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“Knowledge Is Power.” This quote by the famous philosopher Sir Francis Bacon sums up what your approach to studying for the SAT should be. If you want to know how to “pass” the SAT, you must first realize that the more you know, the better you’ll score. And it goes without saying that you want to get the best score possible. After all, a great SAT score will make you more competitive for getting into your first-choice schools and qualifying for valuable scholarships.
In this article, we’ll first discuss what “how to pass the SAT exam” means. Then we’ll concentrate on the power of knowledge: learning the facts about the SAT, knowing how to create an outstanding study plan, learning study strategies and test-day strategies, and using the absolute best resources available to make studying as effective as possible.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- What Does It Mean to “Pass” the SAT?
- The SAT: Basic Facts
- The SAT Format
- Important! Learn About the SAT’s Section Adaptivity
- What Are the SAT Topics?
- Beginning Your SAT Studying
- Choose the Best SAT Study Resources for Your Particular Needs
- Make Study Time Count
- Tip #1: Make SAT Studying a Priority
- Tip #2: Be Realistic About How Long You Should Study
- Tip #3: Create a Study Schedule That Works for You
- Tip #4: Study in Short Bursts on Occasion
- Tip #5: Weekends Can Be a Lifesaver
- Tip #6: Study While Commuting or Exercising
- Tip #7: Study at School
- Tip #8: Temporarily Postpone Non-Essential Activities
- Tip #9: Memorization Is Mandatory
- Tip #10: Use a Topical Approach to Your Studying
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
First, let’s look at SAT scores to see if we can determine what constitutes a “passing” score.
What Does It Mean to “Pass” the SAT?
There is no score that defines a passing or failing SAT score. Rather, you should decide for yourself what a passing score is for your particular situation.
Take a look at the chart below to see the SAT scores that fall within a given percentile range. For example, a score of 1120 puts you in the percentile range of the 60th to 69th percentile.
| Score Range | Percentile Range |
|---|---|
| 1350 – 1600 | 90th to 99th |
| 1240 – 1340 | 80th to 89th |
| 1160 – 1230 | 70th to 79th |
| 1090 – 1150 | 60th to 69th |
| 1030 – 1080 | 50th to 59th |
| 970 – 1020 | 40th to 49th |
| 910 – 960 | 30th to 39th |
| 840 – 900 | 20th to 29th |
| 770 – 830 | 10th to 19th |
| 760 and below | 1st to 9th |
Let’s see how this chart can help you identify your particular SAT passing score.
TTP PRO TIP:
There is no universally accepted passing SAT score. You must decide this for yourself, depending on various factors.
What SAT Score Is Passing for You?
If you want to attend the most prestigious colleges, such as Harvard, Stanford, or MIT, then you must score at the high end of the score range in the 90th – 99th percentiles, with a score of 1500+.
Many desirable schools, such as Penn State and Florida State, accept students who have scored in the 80th – 89th percentile range.
Quite a few well-regarded schools consider SAT scores from 1090 to 1230 (the 60th to the 79th percentile) as acceptable for applicants. You might recognize schools such as Cal State Long Beach, Ohio University, and the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP), each of which routinely admits students with these scores.
Don’t stress if you have scored in the 50th to 59th percentile range. Well-regarded schools like the University of Northern Colorado, Tuskegee University, and many state colleges and universities are happy to have you as an applicant with an SAT score of 1030 to 1080.
And finally, even if you score below the 50th percentile, you will find quite a few schools that accept scores below 1030. The University of North Texas, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, and Albany (Ga.) State University routinely accept students with SAT scores in the 900s.
So now you can see that if you want to attend a top-tier school, your passing score could be as high as 1550. On the other hand, if you prefer a less-exclusive school, your passing SAT score could be 900 or less.
TTP PRO TIP:
Find a school you want to attend and determine the SAT score you need to be a competitive applicant. That is your SAT passing score.
The SAT: Basic Facts
In the U.S., the digital SAT debuted in Spring 2024. The digital version is about an hour shorter than the paper-and-pencil version, at just 2 hours and 14 minutes.
