Didn’t Start Studying? Here’s How to Prep for the SAT in 10 Days

Test Preparation

Apr 13, 2025

Prepare for the SAT in just 10 days with a focused study plan that targets your weaknesses and builds test-taking stamina.

If you’ve only got 10 days to prepare for the SAT, don’t worry - you can still make meaningful progress. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to get ready fast:

  • Day 1: Take a Practice Test
    Use the Bluebook app to simulate test conditions and identify your weak areas.

  • Days 2-5: Focus on Weak Spots

    Dedicate time to reviewing mistakes, practicing targeted problems, and improving your weakest sections.

  • Days 6-8: Timed Practice
    Take full-length, timed practice tests daily to build stamina and refine time management.

  • Day 9: Light Review

    Go over challenging topics and do light practice to stay sharp.

  • Day 10: Prep for Test Day

    Gather materials, plan your morning, and get a full night’s sleep.

Key Tips:

  • Use official SAT resources and tools like ChatSAT for personalized practice.

  • Skip overly advanced topics and focus on high-value areas.

  • Avoid cramming the night before - rest is more important.

Follow this plan, stay focused, and you’ll be ready to tackle the SAT.

Step 1: Get Ready

Materials You’ll Need

Before diving in, make sure you have everything ready:

  • Digital SAT Essentials

    • Download and test the Bluebook app to ensure it works on your device.

    • Set up a ChatSAT account for personalized practice.

  • Study Supplies

    • SAT-approved calculator with extra batteries.

    • #2 pencils and reliable erasers.

    • A notebook for practice problems.

    • A timer or stopwatch to track time during practice.

  • Study Space

    • A quiet, well-lit area with a comfortable chair and desk.

    • A stable internet connection.

    • Water and healthy snacks to stay focused.

Once your materials and space are ready, jump straight into a full-length practice test to gauge where you stand.

Take a Practice Test

  1. Set Aside Time

    Block out 3 hours and 15 minutes for the full test. Make sure you’re in a quiet, distraction-free environment.

  2. Use Official Resources

    Practice with the Bluebook app to replicate real test conditions:

    • Get familiar with the digital interface.

    • Try out the built-in tools.

    • Stick to the actual test timing.

  3. Review Your Results
    According to PrepScholar:

    "Having a target score will help you stay motivated during your 10 days of preparation."

    Focus on:

    • Questions you got wrong.

    • Topics you found tough.

    • Time management issues.

    • Patterns in your mistakes.

Let ChatSAT’s adaptive analysis create a tailored study plan based on your results. This way, you can spend your study time focusing on areas where you can improve the most.

How to CRAM for the Digital SAT

10-Day Study Schedule

Use this 10-day plan to improve your score after completing a practice test.

Days 1-2: Understand the Test

Start by building a solid understanding of the test format and tools. Focus on:

  • How the adaptive testing system works

  • The different question types in each section

  • Using the digital tools and calculator effectively

  • Pinpointing your weakest section based on your practice test results

Leverage ChatSAT's AI insights to zero in on areas that need improvement.

Days 3-5: Strengthen Weak Areas

"You need to start by identifying your weakest section because that is what you'll prioritize in your study."

Day 3:

  • Morning: Review your practice test mistakes to identify weak spots.

  • Afternoon: Take a short practice test focusing on those areas.

  • Evening: Go over incorrect answers and understand your errors.

Day 4:

  • Dedicate the day to your weakest section.

  • Work through targeted practice problems.

  • Use ChatSAT's adaptive practice tests to refine your skills.

Day 5:

  • Complete a full-length practice test.

  • Carefully review any mistakes and focus on remaining problem areas.

Once you've addressed your weaknesses, transition to practicing under timed conditions.

Days 6-8: Timed Practice Tests

Take one timed practice test each day. Afterward, review your mistakes and focus on improving time management and accuracy.

Day 9: Light Review

Keep it simple and limit study time to 2-3 hours:

  • Focus only on topics that still feel challenging.

  • Practice a few questions from each section to stay sharp.

  • Prepare mentally for test day.

Day 10: Final Preparations

Get everything ready for test day:

  • Gather your test materials, including an approved calculator and extra batteries.

  • Lay out comfortable clothes.

  • Plan your route to the test center.

  • Aim for a full 8 hours of sleep to be well-rested.

Test-Taking Tips

Once you’ve got your study plan in place, using smart test-taking strategies can help you get the best possible score on the SAT.

Excelling on the SAT isn’t just about knowing the material - it’s also about how you approach the test. Managing your time effectively and learning from your practice test results are key components of a strong strategy.

Watch the Clock

The SAT consists of four timed sections and takes about 2.5 hours to complete, including a 10-minute break after the second section. Practicing under timed conditions will help you develop the pacing skills you’ll need on test day.

Combine time management with a focused review of your practice tests to fine-tune your approach.

Focus on Your Weak Areas

After each practice test, analyze your performance to identify where you’re losing time or making errors. Concentrate on improving both speed and accuracy in the sections where you struggle most. This will help you build endurance and refine your timing strategy.

Study Smart: Do's and Don'ts

With just 10 days until your SAT, making smart decisions about how to use your time is key. Focus on high-value topics and choose wisely what to study - and what to skip - to boost your score efficiently. These strategies align perfectly with a 10-day intensive study plan.

Skip Overly Advanced Topics

Stick to commonly tested areas and avoid wasting time on rarely tested or overly challenging concepts:

Section

Topics to Skip

Math

Complex trigonometry, obscure geometry theorems, advanced statistics

Reading

Detailed literary analysis, complex historical passages

Writing

Advanced grammar rules, rarely-used punctuation

If your score in any section is below 600, focus on mastering the basics before tackling harder material.

Rely on Official SAT Materials

For the best results, use official SAT resources along with targeted tools like ChatSAT's practice questions. Your study toolkit should include:

  • Full-length official SAT practice tests for realistic exam practice.

  • Topic-specific practice questions to strengthen weak areas.

  • Performance tracking tools to guide your efforts and focus on improvement areas.

Don't Cram the Night Before

Those final 24 hours before test day are critical - but not for cramming. Cramming can lead to stress and hurt your performance. Instead, use this time to prepare mentally and physically:

  • Pack your essentials: Calculator, pencils, ID, and admission ticket.

  • Prioritize rest: Aim for a full 8 hours of sleep.

  • Plan your morning: Set multiple alarms and have a healthy breakfast ready.

Your 10-day study plan includes about 54 hours of focused preparation. Spread out your efforts so you're sharp and ready on test day.

Final Tips

After nine days of focused preparation, it's time to get ready for test day. SAT tutor Dora Seigel offers this advice to ease your nerves:

"Relax! You've put in the work. I recommend taking the day before off to let your mind rest and process everything you've done"

The Night Before

  • Gather everything you'll need: test ticket, calculator, pencils, erasers, extra batteries, and snacks.

  • Skip any last-minute studying - it won't make a difference now.

  • Get a solid eight hours of sleep to ensure you're well-rested.

Test Morning Routine

  • Wake up at least an hour before you need to leave for the test center.

  • Have a filling breakfast to keep your energy up throughout the test.

  • Do some light reading to gently wake up your brain.

This approach helps you feel calm and ready when you arrive at the testing center.

If you’re using ChatSAT, take one last look at your strongest areas. A quick, focused review can give you a confidence boost without adding extra pressure. Instead of stressing about what you might have missed, take a moment to appreciate all the progress you've made during these 10 days.

You’ve done the work. Trust your preparation, stay composed, and tackle the test one section at a time.

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