Study for the SAT: Free Resources, Advice, & More
Last updated January 18, 2023
Preparing to take the SAT can be nerve-wracking, but you'll be ready to succeed if you use study resources and allow yourself enough time to prepare. Here’s what you need to know about the exam and where to find free study resources!
Understand how the SAT is structured
Knowing what to expect on the exam and how much time you’ll have allotted within each section can help you manage your time the day of. Each section includes some multiple choice questions, so be sure to read our guide on how to answer them here. Here's a breakdown of the different sections within the SAT:
- Reading: 65-minute section with 52 questions (75 seconds per question)
- Writing and Language: 35-minute section with 44 questions (about 48 seconds per question)
- Math – No Calculator: 25-minute section with 20 questions (75 seconds per question)
- Math – Calculator: 55-minute section with 38 questions (about 87 seconds per question)
- Essay (optional): 50 minutes, one essay
Source: College Board
Get study materials
There are so many great, free, SAT study resources available to you! Here are some places to get them.
From educators
Check with your teachers & school’s counseling staff for any SAT study material they might have - including handouts, websites, or videos that other students have found helpful in the past.
From your local library
You may be able to check out SAT study prep books from your school or local library. These books have sample questions and practice tests that can help you prepare for the SAT. Ask a librarian about these books and how to check them out.
From the College Board
The College Board has so many great (and free) SAT study materials! Download one of 8 practice SAT exams here, or download their study guides for each section of the test here.
Other helpful SAT study websites
Khan Academy
The makers of the SAT teamed up with Khan Academy to build FREE personalized study and practice plans for students taking the exam! Through your personalized plan, you can take one of 8 practice SAT exams and have access to thousands of practice questions, videos, lessons, and test-taking tips and strategies. Creating an account is required to get started.
Princeton Review
Princeton Review has a free SAT practice test - after you take it, you’ll receive a score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses on the exam. They also hold free webinars about college application essays, why taking the SAT matters, and more!
Kaplan
Kaplan also offers free SAT practice tests. If you don't have time to practice a full SAT test, they also offer shortened, 20-minute assessments as well as an SAT Question a Day!
Union Test Prep by Become
This site has free SAT practice tests and 200 practice questions - all you need to do is create an account to access them. You'll need to pay to access their bonus content, but there is enough free content to help you feel well-prepared!
Know of a helpful tool that we missed?? Let us know! Text #Hello to 33-55-77 👋