SAT study mistakes can seriously lower your score if not fixed on time. At Global Tutoring System, we guide students to avoid these errors with expert strategies. A dedicated student surrounded by books and notes – determined to avoid common SAT study mistakes. Preparing for the SAT is a journey that can shape your college future. Yet even the brightest students can stumble due to common SAT study mistakes. As educators at Global Tutoring System – with over 10 years of experience teaching students across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, and the Gulf countries – we’ve seen it all. The good news? Every mistake comes with a solution. In this guide, we’ll count down the top 10 SAT study mistakes and show you how to avoid them for a more effective, stress-free preparation. Let’s ensure your hard work leads to the score you need!
Starting Too Late (Procrastination)
Procrastination in action: students engrossed in phones instead of studying. One of the biggest errors is waiting until the last minute to start studying. Cramming a week or two before the SAT just doesn’t cut it – the exam covers too much ground. In fact, thorough SAT prep requires mastering diverse skills (reading, analysis, math reasoning, etc.) that “require months, not days” of practice. Some students even try to take the SAT without studying at all, thinking past good grades or test-taking talent will carry them. That strategy is a huge mistake. How to avoid it: Begin your SAT prep early. Register for a test date well in advance and map out a timeline right away. Give yourself at least 2–3 months (if not more) to study in small, consistent increments. This way you won’t be scrambling to learn concepts at the last minute, and you’ll have time to absorb material and practice it thoroughly. Remember, starting early also reduces stress – you can spread out study tasks instead of panicking right before the exam.
Not Having a Study Plan or Schedule
Stacked textbooks – a visual reminder that a clear study plan is needed to tackle every subject. Diving into SAT prep without a structured study plan is like going on a road trip without a map. If you study haphazardly – a little math here, a random practice test there – you’ll likely miss important topics or skills. Top scorers set a schedule and targets. As one expert puts it, “To achieve that competitive score, you’ll want to set a test prep strategy and schedule that works.”empowerly.com How to avoid it: Create a realistic study schedule that covers all sections and stick to it. Break your plan into weeks or days, assigning specific topics or practice tests to each block. For example, you might dedicate Mondays to SAT Reading practice, Wednesdays to Math, Fridays to Writing and Language, with practice exams on Saturdays. Having a clear plan ensures you cover all content areas methodically and can track your progress. It also turns a daunting task (“study for the SAT”) into manageable chunks. Adjust your schedule as needed, but always know what you’ll study each session – this keeps you focused and accountable.
Studying in a Distracting Environment
A focused study space free of distractions – no phones or social media in sight. Do you try to study with the TV on, or your phone buzzing every few minutes? Distracted studying is inefficient studying. One major mistake students make is not creating a distraction-free zone for their SAT prep. It’s easy to lose focus when social media, video games, or even friends are only a click away. According to study experts, the best trick is to “take anything in your study space that might tempt you to distraction and put it somewhere you can’t see it.”lovethesat.com If your phone or PlayStation is out of sight, you’re less likely to interrupt yourself. How to avoid it: Designate a clean, quiet study area for your SAT prep. Turn off unnecessary electronics and consider using website blockers or apps that temporarily disable social media during study sessions. Work in intervals (e.g. 25-minute focus, 5-minute break) to maintain concentration. By removing distractions and training your focus, you’ll absorb material faster and retain it better – making your study time far more effective.
Focusing on One Section and Neglecting Others
An SAT practice test answer sheet – it covers Math and English, so balance your prep for all sections. The SAT isn’t just a math test or just a reading test – it examines multiple skill areas. A common mistake is to concentrate only on the section you enjoy or excel at and neglect the others, or vice versa: only drill your weak section while ignoring your strengths. For instance, a math whiz might skip studying for the Reading/Writing section (assuming it will be “easy”), or an avid reader might ignore Math practice. Both approaches hurt you. Even if you feel confident in one area, “don’t let this feeling prevent you from studying for all of the SAT test sections.” Likewise, if you only practice weaker areas, your stronger section could get rusty – “boosting your score in one area won’t help if your score drops in another.” How to avoid it: Strive for balance. Study every section of the SAT – Math, Reading, and Writing/Language – even the parts you think you know well. Set aside time for your weaker subjects and periodically review your stronger ones. For example, if math is your forte, still do a math section every now and then to maintain your edge. If reading is challenging, practice it more often but mix in other topics so you don’t burn out. A well-rounded approach ensures you arrive on test day prepared to score your best in all sections.
