Mastering the SAT Time-Saving Techniques to Finish Strong on Every Section

Significant hard work, sleepless nights, and a lot of dedication go into preparing for the SATs. Millions of students sit for the exam every year with almost the same commitment, but the efforts and results vary. Studying and preparing is one thing, and SAT Time-Saving Techniques to Finish Strong on Every Section smartly strategizing for the SATs is another. 

Time management plays a crucial role in the SAT results. Ideally, a student should have enough time to comfortably complete each section of the exam. The question papers obviously do not look the same for everyone, depending on individual preparations. That said, with the tried and tested SAT section strategies and tips for time management, you can finish every section with ease and move to the next.

Effective Time Management for the SAT Reading Section

For the reading section of the SAT, you have to answer 52 questions based on 5 passages in 65 minutes. That means you have around 13 minutes for each passage. But is that the only time management technique you should be following? Here are the best SAT section strategies:

1. Start with Passage Skimming

Use the first 3 to 5 minutes for skimming through passages. It helps you quickly understand the key idea, structure, and tone. Pay attention to the topic sentences, transitions, and conclusions for an overall understanding.

2. Practice Active Reading

Make sure to underline the key sections of the passage, like any thesis and supporting statements. This will allow you to engage better with the important parts and identify the same later when you are searching for the correct information.

3. Divide Time Between Passages as Needed

Technically, dividing the 65 minutes by 5 passages will give you 13 minutes for each passage. While it is one of the practical SAT section strategies for time management, it need not be the correct one for you. Some passages may require more attention and time than others. It is okay if some passages require, maybe, 15 minutes when you can complete another in less than 10 minutes.

4. Start with Line-Referenced Questions

These questions will point you to the specific line numbers, allowing you to find and write the answer quickly. Addressing these questions first gives you a boost of confidence as you can cover them quickly, saving more time for the remaining questions.

5. Keep General Questions for the Last

The general information-based questions may require more brainstorming and are best left for the last.

Optimizing Your Time in the SAT Writing and Language Section

You have 44 questions to answer from 4 different passages within 35 minutes. Here are the SAT section strategies to consider:

1. Read for Grammar and Clarity

Focus more on practical portions like grammar and sentence structure instead of trying to understand the nuance of the passage. Locate the errors and find the improvement scope quickly.

2. Answer as You Read

One of the best SAT Writing and Language for time management is to read and answer right away. It is a better strategy than reading the entire passage and then having to circle back and re-read the passage every time you answer a question.

3. Use Visual Cues to Navigate Quickly

Sometimes, questions may be grouped into different sections based on relevance. Try to catch the patterns, which will allow you to navigate important sections easily.

4. Practice Efficiently

Practice the writing and language section and time yourself to evaluate your present stand and find ways to improve.

Mastering Time Management in the SAT Math Sections

Math sections are divided into two parts, and the following are the SAT section strategies for better time management for both:

No Calculator Section

There are 25 minutes to answer 20 questions, giving you 1.25 minutes for each question. Here are SAT section strategies to help you effectively use the time:

1. Start with easy questions for time optimization at the beginning.
2. Use estimation; if exact calculations are not needed, rely on logical reasoning to save time.
3. Keep long calculations for the last to prevent a time crunch at the end.
4. Grid-in questions tend to be more complex and are also best handled at the later part of the exam.
5. Perform a double-check after you are done to identify and resolve simple mistakes.

Calculator Section

You need to solve 38 questions in 55 minutes, giving 1.5 minutes per question. Here are the best SAT section strategies for effective time management:

1. Use your calculator wisely and get familiar with the shortcuts.
2. Prioritize data analysis questions to secure easy points.
3. Be aware of questions with common traps.
4. Break big sections into manageable chunks.
5. Practice addressing common problems mentally instead of relying too much on the calculator.

Overall Time Management Strategies for SATs

Below are some common SAT test methods to ensure efficient time management in all sections:

1. Save Time on Easier Questions

Answer the questions you know quickly and proceed to the next. Save the time to invest in more complex questions.

2. Use the Process of Elimination

When unsure about the answers, eliminate the ones you are sure to be wrong. This will speed up your process of zeroing in on the correct answers.

3. Don’t Second-Guess Yourself

Unnecessarily second-guessing yourself will lead to confusion and may also impact your confidence. If you know the answer, put it on paper and move along.

4. Skip and Return

When we talk about the best SAT section strategies to make the best use of the available time, there is no point in wasting time figuring out one answer you can’t seem to remember. Instead, carry on with other questions and let the answer come to you. Finally, after you have quickly answered the questions you knew the answers to, you will have a decent time to crack the tough ones.

5. Leave Time for Cross-Check

Try to leave some time at the end to cross-check your answers to avoid silly mistakes. You can also review the questions you felt unsure about during this time.

6. Practice Sections with Time-Restriction

Once you are confident with your time management skills and have been able to complete the test papers within time, practice time restriction, which is one of the advanced SAT test methods for time management. Try solving sections in less time; there is no need for drastic changes. If you can complete sections in less time than before, you are simply creating a safety net for yourself in case some complications happen and you need more time for complex sections during the final exam.

Conclusion

Address the issue of time management once and for all with these SAT section strategies mentioned above. Take assistance from Turito SAT prep to stay on top of your SAT preparation. Interactive lessons, personalized experiences, study materials, and more are available. Register now and take a positive step toward your SAT preparations.

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