Preparing for the SAT can feel overwhelming, but a structured approach makes it manageable and far more effective. Here’s a step-by-step plan that top students use to build skills, track progress, and maximize scores.

Step 1: Create Your College Board Account

Before anything else, create an account on College Board. This will give you access to your official SAT records, registration, and practice tools. Your account is also needed to link with Khan Academy for personalized prep.

Step 2: Connect to Khan Academy

Khan Academy offers free, official SAT practice in partnership with the College Board. After logging in, connect your College Board account to access a tailored study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses.

  • Tip: Don’t skip this step—Khan Academy can generate practice recommendations based on previous PSAT or SAT scores (if available).

Step 3: Download the Bluebook App

  • Bluebook App (Official SAT Practice Tests) — Download the College Board Bluebook app. It lets you take full-length SAT practice tests in the same digital format as the real exam, so you get used to the interface, timing, and tools.
  • Tip: Using Bluebook helps you simulate real test conditions, including timing and navigation, which builds comfort and reduces test-day anxiety.

Step 4: Build a Foundation

Before jumping straight into full practice tests, solidify your fundamentals. In Khan Academy, start with the Foundations units:

  • Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and basic grammar rules for the Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) section.
  • Target areas where you feel least confident. These units are essential because SAT questions build on core concepts.
  • Tip: Focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing rules. For math, practice both computation and problem-solving; for reading, practice active reading strategies.

Step 5: Take Your First Full Practice Test

After completing the foundations, schedule your first full-length SAT practice test in Bluebook.

  • Why: This establishes a baseline score, highlights strengths and weaknesses, and shows how you handle timed sections.
  • How: Take it under realistic conditions: quiet space, timed sections, no interruptions.

Step 6: Review & Analyze

After completing the test:

  1. Carefully review every incorrect answer.
  2. Identify patterns in mistakes: concept gaps, careless errors, or timing issues.
  3. Use Khan Academy exercises to target these weaknesses.

Tip: Active error analysis is more important than taking multiple tests without review.

Step 7: Repeat Practice & Skill-Building

Alternate between focused skill-building and full practice tests:

  • Spend 1–2 weeks reinforcing weak areas with Khan Academy exercises.
  • Every 2–3 weeks, take another timed full-length test in Bluebook to measure improvement.
  • Gradually increase focus on test-taking strategies, timing, and stamina.

Step 8: Fine-Tune in the Final Weeks

In the 2–4 weeks before your SAT:

  • Review formulas, grammar rules, and commonly tested math concepts.
  • Take at least 1–2 final full-length practice tests to simulate test day.
  • Focus on pacing, endurance, and stress management.
  • Tip: Don’t cram brand-new concepts last minute—reinforce what you already know and reduce careless mistakes.

Step 9: Test Day Preparation

The night before:

  • Get a good night’s sleep to consolidate learning.
  • Eat a healthy breakfast.
  • Bring necessary materials: photo ID, admission ticket, calculator, snacks, and water.

Final Advice

Consistent, focused practice beats last-minute cramming. Build strong foundations, analyze mistakes carefully, and gradually simulate real test conditions. With structured preparation, you’ll maximize both skills and confidence on test day.