Emphasizing Quantity Over Quality (Drill-and-Kill Practice)
A student pouring over practice questions – remember, thoughtful practice beats mindless drills. Another pitfall is the “drill and kill” study method: doing endless practice questions without analyzing them. It might feel like you’re working hard (hundreds of problems done!), but sheer volume isn’t always productive. The SAT can throw curveballs, and doing question after question exactly the same way won’t build adaptability or deeper understanding. As C2 Education notes, “there are a lot of variables at play on the SAT – too many to account for through drill-and-kill. To roll with the punches, you need to master the underlying skills… and drill-and-kill doesn’t help you master anything other than answering questions in the exact format you practiced.” Plus, if you never review why you got questions wrong, you’re doomed to repeat mistakes. How to avoid it: Shift your focus to quality practice. It’s perfectly fine (and important) to do practice problems and tests – but take time to review each one. When you finish a set of questions, check your answers and learn from the ones you missed. Was it a content gap or a careless error? Understanding this will help you improve faster than mindlessly doing another 50 questions. Mix up your prep with strategy review, reading solution explanations, and learning techniques for different question types. In short, practice with a purpose: every practice question should teach you something new or reinforce a skill. This thoughtful approach will yield better results than brute-forcing dozens of problems without reflection.
Not Taking Full Practice Tests Under Real Conditions
An SAT practice test answer sheet – it covers Math and English, so balance your prep for all sections. The SAT isn’t just a math test or just a reading test – it examines multiple skill areas. A common mistake is to concentrate only on the section you enjoy or excel at and neglect the others, or vice versa: only drill your weak section while ignoring your strengths. For instance, a math whiz might skip studying for the Reading/Writing section (assuming it will be “easy”), or an avid reader might ignore Math practice. Both approaches hurt you. Even if you feel confident in one area, “don’t let this feeling prevent you from studying for all of the SAT test sections.” Likewise, if you only practice weaker areas, your stronger section could get rusty – “boosting your score in one area won’t help if your score drops in another.” How to avoid it: Strive for balance. Study every section of the SAT – Math, Reading, and Writing/Language – even the parts you think you know well. Set aside time for your weaker subjects and periodically review your stronger ones. For example, if math is your forte, still do a math section every now and then to maintain your edge. If reading is challenging, practice it more often but mix in other topics so you don’t burn out. A well-rounded approach ensures you arrive on test day prepared to score your best in all sections.
Failing to Review Your Mistakes
Effective studying: a student and tutor review incorrect answers on a practice test. Practice alone isn’t enough – reflection is where the real improvement happens. A common oversight is when students take practice quizzes or tests, glance at their score, but don’t thoroughly review the questions they got wrong. If you ignore your mistakes, you’re almost guaranteed to repeat them. The Princeton Review emphasizes that after each practice test, you should “review your mistakes” and adjust your strategies accordinglyprincetonreview.sg. Every incorrect question is an opportunity to learn: Was it a vocab word you didn’t know? A math concept you misunderstood? Or did you misread the question? How to avoid it: Keep an “error log” or journal of mistakes. After each practice session, write down the questions you missed and why you missed them. Was it a content error or a careless mistake? Then, crucially, re-study those problem areas. If you consistently miss geometry questions, spend extra time reviewing those formulas. If you misread questions, practice slowing down and underlining keywords. By reviewing your errors and fixing misunderstandings, you’ll gradually eliminate your weak spots. This way, every practice test actively boosts your score by ensuring you don’t make the same errors again on the real SAT.
