT measures the knowledge and skills you learn in school. So, one natural way to improve SAT score is to take more advanced classes such as Honors, Advanced Placement (AP®), or college-prep courses.

These subjects enhance your analytical and problem-solving abilities, which directly translate to higher SAT performance. The more you challenge yourself academically, the better prepared you’ll be for SAT-level questions.

5. Prioritize Focused and Personalized Prep

You don’t need to spend thousands on private tutoring to raise your SAT score. Free and effective SAT prep resources are available, including official practice tests and adaptive online tools.

Personalized study plans based on your strengths and weaknesses are key. Focus more time on areas you find difficult—whether it’s algebra, data analysis, or reading comprehension.

This targeted approach ensures you’re not just studying hard—you’re studying smart, the true secret behind how to improve your SAT score effectively.

6. Identify and Overcome Weaknesses

Every student has specific problem areas. Maybe you lose points on math due to small calculation errors, or maybe reading passages slow you down.
Once you identify your weaknesses, dedicate extra time to them.

• For math: Review formulas, practice without a calculator, and double-check answers for accuracy.
• For reading and writing: Practice reading comprehension strategies, summarize passages, and work on vocabulary.

Addressing these gaps early can lead to dramatic improvements in your overall SAT score.

7. Master Time Management

Poor timing is one of the biggest reasons students don’t reach their target SAT score. To improve SAT score, you must learn how to pace yourself during the exam.

Each question is worth the same number of points, so avoid spending too long on one problem. Tackle the easy questions first and return to the harder ones later.

Here’s a general time breakdown:

• Reading: 65 minutes for 52 questions
• Writing and Language: 35 minutes for 44 questions
• Math (Calculator): 55 minutes for 38 questions
• Math (No Calculator): 25 minutes for 20 questions

Use practice tests to build your time awareness so you can finish every section confidently.

8. Learn the Art of Elimination

Sometimes, knowing what’s wrong can be as powerful as knowing what’s right. The SAT is a multiple-choice test—each question has only one correct answer.

Use the process of elimination:

• Cross out answers that contradict the passage or question.
• Eliminate those that add extra or irrelevant information.
• Choose the one that directly matches the evidence given.

This critical thinking skill is a game-changer in both the Reading and Writing sections.

9. Prepare Mentally for Test Day

You’ve done the work—now it’s time to perform your best.
The night before, pack everything you’ll need: your admission ticket, photo ID, calculator, pencils, and a snack. Sleep well, eat a balanced breakfast, and stay hydrated.

During the test:

• Stay calm and focused.
• Skip tricky questions and come back later.
• Use positive self-talk to stay confident.

Your mindset can make a huge difference on test day.

10. Stay Consistent and Believe in Progress

Improving your SAT score takes consistency. Whether you’re wondering “How do I improve my SAT score?” or “What is the best way to improve your SAT score?”, the answer lies in steady, focused effort.

Set a study schedule, track your progress, and celebrate small wins along the way. Every practice test, every revision, and every improvement—no matter how small—moves you closer to your goal.

Final Thoughts: Your Dream SAT Score Is Within Reach

With dedication and the right strategies, you can improve your SAT score dramatically. Remember, the SAT doesn’t test your intelligence—it tests how well you prepare and apply what you’ve learned.

Why Choose ScoreSmart for Your SAT Prep?

If you’re serious about improving your SAT score, ScoreSmart is your ultimate SAT prep companion. Our platform offers authentic SAT practice tests that accurately replicate the real SAT test environment—so you can build confidence and reduce test-day anxiety. Backed by smart analytics and over 50 years of combined tutoring expertise, ScoreSmart doesn’t just show your results; it breaks down your performance, pacing, and decision-making to highlight where you can improve the most. Whether you’re taking the SAT test for the first time or retaking it to raise your score, ScoreSmart’s personalized insights help you maximize your SAT prep and achieve your best possible result.