Preparing for the SAT doesn’t have to mean hours of studying every evening. In fact, with the right structure and consistency, just 30 minutes a day can make a real difference to your score. Here’s how to make every minute count.
1. Know the rules before you revise
The SAT rewards precision. Before diving into questions, make sure you understand the rules that govern grammar, punctuation, and maths reasoning. Use A-List’s SAT Book of Knowledge to learn the rules and see them applied in context. Mastery begins with clarity.
2. Make flashcards your best friend
Once you’ve reviewed the key rules, write them out on flashcards - either digital or handwritten. Keep them concise and test yourself regularly. This active recall technique helps you retain information far more effectively than rereading notes.
3. Target your weaknesses with drills
Use your study time strategically. Identify your weaker areas, perhaps comma splices in Writing or linear equations in Maths, and complete focused practice drills to strengthen those skills. Quality matters more than quantity.
4. Read high-quality fiction daily
Strong reading comprehension starts long before test day. Spend 10 minutes a day reading challenging, high-quality fiction from authors like Fitzgerald, Morrison, or Ishiguro. This will improve your vocabulary, inference skills, and comfort with complex syntax - all crucial for the Reading module.
👉 What to read to improve your SAT Reading and Writing
5. Test yourself and learn from mistakes
When you’re ready, sit one SAT module under timed conditions (each takes roughly 32–35 minutes). The next day, go through your answers carefully. Redo every missed question and write out why you made the mistake. Was it a rushed reading? A misapplied rule? A careless calculation? These corrections are gold dust - use them to decide which drills to tackle next.
By following this 30-minute routine, you’ll steadily build mastery, confidence, and efficiency without burnout. Remember: consistency beats cramming. A small amount of focused practice every day can lead to a big score increase on test day.
