18 SAT Practice Tests to Help You Ace the Exam
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Editor & Writer
Writer
Editor & Writer
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A solid SAT score can help you get into your top-choice school and even land merit scholarships. But what's the best way to boost your SAT score?
Practice tests are a great way to prepare for test day while also improving your final score. You can take a diagnostic test before you start studying to see how much you improve later. You can also take practice tests to identify areas where you need to study more.
And here's the best news — you don't need to pay for these 18 SAT practice tests because they're all free to use!
College Board
The College Board, which administers the SAT, offers eight official practice tests on its website. Because these are official practice tests created by the test-makers themselves, these resources arguably provide the most realistic practice you can get.
You can also find these practice tests through Khan Academy, though you'll need to create an account to access them. Note that the tests skip numbers 2 and 4 because the College Board redacted those tests for not accurately reflecting the current SAT.
- SAT Practice Test 1
- SAT Practice Test 3
- SAT Practice Test 5
- SAT Practice Test 6
- SAT Practice Test 7
- SAT Practice Test 8
- SAT Practice Test 9
- SAT Practice Test 10
Ivy Global
Ivy Global offers SAT guides, sample questions, and practice tests. Test-takers can take two online practice tests from Ivy Global. Both tests provide explanations for every answer, along with a detailed scoring report and analysis.
Ivy Global also offers a diagnostic practice test to help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, in addition to hosting the official College Board practice tests.
Kaplan
Kaplan offers everything, from a daily SAT practice question to private SAT tutoring. In addition to SAT prep courses, the popular test prep company provides a free SAT practice test on its website. To access it, you must create an account.
After taking the practice exam, you'll receive a report detailing your biggest strengths and weaknesses. You'll also get two weeks' access to Kaplan's instructional videos.
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review offers a variety of SAT study options. In addition to accessing a free SAT practice test, students can take online prep classes, work with tutors, buy SAT prep books, and use self-paced study materials.
After taking the full-length practice SAT, you'll receive a score report that identifies areas for improvement. Note that you'll need to sign up with The Princeton Review to access the free SAT test.
Mometrix
Mometrix offers practice SAT tests in several areas. Test-takers can improve their overall SAT skills through a short general practice test (which contains just 15 representative questions) or take section-based tests focused on SAT Math, Reading, and Writing.
You can also check out Mometrix's SAT study guide and online course options for more practice.
Union Test Prep
Union Test Prep provides detailed breakdowns for every part of the SAT, with focused resources on Math, Reading, and Writing. The company also offers 200 practice questions that break into 10 content areas, such as algebra, data analytics, literature, science, and problem-solving.
Students can answer practice questions for free or double the number of practice questions by paying $14 for premium access.
How to Use SAT Practice Tests in Your Prep
SAT practice tests can play an important role in acing the SAT. Here are some tips on the best ways to use practice tests in your prep.
1 Always Prioritize Official Practice Tests
The College Board writes the official SAT questions, so its practice tests provide the closest experience to taking the real SAT. As such, test-takers should prioritize official SAT practice tests.
And the good news? The College Board offers eight free practice tests, so you have plenty of options.
2 Start With a Diagnostic Test
Before you start studying for the SAT, take a diagnostic test. This test serves as a baseline and can help you identify areas for improvement.
If, for example, you earn a 1050 score on your diagnostic SAT, you'll know to study the sections where you scored the lowest so you can improve on future practice tests.
3 Print Out the Practice Tests and Take Them on Paper
Although the College Board plans to switch the SAT to a digital format by 2024, for now students will continue to take the exam on paper.
What does this mean for test-takers? You should still print out your SAT practice tests and fill them out by hand. Practicing on paper will give you the closest experience to the actual test. It can also help you with pacing.
4 Mimic Real SAT Testing Conditions
You won't take the SAT in a loud coffee shop or lying on the carpet, so don't take your practice tests there either. Instead, take SAT practice tests in a quiet room with few distractions.
In addition, make sure to follow the time constraints by setting an alarm or timer. The closer you can mimic the testing conditions, the more you'll gain from taking SAT practice tests.
5 Use Your Last Practice Test as a Benchmark
You've probably been studying for the SAT for weeks — or even months. You might want to cut your last study session short and relax before test day. And taking a break and getting a good night's rest can improve your performance.
But before you wrap up studying, take one last SAT practice test as a benchmark to see how much you've improved since your diagnostic test. Then, go into test day confident that you can succeed.