You can take the SAT on a weekend day at a test center, or at school on a normal school day (if your school is a School Day SAT participant). You may bring your own computer, or your school or test center will provide one for you. Note that if you take the SAT on your own computer, you must download the Bluebook app, the platform for taking the SAT, ahead of time. You can use the Bluebook app during your SAT preparation to access free SAT practice tests. Do note that when the Bluebook app is in use, all other features of your computer will be locked down.
KEY FACT:
The SAT takes 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete.
Now, let’s look at the two sections of the SAT in more detail.
The SAT Format
The SAT contains two sections.
- Math: The Math section contains two modules. Each module has 22 questions and takes 35 minutes to finish. You will encounter about 33 multiple-choice questions with 4 answer choices out of the 44 math questions. The remaining 11 questions are called “student-produced response (SPR)” questions, and they are fill-in-the-blank questions. You’ll be happy to learn that you may use an approved calculator for any SAT math question. The Bluebook app gives you access to the online Desmos graphing calculator.
- Reading and Writing: The Reading and Writing section also contains two modules. Each module has 27 questions and takes 32 minutes to finish. You will encounter 27 reading passages, and each passage asks just one question. In addition to reading comprehension questions, you will be tested on grammar, punctuation, and usage.
KEY FACT:
The SAT contains two sections, Math and Reading/Writing. Each is composed of two modules.
Next, let’s discuss what is meant by section adaptivity.
Important! Learn About the SAT’s Section Adaptivity
If you want to attain your passing score, you must understand what is meant by the section-adaptive feature of the SAT.
Let’s use the Math section as a model to learn how section adaptivity works. First, recall that the Math section has two modules. In the first module, you’ll encounter a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. If you perform well in Math module 1 (about 60% or better), then you will be presented with more difficult (and score-enhancing) questions in Math module 2. You can see that answering each question carefully and accurately in Math module 1 is especially important!
Similarly, the Reading and Writing section is also adaptive. Thus, it is equally important to score well on the first module. As stated above, this will allow you to answer harder questions in module 2, which will add bonus points to your score.
The key to understanding the section-adaptive nature of the SAT is to realize that you must be “on point” from the very first question. Notably, if you score well in module 1 of each section, then you’ll have a huge leg up in earning your SAT passing score.
KEY FACT:
The SAT’s section-adaptive feature bases the difficulty level of module 2 on your performance in module 1.
Let’s now look at the topics you’ll see on the SAT.
What Are the SAT Topics?
Math
If you want to know how to pass the SAT math section, you should review the algebra and geometry covered in high school. You previously learned most of the math topics tested on the SAT. However, you may notice differences in the types of questions or the wording of the questions from what you saw on high school math tests. The College Board has identified four overarching Math topic areas that are tested on the SAT. We have identified the subtopics that fall under those main ones.
- Algebra: linear equations, linear functions, systems of linear equations, linear inequalities, word problems modeled by linear equations
- Advanced Math: functions and function notation, quadratic functions, factoring and FOILing, exponents and exponential functions, fractional exponents, polynomials (higher-order), absolute value, linear and exponential growth, systems of equations (one quadratic)
- Problem-Solving and Data Analysis: percentages, ratios and proportions, rates, unit conversion, measures of center, probability, charts and graphs, scatterplots, statistical inference, and experiments versus observational studies
- Geometry/Trigonometry: lines, angles, triangles, circles, area, volume, Pythagorean theorem, right triangles, basic trigonometry
KEY FACT:
The College Board has identified four SAT math categories: Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry/Trigonometry.
Verbal
If you want to know how to pass the SAT Reading and Writing section, it’s important to have or develop critical reading skills and grammar skills.
The more common topics of reading passages in the Reading and Writing section include:
- Craft and Structure: the purpose of the passage; the structure of the passage; words in context; and paired passage questions
- Information and Ideas: the main idea; detail; inferences that can be made; textual or quantitative evidence
The more common topics of the writing part of the Reading and Writing section include the following:
- Standard English Conventions: agreement: (subject-verb);(pronoun-antecedent); nouns (plural and possessive); verb forms; placement of modifiers; sentence structure; punctuation
- Expression of Ideas: transitions and rhetorical synthesis
KEY FACT:
The Reading and Writing section tests you on reading comprehension and proper grammar and usage.
