How to START studying for the SAT?

1. The first step should always be to realize WHY are we actually giving the SAT. Obviously, College Admissions. In order to score high on the SAT, you should know specifically what you are targeting at. 1550, 1600, 1450, whatever. Just keep it in your head always.

2. Second is to know where you currently stand. For that, solve an SAT PT from Bluebook. Suppose you scored 1250 and want 1550, this is where we can start because we know what we need. A 300 points improvement. Now how can I get this improvement?

3. Start off with the concepts. SAT is very specific when it comes to the concepts it tests. Be it English or Math, we have very straightforward guidelines on what will be tested. Make sure you through all the concepts. Solve examples of every topic you do but don't time yourself yet. Just focus on getting them right and work out reasons for wrongs as well.

4. Once you feel like you are going somewhere(and this normally take a month or so depending on how much time your are giving), start timing the questions but stay topical. Your score may drop because of the time pressure. Keep practicing and start with the easy ones and steadily take on the hard ones.

5. Once you have done this, you will feel confident enough to take on the actual tests. Now this is the real game. This will be timed and won't be topical. By this time, you should have the skill to identify question type and approach it the right way. Suppose you score 1400 this this time. 150 more to go. How to do that?

6. Your score breakup will help you reach there. Carefully scrutinize the recurring errors, and figure out why you are doing it. Then make a conscious effort of going through their correct concepts again and reconcile them with the wrong explanations you applied.

7. If you repeat this with at least 3-4 tests, you scores will increase and hopefully you will be 'test ready.'