I just finished my twenty-something practice test and I couldn’t finish 3 of sections within the time limit. I feel very strong about the content, but I don’t know what to do if I haven’t made any major improvements after so much practice. I don’t have difficulty finishing the grammar sections on time, but I have a lot of trouble with critical reading and math. How did you guys improve in this regard? Thanks!
I had the same problem! However, in my latest practice tests I’ve been able to finish everything with time left to do a brief once over. I would suggest doing a bunch of timed sections. For math, you really need to just make sure you can get done with the “easy and medium level” problems accurately and quickly. Once you make sure you can get those done in like no more than half of your allotted minutes, you should have enough time to focus on the hard problems. But again, remember accuracy. As for critical reading, are you reading the passages word for word? If you’re struggling on time, I suggest skimming the passage first (2 minutes and get the main idea) and then once you get to the questions, answer the line reference ones first. When you do so, make sure you read a bit above and below. As the questions are in order with the passage, you will actually end up reading essentially the entire passage word for word, thereby ensuring you’re primed to answer the big idea questions by the time you’re done with the others. Again, try to time yourself a lot in practice sections. But if you’re taking the SAT this Saturday, don’t try to change up your strategies too much, since it’s never a good idea to employ some novel method on the actual test. I wish you the best of luck, you’ll do great!!!
@samsunguser Thanks for the advice and encouragement! Math isn’t too hard to finish on time, but I fall behind on critical reading a lot. I’ve used regular time limits (even tried shortening time limits, but that never worked) for all practice sections I’ve done. I’ll take your words to heart and try to integrate them on my next test. If you’re retaking, good luck to you as well.