Next, let’s discuss getting started with your SAT prep.
Beginning Your SAT Studying
Now you know the facts about the SAT, including its structure and the topics that it tests. It’s time to get serious about your SAT preparation. A caution! Don’t start your studying by buying a study book and haphazardly answering questions. This is a waste of your time and money. Instead, you want to make a logical and structured approach to your studying.
Start by Taking a Practice Test
You first need to determine your baseline SAT score by taking an official SAT practice test via the Bluebook app.
Before you can take an official practice test, you’ll need to register for an account at the College Board resources website. You can then download the Bluebook app for free. You will have access to four free practice tests, so take the first one. Don’t worry about the score; your goal is to get an idea of how much studying you can anticipate you’ll need to earn your desired score.
Taking the practice test will give you a sense of how much SAT material you already know. Also, you’ll be able to compare your practice test score to your target score, which is the SAT score you need for admission to the colleges you want to attend. Subtract your baseline score from your target score, and you’ll know how many points you need to reach your target score. Then, you’ll be able to gauge how much time and effort you’ll need to expend to reach your passing score.
TTP PRO TIP:
Take an SAT practice exam to determine your baseline score.
Choose the Best SAT Study Resources for Your Particular Needs
We’ve already mentioned that answering random questions from an SAT prep book is definitely not an effective study strategy. So what should you do? With so many demands coming from school, work, athletics, family, and friends, you need to think carefully before deciding on a study plan.
There are many ways to study effectively. Consider each of the possible strategies introduced below. Then decide which one works for you. The good news is that you have multiple options, from self-study to online resources.
TTP PRO TIP:
Choose the study strategy that is best for your unique situation.
Enroll in an Online or In-Person Prep Class
An in-person or online prep class may be your best choice, especially if you need a lot of structure to keep you on track. First, a class schedules all class meetings ahead of time. Additionally, you will be in the company of other students who are in the same boat as you. Third, you’ll be assigned homework to complete before each class meeting, so you’ll be responsible for completing it in order to keep up with the class.
A major drawback of an SAT class is the lack of flexibility about class meeting times. If you miss even one class session, you could fall behind. Additionally, the pace and coverage of the class will not accommodate your specific needs. So, you should keep these factors in mind when considering a prep class.
KEY FACT:
An SAT prep class will keep you on track with your studying, but it will not be able to accommodate your specific needs.
Hire a Private Tutor
If you have very limited time to devote to SAT studying, a private tutor may be the perfect solution! A good tutor will plan each study session to meet your exact needs. Thus, you can speed up or slow down coverage according to your abilities. Additionally, you’ll be able to reschedule a session without loss of continuity if an emergency arises. Your tutor will keep you on track and will guide you through the difficult sections efficiently. He or she will hold you accountable for making progress.
The major drawback to hiring a private tutor is the expense.
KEY FACT:
A private tutor, while expensive, can customize your SAT study schedule to your specific needs and abilities.
Create or Join a Study Group With Friends
If you have friends or classmates who are also preparing for the SAT, think about creating an SAT study group. First, make sure that those in the group have similar goals and skills as you. Then, as soon as everyone agrees on a convenient meeting schedule, hold your first session. As long as the group keeps on track and keeps committed, you’ll benefit from working together on a common goal while enjoying each others’ company.
TTP PRO TIP:
A study group with friends or classmates can combine studying with socializing.
Consider an Online SAT Prep Course
An online SAT prep course likely will fit your study needs perfectly. Prep courses contain the exact material that is tested on the SAT. Furthermore, they give you a huge number of practice questions so you can master every topic. A great SAT prep course has lots of added features, such as a comprehensive study plan, a progress tracker, an error tracker, and performance analytics. Many of them supply you with equation guides and SAT flashcards and teach you valuable SAT study tips.
First, research online SAT prep courses, and look for ones that give you a free or low-cost trial. For example, you can sign up for Target Test Prep’s SAT Course for a free 5-day trial. After a few days, select the course that is your best fit.
