Creating Your SAT Study Plan

Table of Contents

A 3-Month Timeline for Success

The secret to doing well on the SAT isn’t cramming—it’s having a smart, structured plan. A good study plan breaks down the massive task of SAT prep into small, manageable steps, helping you build skills and confidence without the burnout.

This simple 3-month timeline is designed to guide you from your first diagnostic test to test day. It’s a roadmap you can adapt to your own schedule, ensuring you cover all the bases and walk into the test center feeling prepared and in control.

Month 1: Building Your Foundation (Weeks 1-4)

The first month is all about understanding where you stand and strengthening your core knowledge.

Week 1: Take a Diagnostic Test.
- Action: Before you study anything, take a full-length digital sat practice test under timed conditions.
- Goal: This isn’t about getting a great score. It’s about identifying your baseline and pinpointing your specific areas of weakness. Are you struggling with algebra? Is grammar your biggest challenge? This test will tell you where to focus your energy.
Weeks 2-4: Focus on Your Weak Areas.
- Action: Dedicate 3-4 study sessions per week (about 45-60 minutes each) to reviewing the fundamental concepts you struggled with on your diagnostic test. If you were weak in Math, review key algebra formulas. If Reading and Writing was tough, brush up on grammar rules.
- Goal: Solidify your understanding of the basics. Don’t worry about speed yet; focus on accuracy.

Month 2: Skill Building and Strategy (Weeks 5-8)

Now that you have a stronger foundation, it’s time to learn the strategies of the test itself and start working on your pacing.

Weeks 5-6: Deep Dive into Question Types.
- Action: Focus on one section per week. Learn the specific strategies for each question type within that section. For example, how do you approach “Words in Context” questions? What’s the best way to solve a data analysis problem?
- Goal: Move from just knowing the material to understanding how the SAT tests it.
Weeks 7-8: Introduce Timed Practice.
- Action: Start doing timed, section-based practice tests. Try a 32-minute Reading & Writing module or a 35-minute Math module. This helps you get used to the clock.
- Goal: Build your endurance and begin to improve your time management. Try our free section-based practice tests for Reading & Writing and Math to get started.

Month 3: Refinement and Endurance (Weeks 9-12)

The final month is about putting it all together and simulating the real test experience.

Weeks 9-11: Full-Length Timed Tests.
- Action: Take one full-length digital sat practice test each weekend.
- The Other Days: Spend your weekday study sessions reviewing every single mistake from that practice test. Don’t just look at the right answer—understand why you got it wrong and how you can avoid that mistake next time.
Week 12: Test Week!
- Action: No more full practice tests. Your brain needs to rest. Do a light review of key formulas and grammar rules. On the day before the test, do no studying at all.
- Goal: Relax, get organized, and build your confidence. Prepare your test day bag, get a good night’s sleep, and trust in the work you’ve done.