How to prepare for the SATs

As high school graduation draws nearer, you've started preparing yourself for transitioning to college. Before you worry about college applications or scholarship opportunities, you'll likely have to pass the SATs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 47 percent of high school graduates took the SATs during the 2009-2010 school year. Though you can't exactly prepare for this exam as you would a regular school test, you can ready yourself in other ways. Here are some tips to get started.

Know the types of questions
The SAT is an aptitude test, meaning that it measures logic, problem solving skills and your existing knowledge of general academic categories including mathematics, reading and writing. In order to ready yourself for the exam, pick up some practice books or read online resources about the types of questions you will need to answer - these will get your mind ready for the specific style of thinking the SATs require.

Attend a practice class
Along with knowing the question categories you'll be facing, taking a practice SAT class can expand your experience with these subject areas. In addition, your instructor can also give your tricks and strategies for getting the best score you can.

Take the PSATs
Even if you think you're ready for the SATs, it never hurts to practice before the big day. In your junior year of high school, taking the PSATs will present you with a toned-down version of the actual exam in order to see which areas you need to improve.

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