TTP PRO TIP:
An online SAT prep course offers many useful features that can provide you with an efficient, effective study experience.
Next, let’s discuss how to make the most of your study time.
Make Study Time Count
It’s time to get studying! You’ve done all the pre-work, such as taking a practice test and choosing your study strategy. Now you can use these 10 SAT tricks and tips to help you immensely during your prep.
Tip #1: Make SAT Studying a Priority
From the get-go, accept the fact that you may have to forgo a few activities to study, but remind yourself that every hour of studying increases your SAT score and gets you closer to being admitted to your dream school! If possible, plan to study each weekday for at least an hour and extra on weekends. But the bottom line is to choose a study schedule that works for you!
TTP PRO TIP:
You may consider SAT studying to be a hassle, but it is a short-term commitment that can pay big dividends!
Tip #2: Be Realistic About How Long You Should Study
You need to know how much time you’ll need to prepare for the SAT. First, determine your application deadlines and work backward to determine when you should schedule your SAT. Work backward again by the number of months you will need to study, and you’ll be able to pinpoint your SAT prep start date. Learn more about how long you should study by reading our article on how long to study for the SAT.
TTP PRO TIP:
Determine a realistic and logical start date for your SAT preparation.
Tip #3: Create a Study Schedule That Works for You
Many students find it helpful to create a study calendar. When it comes to studying, you have to balance school, extracurricular activities, job, homework, family/community commitments, and time with friends. As a result, a study calendar can keep your SAT studying foremost in your life without getting lost in the shuffle. Notably, you must use good SAT time management to create and stay committed to your study schedule.
Your study calendar should identify the specific times you’ll study each day. Can you wake up early? Can you study during a free period? Perhaps it’s easier to study right after you get home from school. Or maybe “bulk studying” on the weekend is your best strategy. The decision is yours.
Let’s look at what a sample weekly study schedule could look like:
Monday: 4-5 pm: study 1 hour
Tuesday: Free period: study 45 minutes
Bus: flip through flashcards, 15 minutes
Wednesday: 4-5 pm: study 1 hour
Thursday: Free period: study 45 minutes
Bus: flip through flashcards, 15 minutes
Friday: 6 – 6:30 am: study 30 minutes
Saturday: 8:30 – 10 am: study 1.5 hours
Sunday: 7 – 9 pm: study 2 hours
Total Study Time: 8 hours
Schedule your SAT studying at various times throughout the week without making it a constant time or energy drain. The key is to create a study schedule that fits your lifestyle. In this example, we found 8 hours with minimal disruption. If you need more time, you could add just one extra hour each weekend day to increase the time to 10 hours.
TTP PRO TIP:
Your SAT study schedule has to work for you.
Tip #4: Study in Short Bursts on Occasion
Finding even an hour for SAT studying might sometimes be difficult. But on occasion, you can benefit from mini-sessions. On tough days, studying even 10 or 15 minutes can keep you moving forward. You can catch up later. Even short-burst sessions can help you make progress.
TTP PRO TIP:
A short study session of even 10 or 15 minutes keeps you moving forward.
Tip #5: Weekends Can Be a Lifesaver
Longer study sessions on weekends can put a big dent in your studying. For example, if you can do a couple of long sessions (2-3 hours), you’ll experience two benefits. First, you’ll knock out sizable study hours. But more importantly, you’ll get a feel for the intensity of the full-length SAT.
TTP PRO TIP:
Weekend studying has major benefits.
Take SAT Practice Tests on Weekends
Another benefit of weekends is that you can use them to take the remaining 3 free practice exams on Bluebook. Taking a practice exam on the weekend is a smart move. The SAT is mentally demanding, and it takes several hours. So if you can take it in one sitting, you’ll be more relaxed than if you were to take it during the week. Thus, your practice test score will be more accurate, giving you useful feedback about your current level of readiness. Additionally, you’ll have time to go over any questions you answered incorrectly.
TTP PRO TIP:
Take the remaining 3 SAT practice exams on weekends.