Cramming Right Before the Test
Late-night cramming with coffee – a recipe for burnout and poor retention. Pulling an all-nighter or stuffing your brain with last-minute facts the night before the SAT is a tempting mistake many regret. Cramming in the final days can do more harm than good. It increases stress and anxiety, decreases sleep, and yields very little long-term retention of material. In short, “Cramming is bad. There’s virtually no situation in which cramming for a test is going to be helpful.” All those extra hours hunched over notes come at the cost of a clear, rested mind on test day. How to avoid it: Plan your studying so that the last day or two before the exam is for light review and relaxation. Focus on high-level summaries: skim your vocab lists, review key formulas, or do a couple of easy practice questions just to stay fresh. But do not try to learn brand-new topics the night before – it likely won’t stick, and it’ll just spike your anxiety. More importantly, prioritize sleep. Getting a full night’s rest (and eating a healthy meal, staying hydrated) before the SAT will do far more for your score than a late-night cram session. Trust the preparation you’ve done up to that point. By avoiding last-minute cramming, you’ll walk into the test center alert, confident, and ready to do your best.
Neglecting Mental and Physical Preparation
Staying mentally sharp: a student takes a short meditation break to manage stress during study. Studying hard is crucial, but so is taking care of you. A big mistake is to ignore mental well-being and physical health during SAT prep. Test anxiety, burnout, or sheer exhaustion can undermine months of studying. Top test-takers know that “your mental preparedness is just as important as how much you know.” Staying up until 2 AM regularly, skipping meals, or freaking out from stress will hurt your performance, no matter how many practice problems you’ve done. How to avoid it: Incorporate self-care into your study plan. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule (aim for 7-8 hours). Eat nutritious foods to keep your energy up. Schedule short breaks during study sessions to stretch or take a walk. Techniques like mindfulness or meditation can help manage test anxiety – even simple deep-breathing exercises or visualizing success can build your mental resilience. Also, try to simulate test day conditions in advance: take a practice test at 8 AM (if your SAT is a morning administration) so your body and mind adjust to performing at that time. By taking care of your mental and physical health, you’ll improve concentration, retention, and overall performance. A calm, rested mind will recall information far better than a stressed, tired one.
Not Seeking Help or Resources When Needed
One-on-one tutoring session: even strong students benefit from guidance to avoid study pitfalls. SAT prep help isn’t for the weak – it’s for the smart. Yet some students make the mistake of going it completely alone and refusing any form of help. Maybe you’re an independent learner or feel tutors and prep classes aren’t necessary. But the reality is, the highest scorers “take advantage of every available resource, from free online materials to school programs to private test prep.” If you’re struggling with certain questions or not making progress, trying to reinvent the wheel by yourself can waste time. Similarly, not using quality prep resources (like official practice questions or reputable study guides) can leave gaps in your knowledge. How to avoid it: Use the resources and support systems available. This could mean joining an SAT study group, attending an extra prep session at school, or enrolling in an SAT course. It might mean using online forums or videos for tricky concepts. Often, working with a knowledgeable SAT tutor can fast-track your improvement by identifying your weaknesses and teaching you strategies tailored to you. At Global Tutoring System, for example, our experienced instructors have helped students worldwide overcome every type of SAT challenge. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and learn from experts or peers – there’s no prize for doing it solo, and your eventual SAT score is what counts. Remember, seeking help when needed is a sign of savvy planning, not weakness. Your future self (reading an acceptance letter from your dream college) will thank you for it!
Conclusion & Next Steps
Avoiding these SAT study mistakes can make a dramatic difference in your test results. By starting early, planning smart, practicing under real conditions, and taking care of your well-being, you set yourself up for success. Instead of feeling frustrated or stuck, you’ll notice steady progress and growing confidence. At Global Tutoring System, we’ve seen firsthand how a strategic, well-supported approach transforms students’ scores and morale. So, as you gear up for the SAT, remember: study smart, stay balanced, and learn from every misstep.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to reach out for guidance. With the right help, you can turn any weakness into a strength. Ready to take your prep to the next level? Explore our SAT online tutoring courses or connect with our expert tutors for personalized support. Good luck – you’ve got this! Now go conquer that SAT, and let us know how it goes. We’re cheering for your success!
