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5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Studying for the SAT

3/19/2024

Please note: Before moving on, I highly suggest reading the previous post (The SAT & Sleep: Part1 and Part2) as it covers the single biggest mistake a student can make when studying for the SAT.

Not Practicing How You Play:
In tennis — and most sports — the best way to prepare for a match is by playing practice matches. Drills are useful, but nothing beats simulating real conditions. The same logic applies to the digital SAT. Yet many students prep for the SAT by lounging on the couch with a test prep book, casually working through a few problems.

That’s like training for Wimbledon by hitting foam balls in your living room. Prep the way you’ll perform. That means taking full-length, timed digital practice tests on a computer in a quiet environment. The closer your practice is to the actual testing experience, the more prepared — and confident — you’ll be on test day.
Wasting Practice Exams:
Many students burn through practice tests and wonder why their scores aren’t going up. The truth is, the SAT doesn’t radically change from test to test — the concepts stay the same. So if your scores are flat, it’s not because the tests are harder — it’s because you’re not learning from your mistakes.

Let’s say you struggled with quadratic equations on Practice Test 1. If you don’t take the time to fully understand why, you’re almost guaranteed to miss similar questions on Practice Test 2. That’s not progress — that’s repetition without improvement.

Treat each practice test like a diagnostic. Before moving on to the next one, review every incorrect answer. Go beyond the explanation — make sure you deeply understand the concept behind the question. Otherwise, you're wasting valuable time and burning through a limited supply of official tests. (Each one takes over two hours — make it count.)
Untimed Practice:
Doing SAT practice problems without a timer might feel more comfortable, but it’s a trap. If you're spending five minutes per question, you’re not preparing for the real thing — you're just solving puzzles at your own pace.The SAT is a timed test, and pacing is everything. You get about 71 seconds per Reading & Writing question and 95 seconds per Math question. If you don’t practice under those same conditions, you won’t build the stamina or decision-making speed required on test day. Always simulate real testing conditions. Use a timer, stick to section time limits, and track how long each question takes. Mastering the material is one thing — mastering it under pressure is what matters.
Treating the SAT like a High School Exam
Studying for the SAT isn’t like cramming for your next history or biology test. In high school, short-term learning often works — you memorize the material, take the test, and promptly forget everything by the weekend. With only a few days of lead time, it’s all about quick recall and temporary retention. But that approach won’t cut it on the SAT.

There’s simply too much content — and too many skills — to absorb in a few nights. The SAT tests reading comprehension, grammar, data interpretation, algebra, geometry, and even some trigonometry. You can’t “cram” that kind of range. Think in months, not days. SAT prep should follow long-term learning principles: spaced repetition, consistent practice, and gradual skill-building. Start early — ideally a few months ahead of your test date — to build real mastery, not short-term memory.
Getting Rusty Between Tests
It’s common for students to take the SAT more than once. But after the first attempt, many let their guard down — taking a break that’s a little too long or easing up on study habits. When they return weeks or months later, they’ve lost their rhythm and their scores can suffer. After your first test, take a short mental break if needed — but stay in motion. Keep your skills fresh with light review, short practice sets, and weekly check-ins to maintain momentum heading into your next test date.

The SAT and Sleep: Part 2

3/6/2024

In Part 1, I shared how sleep deprivation led to a significant drop in my SAT score, despite thorough preparation. Now, let's delve into common misconceptions about sleep and its impact on SAT performance.

Misconception 1: "I'm fine with 5-6 hours of sleep."
It's true that our bodies can adapt to less sleep, making us feel "normal" on 5-6 hours. However, this adaptation doesn't equate to optimal functioning. Research indicates that chronic sleep restriction impairs cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and decision-making. A Washington Post study found that individuals sleeping less than six hours per night had a more pronounced negative effect on academic performance, with each lost hour of sleep associated with a 0.07-point drop in GPA. By increasing your sleep to 8-10 hours per night, you allow your brain to function at its best, enhancing alertness, mood, and overall cognitive performance.

Misconception 2: "Sleeping well the night before the SAT is enough."
While a good night's sleep before the test is beneficial, it's the cumulative sleep over the preceding weeks that truly impacts performance. Studies have shown that consistent sleep patterns are associated with better academic outcomes, and that irregular sleep negatively affects information processing.
Therefore, aim for consistent, quality sleep in the weeks leading up to the SAT to ensure your brain is well-rested and ready.

Misconception 3: "Mastering SAT content is all that matters."
Understanding SAT content is crucial, but without adequate sleep, your ability to apply that knowledge diminishes. Sleep deprivation affects the prefrontal cortex, impairing functions like problem-solving and critical thinking—skills essential for the SAT. Research indicates that sleep deprivation negatively impacts cognitive performance, including attention, executive function, and memory. In my own experience, despite knowing the material thoroughly, lack of sleep led to a 100-point drop in my SAT score.

The Broader Implications of Sleep Deprivation
Beyond academics, sleep deprivation poses risks to daily functioning. According to The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep loss leads to learning and memory impairment, as well as decreased attention and vigilance. Prioritizing sleep isn't just about test scores; it's about overall well-being and safety.

Final Thoughts
Sleep is a critical component of SAT preparation. By debunking these misconceptions and understanding the importance of consistent, quality sleep, you set yourself up for success—not just on test day, but in all aspects of life.

Langley Prep Blog

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Studying for the SAT

The SAT and Sleep: Part 2

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