Sitting a full SAT or ACT can feel like the end of a long road, but in reality, it’s the beginning of the most important stage of your preparation. Even though the College Board no longer releases the exact questions you answered incorrectly, your score report still contains a huge amount of useful information. If used properly, it can tell you exactly how to improve.
Below, we break down what your SAT or ACT results are really telling you, and how to turn them into higher scores next time.
Start with the score breakdown, not the total score
Your overall score matters, but the most valuable insight lies in the content domains. You'll be able to see where you’re strong and where you’re losing marks by carefully checking the domains, and that’s where targeted improvement happens:
Standard English Conventions
This domain tests grammar rules and how well you can apply them under pressure.
If your score here is lower, it’s usually not about reading ability but more about knowledge gaps. Grammar rules need to be learned explicitly and then practised until they become automatic. Make sure you’re confident with punctuation, verb tenses, subject–verb agreement, modifiers and parallel structure. Use our Book of Knowledge of Knowledge to make sure your knowledge is up to scratch.
Expression of Ideas (ACT: Rhetorical Skills)
These questions test clarity, flow and organisation. You need to work on transition words and carefully reading the answer choices of the 'notes’ questions. Elimination is key in these questions!
Information & Ideas
This is a SAT Reading domain focusing on understanding meaning, evidence and themes in challenging texts.
If this is a weaker area, daily reading is one of the most powerful fixes. High-quality classic fiction and serious non-fiction train you to process complex ideas quickly and confidently.
Craft & Structure
Another SAT Reading domain - this requires very good understanding of a text structure. To improve your score in Craft & Structure, practise finding the thesis of each text and identifying where the supporting information is.
Algebra & Advanced Math (ACT: Algebra)
Lower scores here indicate that you’re not using SAT-specific techniques effectively - especially algebraic shortcuts and DESMOS.
Learning how to approach these questions strategically can unlock a lot of marks very quickly, and our private tutors can show you exactly how to ace these sections.
Problem Solving & Data Analysis (ACT: Statistics & Probability)
A lower score here means that you need to read the questions and labels of charts much more carefully. Practice writing down key information from the question.
Geometry & Trigonometry
There tend not to be tricks to these questions but you must know SOHCAHTOA, angles, triangles, circles and perimeter/area/volume basic rules very well.
The good news? GCSE-level knowledge is more than sufficient, as long as it’s secure.
Reflect on your test day performance
Your score isn’t just about content, it’s also about how you felt on the day.
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Did you feel rushed? If so, in which sections?
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Did you feel too relaxed? That’s actually a great sign either.
On test day, you should feel slightly on edge. Tis level of pressure will help you maintain the 200% attention needed to catch small details and avoid careless mistakes.
Rethink how you practice from now on
After receiving your scores, don't make the mistake of doing only full practice tests!
- Focus on first improving your performance in the content domains you were lower in.
- Then move on to timed sections, taken in different locations and at different times, ensuring you can work to time no matter where or when
- Only then return to full practice tests, analysing your errors carefully and identifying their root causes.
This method doesn't just build endurance but also accuracy, confidence and consistency.
How A-List can help
Our small-group SAT courses are ideal for students who want structured, expert-led preparation alongside motivated peers. We focus on:
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Mastering every SAT content domain
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Learning SAT-specific strategies (including DESMOS and elimination techniques)
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Timed practice with detailed feedback
👉 Explore our SAT Preparation Courses
For students who require a more personalised approach, our private SAT tutoring allows us to:
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Target individual weaknesses identified in your score report
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Adapt pace and strategy to your learning style
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Maximise returns for students aiming for top-tier scores
This is particularly effective for those with uneven profiles or ambitious score goals.
👉 Find out more about SAT tutoring with A-List