Many students underestimate how much time SAT preparation requires, which leads to procrastination and cramming at the last minute. This often results in stress, low scores, and burnout. To avoid this, students should create a study plan months in advance, stick to regular practice sessions, and use reliable study materials rather than rushing through everything at the end.
Many students underestimate how much time SAT preparation requires. This leads to procrastination and last-minute cramming.
Below is a list of countries/regions (among the USA, UK, Canada, Europe, and the Gulf) where SAT preparation is actively relevant. Each entry includes context on why the SAT is in demand there – such as its role in university admissions, the number of students aiming for U.S. colleges, or local test availability.
United States: The SAT remains highly relevant in the U.S. as a traditional component of college admissions. Most American universities either require or consider SAT scores as part of applications, and many use them for merit scholarshipsinternational.collegeboard.org. Despite a recent trend toward test-optional policies, competitive U.S. colleges still recommend strong SAT/ACT scores, so the majority of college-bound students in the U.S. prepare for these exams. SAT prep is essentially part of the high school culture in America, with multiple test dates offered yearly and extensive tutoring options available nationwide.
United Kingdom: British universities themselves do not require the SAT for admission, but the exam is very relevant for UK students who aspire to attend university in the United States. Each year, thousands of UK students apply to U.S. colleges – over 10,600 students from the UK were enrolled at American universities in 2022/23savethestudent.org. Many secondary schools in the UK (especially international or private schools) offer guidance for U.S. applications, and SAT test centers operate in the UK to meet this demand. In short, SAT preparation is in demand among UK students aiming for Ivy League and other U.S. institutions.
Canada: Canadian universities generally base admissions on high school credentials rather than SATs, but the SAT is very relevant for Canadian students planning to study in the U.S. The United States is the top destination for Canadian youth studying abroad, with nearly 28,000 Canadian students in U.S. colleges in 2023international.gc.ca. As a result, many college-bound Canadians take the SAT or ACT to strengthen their U.S. applications. (Conversely, some Canadian universities will consider SAT/ACT scores for American applicants, though it’s not mandatory.) With such a large number of Canadians heading “south of the border” for college, SAT prep courses and testing centers are actively used in Canada.
Germany: Germany is one of the European countries with significant SAT relevance, due largely to students pursuing higher education in the U.S. Thousands of German students enroll in U.S. universities each year, making Germany one of the top European sources of U.S.-bound studentsdeutschland.de. German secondary education typically culminates in the Abitur, but students aiming for American colleges often add the SAT to their portfolio. International schools and bilingual high schools in Germany especially encourage SAT/ACT taking. Moreover, a few local institutions (like English-language or American-style universities in Europe) use standardized tests to evaluate applicantscaddellprep.com, so a strong SAT score can be beneficial for Germans both for U.S. admissions and certain programs at home.
France: In France, the standard lycée curriculum leads to the Baccalauréat, but an increasing number of French students look toward U.S. universities, making SAT prep a niche yet important demand. Several thousand French students are studying at American institutions (France is among the leading European countries sending undergraduates to the U.S. each year). This is driven by the prestige of U.S. colleges and the availability of programs not offered locally. SAT test centers are available in France (e.g. in Paris and other major cities) to serve these college hopefuls. French international schools and American schools in France also integrate SAT preparation for students targeting U.S. admissions, ensuring a steady local interest in SAT coaching.
Italy: Italy has a smaller but notable cohort of students pursuing university studies in the U.S., keeping SAT preparation relevant. Italian universities don’t require the SAT, but Italian students who want to attend U.S. colleges (or American universities in Europe) often take the exam. There are SAT testing sites in Italy (such as in Rome and Milan), and demand for prep tends to come from students at international high schools or those seeking scholarships in the U.S. Each year, a few thousand Italian students head to U.S. universities, so companies like Global Tutoring System can find an interested audience in international schools and study-abroad oriented programs in Italy.
