Balancing GCSEs/A Levels/IB with SAT prep doesn’t have to mean burnout. The key is structure, smart practice, and steady reflection. Here’s a simple, evidence-based approach you can start today.
1. Start with the end: Know your test date & content
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Pick (and register for) your test date. Put it in your calendar.
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Map the content you need to master, and make note of your strengths and knowledge gaps.
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Work backwards from there. Count how many study days you have and set weekly goals. For example: "By week 4, I will have masteredt comma rules, parallelism, linear equations, and quadratics."
2. Wite a daily, same-time study plan
Consistent sessions of 30-45 minutes a day beat cramming. Schedule a daily time slot for SAT study, ideally at the same time, so it becomes a routine. Treating it like a habitual class can help reduce decision fatigue.
When to join a course or book tutoring for the SAT
| SAT Preparation Course | 1:1 SAT Tutoring | |
| Best if you want... |
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| Outcome |
Detailed feedback with tailored guidance and resources for improvement and next steps |
Faster gains in areas that matter most for your score. |
3. Work in focused bursts
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Reading & Writing: Write out the grammar rules (commas, modifiers, verb tense, pronouns, parallelism, concision etc). Keep them on flashcards and test yourself regularly.
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Math: Complete tight, topic-based drills, actively looking for ways to incorporate A-List math techniques to save time.
4. Update your study plan based on your performance
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After each practice set or module, keep a note of: topic, accuracy, time taken, error reason.
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Re-weight your plan: Spend more time practicing the content you feel less confident on by reviewing the rule first then doing targeted questions on that topic.
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You can try a “mistake playbook”: write the rule you broke, a correct example, and a one-line fix you’ll apply next time.
5. Sit practice tests from time to time
If you are revising over a long period, we recommend sitting practice tests only once every 2-3 weeks. Do not cram and try practice tests daily over a half-term - this would only waste material and exhaust your working memory.
Instead, for every test you do, ensure you take adequate time to carefully complete all corrections and think about why you made those errors. This reflection is key for improving your SAT score consistently
Ready to lock in?
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Join the A-List SAT Prep Course if you learn best with peers, fixed sessions, and expert pacing.
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Book A-List 1:1 SAT Tutoring if you want a custom plan, flexible scheduling, and targeted fixes.
Whichever route you choose, keep it simple: plan daily, drill with purpose, test sparingly, and reflect deeply. That’s how you raise your SAT score without letting schoolwork slip.
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