--- title: The Do's and Don'ts of Building an SAT Study Schedule description: How should you prepare for the SAT or ACT? What are the steps you should take to quickly boost your score? Learn about the best resources to boost your score. image: https://blog.brainsandbrawnllc.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/Dos%20and%20Donts%20of%20Test%20Prep.png --- ![](https://blog.brainsandbrawnllc.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/Dos%20and%20Donts%20of%20Test%20Prep.png) **The SAT is an extremely daunting test and everywhere you look there are different recommendations for the best way to get a great score. In reality, the best way to do that is to build a schedule that fits your personality and lifestyle and STICK TO IT! Here are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to building your SAT study schedule.** ***By: Soleil Kelly, Mathematics & Economics at Vanderbilt University, 2023***   How long should I prepare for the SAT is a question that literally every US college-bound student asks themselves. And the answer is: **it depends!** Just like finding a college is not a *one-method-fits-most* kind of deal, neither is the road to having a complete application. No matter the timeline you choose, what is important is that you remain committed to whatever path you take so you can do your absolute best on the exam.   Let me start with a little anecdote, I only studied for 2 weeks for my SAT and managed to score in the top 99%. Do I recommend this to most people, no. But, did this method work for me, kind of. Over the course of those two weeks, I took over 20 practice exams and lugged an SAT prep book with me everywhere I went. Every free moment I had I devoted myself to studying for the exam. In hindsight, I wish I had taken the advice of my older brother and began studying for the test earlier. However, between juggling a heavy academic load with multiple AP classes, varsity sports, and a packed extra-curricular schedule, I and my procrastinating tendencies decided that this was the best route to take.   Now older (and presumably wiser), I would recommend devoting at least 2-3 months to SAT prep. This prep can look like a lot of different things, like a prep course at your high school or private tutoring ([as we offer](https://www.brainsandbrawnllc.com/sat-and-act-prep-1)). However, whether you choose to spend 3 weeks or 3 months studying for the exam, there are a few do’s and don’ts :   1. Do NOT take the exam if you have not studied. 2. Do set expectations for yourself. 3. Do NOT study the night before the exam. 4. Do utilize all the resources available to you 5. Do take practice tests in a proper testing environment   As I said before, there is no *perfect* way to study for the SAT. You can study for a year, a month, or even just a week and end up with a good score. What matters is that you put in place a plan that works for your lifestyle and set feasible expectations and achievable goals for yourself. My official recommendation is that you study for **at least 4 weeks** and over those 4 weeks take at least **2 proper practice tests** and study for at least **20 hours per week**. I know 20 hours sounds like a lot, but that’s the price you pay for a shorter studying period. You can apply that model to any length of time, as long as you stay consistent and hold yourself accountable, I promise that you will reap the benefits of your hard work!   **WAIT!! While you’re here, take a look at the rest of our **[**website**](https://www.brainsandbrawnllc.com/)** to explore all of the services we offer (including some really great FREE options) and stay tuned to this blog and our Instagram (@**[**brainsandbrawnllc**](https://www.instagram.com/brainsandbrawnllc/)**) for more information on college and test prep!** ## Related Articles [![](https://blog.brainsandbrawnllc.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/6%20Steps%20to%20Prep%20for%20the%20SATACT.png) ](https://blog.brainsandbrawnllc.com/six-steps-to-create-your-own-study-schedule-for-the-act/sat) [High School](https://blog.brainsandbrawnllc.com/tag/high-school) [College](https://blog.brainsandbrawnllc.com/tag/college) [ACT](https://blog.brainsandbrawnllc.com/tag/act) [Volunteering](https://blog.brainsandbrawnllc.com/tag/volunteering) [College Counseling](https://blog.brainsandbrawnllc.com/tag/college-counseling) [SAT](https://blog.brainsandbrawnllc.com/tag/sat) ### [Six Steps to Create Your Own Study Schedule for the ACT/SAT](https://blog.brainsandbrawnllc.com/six-steps-to-create-your-own-study-schedule-for-the-act/sat) ***Studying for a major test can be an intimidating process. 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