SATGUIDE
Retaking the SAT?
Ria Jaisingh
Crackd Associate
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Retaking the SAT? Here’s What to Do Differently
So, you got cooked on your SAT. You think you just need to do more. Maybe just a bit more. If you did, you’d get a good score. Definitely.
wrong
You need to do things differently. Not just more practice problems. Maybe use a mistake log. Maybe read articles daily. Definitely use Desmos.
wrong
You need to do things differently. Not just more practice problems. Maybe use a mistake log. Maybe read articles daily. Definitely use Desmos.
Here’s what to do differently to improve:
Change Your Prep Style
- If you yolo’d a new resource to study every day, try making a plan and sticking to it this time.
- If you weren’t analyzing every single mistake, use this sheet or log.
- If you only used books, maybe try an online resource. The test is digital after all.
Master the Pacing
- Try “1.2x pacing drills” — do the reading section in 28 minutes and the math section in 29 minutes.
- Learn skipping strategies: Don’t waste over 3 minutes on one question early on. Flag it and move on.
Target Your Weaknesses
Focus on:
- The sections that held you back the most. Plan your prep around these.
- Repeated error types (i.e. comma splices, quadratic equations, main idea questions).
- Building up your focus and endurance for complex reading passages, back to back.
Treat Practice Tests Like Test Day
- Take full, timed tests at 8am.
- Simulate real conditions: no music, no extra breaks.
- Oh, and also, after each test, review every missed question.
Believe.
Some motivation from crackd students:
