# SAT Prep Guides & Strategy | 1600.now Blog Source: https://1600.now/blog --- The 1600.now blog ## A better way to study the SAT. Worked examples, test rules, and practice decisions you can use in your next session. Written by [Luke Finigan](https://1600.now/about) - SAT Scoring 4 min read **[Merit scholarships by SAT score: thresholds and net cost](https://1600.now/blog/merit-scholarships-by-sat-score)** Compare verified SAT scholarship thresholds, GPA and reporting rules, renewal requirements, and net college cost before planning a retake. - SAT Scoring 4 min read **[SAT superscore explained: calculation and retake planning](https://1600.now/blog/sat-superscore-explained)** Calculate an SAT superscore, select the relevant test dates, and check admission and scholarship policies before planning a retake. - SAT Scoring 4 min read **[How to send SAT scores: free reports, fees, and Score Choice](https://1600.now/blog/how-to-send-sat-scores)** Send SAT scores through College Board, check free-send deadlines, choose test dates, and distinguish official reports from self-reporting. - SAT Scoring 4 min read **[SAT score ranges by college: how to read the percentiles](https://1600.now/blog/average-sat-scores-by-college)** Understand college SAT ranges, current total and section scales, older 2400-point scores, and how to build a sourced target for your college list. - SAT Scoring 4 min read **[Ivy League SAT scores: published ranges and setting a target](https://1600.now/blog/ivy-league-sat-scores)** Compare sourced Ivy League SAT ranges by cohort, understand what the percentiles mean, and set a target without treating it as an admission cutoff. - SAT Math 4 min read **[How to use Desmos on the SAT: equations, tables, and checks](https://1600.now/blog/how-to-use-desmos-on-sat)** Use the SAT version of Desmos to solve equations, inspect intersections, evaluate functions, and check models without relying on screenshots. - SAT Math 4 min read **[SAT Math formulas: reference sheet and what to learn](https://1600.now/blog/sat-math-formulas)** Compare Bluebook reference formulas with algebra, percent, circle, and trig formulas to learn, then practice choosing the right one. - SAT Math 4 min read **[SAT function questions: notation, graphs, and meaning](https://1600.now/blog/sat-function-questions)** Evaluate SAT functions, distinguish inputs from outputs, read intercepts and transformations, and interpret linear and exponential models. - SAT Math 4 min read **[SAT word problems: turn the wording into an equation](https://1600.now/blog/sat-word-problems-framework)** Translate SAT word problems into labeled equations, with examples for rates, percentages, mixtures, quadratics, and the requested quantity. - SAT Math 4 min read **[SAT circles: formulas, equations, arcs, and sectors](https://1600.now/blog/sat-circles-guide)** Learn the circle formulas needed for SAT Math and use worked examples to find radius, area, arc length, sector area, and center. - SAT Math 3 min read **[SAT right triangles and trig: ratios and worked problems](https://1600.now/blog/sat-right-triangles-trig)** Use the Pythagorean theorem, special triangles, sine, cosine, tangent, and complementary angles in SAT right-triangle questions. - SAT Math 4 min read **[SAT geometry: angles, area, similarity, circles, and trig](https://1600.now/blog/sat-geometry-overview)** A SAT geometry guide with worked angle, area, scale, volume, and coordinate examples, plus a practice order for the tested skills. - SAT Math 4 min read **[SAT statistics: mean, median, spread, and outliers](https://1600.now/blog/sat-statistics-mean-median-mode)** Work through SAT statistics questions about averages, frequency tables, median, outliers, weighted means, and standard deviation. - SAT Math 4 min read **[SAT probability: tables, conditions, and sample spaces](https://1600.now/blog/sat-probability-questions)** Solve SAT probability questions by choosing the right denominator, reading two-way tables, and separating overlap from conditional probability. - SAT Math 4 min read **[SAT ratios and proportions: parts, rates, and scale](https://1600.now/blog/sat-ratios-proportions)** Learn when to use ratio parts or a proportion, with SAT examples for mixtures, unit rates, scale drawings, and similar figures. - SAT Math 4 min read **[SAT percentages: multipliers, change, and reverse percent](https://1600.now/blog/sat-percentages-guide)** Solve SAT percent increases, discounts, reverse percentages, percentage points, and repeated changes with worked examples. - SAT Math 3 min read **[SAT exponents and radicals: rules with worked examples](https://1600.now/blog/sat-exponents-radicals)** Simplify SAT exponents and radicals, convert fractional powers, and solve radical equations without losing restrictions. - SAT Math 4 min read **[SAT inequalities: solve ranges and test feasible points](https://1600.now/blog/sat-inequalities-guide)** Solve SAT inequalities, reverse the sign correctly, interpret strict boundaries, and check compound or two-variable constraints. - SAT Math 4 min read **[SAT quadratics: forms, roots, vertex, and solution counts](https://1600.now/blog/sat-quadratics-guide)** Choose the right quadratic form, solve exact roots, interpret the vertex, and use the discriminant and Desmos without losing restrictions. - SAT Math 4 min read **[SAT systems of equations: choose a method and verify both](https://1600.now/blog/sat-systems-of-equations)** Solve SAT systems by substitution, elimination, or Desmos, and check no-solution, infinite-solution, parameter, and word-problem cases. - SAT Math 4 min read **[SAT linear equations: solve, interpret, and check](https://1600.now/blog/how-to-solve-sat-linear-equations)** Solve SAT linear equations in one or two variables, interpret slope and intercept, and distinguish one solution from none or infinitely many. - SAT Reading 5 min read **[How to read SAT poetry passages without overinterpreting](https://1600.now/blog/sat-reading-poetry-passages)** Paraphrase SAT poetry by sentence, identify the speaker’s attitude, and support your answer with the excerpt rather than outside literary analysis. - SAT Writing 5 min read **[SAT punctuation rules: a sentence-structure checklist](https://1600.now/blog/sat-punctuation-rules)** Review SAT sentence boundaries, commas, dashes, colons, apostrophes, and punctuation traps with exact examples and a structural checklist. - SAT Writing 4 min read **[SAT subject-verb agreement: find the subject that controls the verb](https://1600.now/blog/sat-subject-verb-agreement)** Check SAT subject-verb agreement through intervening phrases, inverted sentences, compound subjects, and relative clauses. - SAT Writing 5 min read **[SAT commas, semicolons, and colons: the clause test](https://1600.now/blog/sat-grammar-commas-semicolons-colons)** Choose SAT punctuation by identifying complete clauses, conjunctions, and explanations, with worked examples and comma-splice checks. - SAT Reading 5 min read **[SAT inference questions: draw the supported conclusion](https://1600.now/blog/sat-inference-questions)** Use stated facts, cautious comparisons, and a support check to answer SAT inference questions without adding assumptions or outside knowledge. - SAT Reading 4 min read **[SAT command of evidence: match the claim to the proof](https://1600.now/blog/sat-evidence-based-questions)** Solve textual and quantitative SAT evidence questions by isolating the claim, reading exact comparisons, and checking what the evidence supports. - SAT Writing 5 min read **[SAT rhetorical synthesis: match the stated writing goal](https://1600.now/blog/sat-rhetorical-synthesis)** Use the writing goal to select relevant notes and reject accurate but unhelpful choices on SAT rhetorical synthesis questions. - SAT Writing 4 min read **[SAT transitions: choose the relationship before the word](https://1600.now/blog/sat-transitions-guide)** Choose SAT transitions by contrast, cause, example, and continuation, with worked comparisons and a check for similarly worded distractors. - SAT Reading 5 min read **[SAT main idea questions: summarize the claim, then check scope](https://1600.now/blog/sat-main-idea-questions)** Find a passage’s central idea by separating its subject, claim, and supporting details, with an original example and answer-choice checks. - SAT Reading 4 min read **[SAT Words in Context: predict, compare, and verify](https://1600.now/blog/sat-words-in-context-guide)** Solve SAT vocabulary questions with passage clues, a plain-language prediction, and a final check for meaning, strength, and tone. - SAT Reading 4 min read **[How to study SAT vocabulary so you can use it in context](https://1600.now/blog/sat-vocabulary-strategy)** Build a manageable SAT vocabulary routine with passage clues, precise meanings, retrieval practice, and checks for words with multiple senses. - SAT Strategy 4 min read **[Digital SAT pacing: checkpoints, skipping, and a second pass](https://1600.now/blog/sat-pacing-strategy)** Use flexible SAT module checkpoints, a clear skip rule, and a second pass to reduce rushed guesses without racing every question. - SAT Strategy 4 min read **[Best free digital SAT practice tests: which to use and when](https://1600.now/blog/best-digital-sat-practice-tests)** Compare Bluebook, official question banks, Khan Academy, and extra SAT practice by score accuracy, realistic timing, and useful feedback. - SAT Strategy 4 min read **[How to Review an SAT Practice Test (the Right Way)](https://1600.now/blog/how-to-review-sat-practice-tests)** Review SAT misses and guesses by reconstructing the error, writing a specific correction, and proving it on new questions before another full test. - SAT Strategy 4 min read **[10 Common SAT Mistakes and How to Avoid Them](https://1600.now/blog/common-sat-mistakes)** Ten SAT errors with concrete examples and checks: requested values, signs, punctuation, evidence, percentages, pacing, review, and obsolete test advice. - SAT Strategy 4 min read **[How to Stay Calm During the SAT](https://1600.now/blog/how-to-stay-calm-during-sat)** Use a rehearsed reset, specific next steps, and a module return routine to manage SAT nerves without losing time to score predictions. - SAT Strategy 4 min read **[What to Bring to the SAT: Complete Test Day Bag List](https://1600.now/blog/what-to-bring-to-sat-test-day)** Pack the required SAT device, ticket, physical ID, and scratch-work supplies; check current calculator rules and prohibited items before test day. - SAT Strategy 4 min read **[SAT Test Day Checklist: What to Do the Morning of the Test](https://1600.now/blog/sat-test-day-checklist)** A chronological SAT morning checklist: confirm the center, check device and ID, arrive on time, use the break, and confirm submission before leaving. - SAT Strategy 4 min read **[The Last-Week SAT Study Plan](https://1600.now/blog/last-week-sat-study-plan)** A seven-day SAT plan for checking pacing, fixing a few repeat errors, preparing Bluebook and your bag, and keeping the final day light. - SAT Strategy 4 min read **[The 90-Day SAT Study Plan for Serious Score Gains](https://1600.now/blog/90-day-sat-study-plan)** A 90-day SAT plan that separates learning, mixed practice, and timed rehearsal, with checkpoints that update your priorities rather than promise points. - SAT Strategy 4 min read **[The 30-Day SAT Study Plan](https://1600.now/blog/30-day-sat-study-plan)** A practical 30-day SAT schedule with three spaced full tests, review days, focused skill practice, and pacing checks that guide the next week. - SAT Strategy 4 min read **[How to Study for the SAT in 2 Weeks](https://1600.now/blog/how-to-study-for-sat-2-weeks)** A day-by-day two-week SAT plan that prioritizes repeatable errors, short skill sets, a timed checkpoint, and one final full rehearsal. - SAT Basics 4 min read **[How Many Times Should You Take the SAT?](https://1600.now/blog/how-many-times-should-you-take-the-sat)** Decide whether another SAT attempt is worth it using your target, practice evidence, superscoring policy, deadlines, and registration cost. - SAT Basics 4 min read **[When Should You Take the SAT? The Best Test Dates Explained](https://1600.now/blog/when-should-you-take-the-sat)** Choose an SAT date by working back from score deadlines, allowing focused preparation and a retake, and checking current registration dates. - SAT Basics 4 min read **[SAT vs ACT: Which Test Should You Take?](https://1600.now/blog/sat-vs-act-which-should-you-take)** Compare the current SAT and enhanced ACT, including optional science, actual section timing, passage format, and a diagnostic method for choosing. - SAT Strategy 4 min read **[How Adaptive Testing Works on the SAT](https://1600.now/blog/how-adaptive-sat-testing-works)** Understand SAT module routing without threshold rumors: when adaptation happens, what you can review, and how to pace both modules. - SAT Scoring 4 min read **[SAT Scoring Explained: From Raw Score to 1600](https://1600.now/blog/digital-sat-scoring-explained)** SAT scores use your answer pattern and question characteristics, not a universal points-per-miss table. Learn section totals, adaptive scoring, and estimate limits. - SAT Scoring 4 min read **[What Is a Good SAT Score in 2026?](https://1600.now/blog/what-is-a-good-sat-score)** Judge your SAT score using the right percentile group, your colleges' admitted-student ranges, section needs, and scholarship requirements. - SAT Basics 4 min read **[Current SAT vs Paper SAT: Every Difference That Matters](https://1600.now/blog/digital-sat-vs-paper-sat)** Compare the current SAT with the former paper format: shorter modules, one-question passages, calculator access, and what old practice material still teaches. - SAT Basics 4 min read **[How the Digital SAT Works in 2026](https://1600.now/blog/how-the-digital-sat-works)** The SAT has 98 questions in four adaptive modules. Learn the timing, navigation, calculator tools, scores, and a practical first-test routine. [Worksheets, score guides, and study tools →](https://1600.now/sat-resources)