Tip #6: Study While Commuting or Exercising
You can get bonus SAT study time if you ride the bus to and from school. Pull up your SAT flashcards or your flashcard app and flip through them.
If you think that driving and flashcard review are not compatible, think again. Many flashcard apps can turn your visual flashcards into audio ones.
In addition, you can use your audio flashcards when you’re exercising or doing chores.
TTP PRO TIP:
Review your flashcards while you commute or while you’re exercising.
Tip #7: Study at School
Study hall can give you time to fit in some SAT studying. You might normally spend free periods finishing homework or socializing with friends, but you can instead get in some quick SAT studying. To avoid distractions, go to the library or another quiet location. If you can study just a couple of free periods each week, you will put a sizable dent in your SAT study schedule.
TTP PRO TIP:
Free periods at school can give you some time for SAT studying.
Tip #8: Temporarily Postpone Non-Essential Activities
During your SAT preparation, you likely will need to reduce the number of “optional” activities in your life. First, list all activities that take time. Next, put them in order, from least important to most important. Finally, realize that you must delete the least important activities. But remember that you’re only temporarily deleting them, not eliminating them from your life forever. Setting new priorities will give you more time for SAT preparation!
TTP PRO TIP:
Delete any non-essential activities from your schedule while you are preparing for the SAT.
Tip #9: Memorization Is Mandatory
You probably already know that you have access to a math reference sheet, which is useful but limited in scope. It provides some geometry formulas (area and volume), the Pythagorean theorem, and special triangles. However, you won’t be given formulas such as the quadratic formula or probability calculations. Thus, you’ll have to memorize many formulas to be successful in SAT Math.
We’ve previously talked a bit about flashcards, which are the easiest way to memorize formulas. You can use an app or create a physical deck. Additionally, you don’t have to create flashcards only for math formulas. You can create flashcards for grammar or punctuation rules or any other fact that you need to memorize.
TTP PRO TIP:
You can memorize facts and formulas by creating a flashcard deck.
Tip #10: Use a Topical Approach to Your Studying
Experts generally agree that one of the best ways to learn SAT material is by using topical studying. Specifically, you concentrate on learning just one topic until you have mastered it.
For example, if you are studying percents, you focus all your time and attention on percents concepts, such as percent of, percent increase, percent greater than, and percent less than. Then, after you have learned the material, you’ll answer 100+ practice questions that are easy, medium, and hard. By the time you move to the next topic, you will be comfortable with any question about percents that the SAT could throw at you.
TTP PRO TIP:
Use topical studying to ensure mastery of each SAT concept.
Key Takeaways
In this article, we first emphasized that knowing the facts about the digital SAT is critically important. We covered the basic facts about the SAT, including section adaptivity. Then we learned which topics are tested in both the Math and Verbal sections of the exam.
Your SAT preparation requires some prework. First, use the Bluebook app to take a practice test to establish your baseline score. Compare this to your target score to determine how much time you should plan for your SAT preparation. Next, consider options for the best way to study, including an in-person SAT class, hiring a tutor, studying with friends in a study group, or choosing an online SAT prep course. Choose the prep option that best fits your particular needs.
After you’ve implemented your study plan, follow these tips to get the most out of your study time.
- Make SAT Studying a Priority
- Be Realistic About How Long You Should Study
- Create a Study Schedule that Works for You
- Study in Short Bursts on Occasion
- Weekends Can Be a Lifesaver
- Study While Commuting or Exercising
- Study at School
- Temporarily Postpone Non-Essential Activities
- Memorization Is Mandatory
- Use a Topical Approach to Your Studying
Following these tips will enhance your SAT studying!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to pass the SAT without studying?
There is no SAT score that defines a “passing” score. Thus, this question cannot be easily answered. However, if you want to determine how to pass the SAT without studying, take an official practice SAT exam. Then compare your score to your target score. If the two scores are close, then you might score high enough on the real SAT to avoid having to study.
What’s Next?
If your energy starts to flag during your studying, this article about ways to stay motivated during your SAT preparation can re-invigorate your commitment.
If you need some extra help on the math section, read this article about improving your SAT Math score,
Happy Studying!
