Taking practice tests is a good way to check on your study methods. If you have been studying for the

SAT consistently and your scores don’t improve over time, you may need to change your study methods.

Approach your changes scientifically. Try one or two changes at a time to discover what works. Do you

feel more focused? Are you retaining more material? Do your sessions feel more productive? These are

questions you should ask yourself to determine whether or not you are using the best study methods for

you.

Space

Try studying in a new space. When you find a space that works for you, use that space for every study

session. Using the same space when you study will signal to your brain that it is time to focus and learn.

Time

Try studying for more or less time or at different times during the day. Sometimes studying too long will

prevent your brain from retaining important information. You should also try to space your study well. Cal

Newport suggests that one day is the optimal spacing between study sessions. So instead of studying for

3 hours once a week, try studying for 30 minutes everyday.

Distractions

If you are still studying with your phone notifications clambering for your attention, stop. Turn off your

phone and hide it so you what be tempted to look at it. 30 minutes of phone free study time is much more

productive than hours of interrupted studying. Don’t forget to turn off music or the tv as well.

Tools

Computers and Apps can offer some very helpful study tools. However, some research suggests that

people do their best learning with pencil and paper. If you find that you are not retaining information, turn

of the technology and start making your own flashcards and working out word problems on paper.

Evaluation

When you don’t feel like your study is working to improve your scores, evaluate what might be holding

you back. Don't be afraid to try new methods and techniques. The more practice tests you can take the

better understanding you will have of how effective your study methods are. When you are willing to make

changes and study productively, you can improve your SAT scores.

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