SAT Timing: The Best Way to Manage Time During the SAT

When you watch TV and somebody’s taking a test, it’s almost always stressful. You see them gripping their pencil, sweating as the ticking clock gets louder and louder. Virtually all academic tests have some sort of time limit, and the SAT is no different. But you don’t have to sit there stressed out about the clock. Instead, you can be cool and confident, completing the test with ease and maybe even having some time to go over your answers. 

At Prep Expert, we know that the SAT is about more than just information, and we’re here to help you understand everything you need to know about SAT time limits and how to manage them effectively. Clock’s ticking– let’s dive in!

Understanding SAT Time Limits

Before diving into time management strategies, it’s important to understand the current structure of the SAT, especially with the new changes brought by the digital format. The SAT consists of several sections, each with its own time constraints. As of the recent changes, the traditional paper SAT has been fully replaced by the digital SAT, impacting both the time limits and the way the test is structured.

Previously, the SAT was divided into sections for Reading, Writing and Language, and Math, with an optional Essay. Students were given 65 minutes for Reading, 35 minutes for Writing and Language, and 80 minutes for the Math sections. However, the new digital SAT has made changes that directly influence time management strategies.

In the digital SAT format, there are now only two main sections: a combined Reading and Writing section, and a Math section. The Reading and Writing section includes shorter passages and focused questions, simplifying the approach to comprehension. This change also condenses the timing for each section, requiring students to work more efficiently. The digital SAT is shorter overall, taking about two hours to complete instead of the previous three, but the challenge of time management remains a critical part of test-taking strategy.

Changes in Time Management with the Digital SAT

The shift to the digital SAT format has impacted time management in several key ways. First, the overall reduction in test length means that students need to adjust their pacing. While the digital SAT is shorter, the individual sections are still challenging and require a well-honed strategy to complete successfully within the time limits.

The digital SAT introduces a new adaptive testing method, where the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the student’s responses. This means that time management becomes even more crucial. If a student spends too much time on harder questions early on, they might rush through later ones, which could affect their overall performance.

Furthermore, the combined Reading and Writing section now features shorter passages and fewer questions than before. This might seem like a relief, but it comes with its own challenges. Students have to quickly interpret concise passages and answer targeted questions, which can require rapid reading comprehension and decision-making skills. Therefore, managing time effectively in this section is still essential for success.

Best Time Management Strategies for the SAT

So, what’s the best way to manage your time when taking the SAT, especially in its new digital format? Here are some tried-and-true strategies that can help you navigate the test with confidence.

Practice with the Clock

One of the best ways to get comfortable with the SAT’s time constraints is to practice under timed conditions. When preparing, set a timer for each section to mimic the actual testing experience. This practice helps you develop an internal sense of pacing and trains you to handle the pressure of the ticking clock.

The new digital format’s shorter passages and adaptive questioning make it even more crucial to understand how much time you need to answer each type of question. Practicing with the clock allows you to identify sections where you might need to speed up and others where you can afford to take a bit more time.

Skip and Return

Don’t get stuck on a question you find difficult. In the digital SAT, you can navigate forward and backward within each section. Use this to your advantage. If you encounter a challenging question, skip it and move on. Complete the questions you’re confident about first. This way, you maximize your score potential and avoid the stress of being pressed for time.

Once you’ve gone through the section, use any remaining time to go back and tackle the tougher questions. This strategy ensures you’re not wasting precious minutes on one problem when you could be answering several others correctly.

Understand Question Prioritization

The digital SAT’s adaptive nature means that some questions might weigh more heavily in scoring than others. While you won’t know which questions carry more weight, focusing on accuracy over speed is key. Prioritize accuracy on easier and medium-difficulty questions to build a solid score base.

In the combined Reading and Writing section, some questions might be more straightforward than others. Learn to recognize these and answer them confidently, leaving more complex questions for review if time allows.

Pace Your Reading

The new format’s shorter reading passages might tempt you to rush through them. However, skimming too quickly can lead to misunderstandings and wrong answers. Instead, practice pacing your reading to grasp the key points without getting bogged down in details. Develop a strategy for identifying main ideas, tone, and relevant information efficiently.

In the Reading and Writing section, take a mental note of the question types that tend to take you longer. For example, inference questions often require a bit more time to interpret, so approach these with an awareness of the clock.

Stay Calm Under Pressure

The digital SAT’s time limits can feel daunting, but staying calm is crucial. Test anxiety can cause you to misread questions or second-guess yourself, wasting valuable time. Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help you keep a level head during the test. Remember that confidence comes with preparation, so familiarize yourself with the test format and timing through regular practice.

Adapting to the New SAT Format

The digital SAT has certainly changed the landscape of test-taking, especially when it comes to managing time. With a shorter overall test duration and adaptive questioning, students must be strategic about pacing and prioritizing. The focus on shorter reading passages and integrated writing questions means that critical thinking and quick decision-making are essential skills.

Ultimately, mastering the SAT isn’t just about knowing the material. It’s about navigating the test efficiently. By practicing under timed conditions, prioritizing accuracy, and learning to adapt to the digital format, students can build the confidence they need to face test day head-on. Knowledge is important for the SAT, but there’s more to the test than just what you know. A big part of what the test is really trying to determine is your sense of logic and ability to think strategically. Just like golfers playing the course, test takers need to deftly navigate the test and know the tricks to taking it.

That’s where we come in. Here at Prep Expert, I designed our materials to help you learn the strategies. When students take a test prep course with us, whether that’s our six-week flagship course or one of our longer courses, they get expert advice and training in the skill that is test-taking. You’ll get comfortable and confident with the SAT timing with us, so that you don’t have to worry about the clock ticking down on test day. Check out our SAT course catalog today– it’s time to start studying!