Spain: Similar to Italy, Spain sees a steady interest in U.S. higher education, especially among students attending bilingual or international schools. Many Spanish students aiming for U.S. undergraduate programs will take the SAT or ACT, even though Spanish universities don’t use it. The number of Spanish undergraduates in the U.S. is in the low thousands annually, but it has been growing. SAT preparation in Spain is often sought by students pursuing athletics scholarships in the U.S. or those looking at American universities for majors not offered in English at home. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona host SAT exams regularly, reflecting local demand.
Turkey: Turkey stands out as a country with high demand for SAT prep due to a growing wave of students applying to U.S. universities. Turkey’s intense university entrance competition (and limited spots in top local programs) drives many students to consider U.S. collegestrade.govtrade.gov. In 2022, about 8,476 Turkish students were enrolled at U.S. higher education institutionstrade.gov – placing Turkey among the top European-region countries for U.S.-bound students (after the UK and Germany). Many Turkish high schools (especially private and international schools) encourage SAT/ACT taking as part of U.S. application prep. Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir have active SAT testing centers and tutoring services to cater to this interest. In short, with thousands of Turkish students studying abroad (over 50,000 globally each yeartrade.gov), the U.S. is a favored destination – making SAT preparation a pertinent offering in Turkey.
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has a very active culture of SAT preparation, driven by students seeking admission to U.S. universities and by government scholarship programs. The Kingdom has historically been one of the largest sources of international students in the U.S. – about 16,000 Saudis were studying in U.S. higher education in 2022-2023spre.com.au. The SAT (or ACT) is often required for Saudi scholarship students aiming for top global universities, and many Saudi high achievers prepare intensively for it. In fact, Saudi institutions like the King Abdulaziz & his Companions Foundation for Giftedness (Mawhiba) run special SAT training workshops to help gifted 11th graders gain admission to elite U.S. collegesmawhiba.samawhiba.sa. With numerous U.S. university fairs, testing centers in Riyadh and Jeddah, and a legacy of the King’s scholarship program sending students abroad, promoting SAT classes in Saudi Arabia is very worthwhile.
United Arab Emirates: The UAE is a regional education hub where SAT preparation is in high demand among both Emirati and expatriate students. Many UAE students target U.S. universities each year (over 2,700 UAE-based students went to study in the U.S. in 2016-17 alone)gulfnews.com. The country hosts several official SAT test centers – for example, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – which often fill up due to demand from international schools. While the UAE has its own Emirates Standardized Test (EmSAT) for local university admissions, students aiming abroad focus on the SAT/ACTchatsat.io. Notably, the UAE is home to branch campuses of American universities (NYU Abu Dhabi, for instance), and those campuses require standardized tests for admission just like their U.S. counterparts. Overall, with a large expat community (and many local families) valuing U.S. higher education, SAT prep services find a strong market in the Emirates.
Kuwait: Kuwait sends a significant number of students to universities in the U.S. each year, making SAT prep relevant. The Kuwaiti government and private sponsors often fund students to study abroad (especially in the U.S.), and historically over 3,000 Kuwaiti students have been enrolled in U.S. higher education at a given timeusinfo.org. This trend continues with many Kuwaiti high schoolers taking the SAT as part of their U.S. college applications. Kuwait’s Ministry of Higher Education maintains scholarship programs that encourage meeting standardized test benchmarks, so a good SAT score is advantageous for students seeking those opportunities. Consequently, SAT test dates in Kuwait (offered at select international schools) see strong registration, and tutoring centers in Kuwait City frequently offer SAT courses targeting students planning for American colleges.
Qatar: In Qatar, SAT preparation is driven by two main factors: students going abroad for college and the presence of local U.S. university branch campuses. Many Qatari students (often with government scholarships) pursue undergraduate studies in the U.S. each year, keeping the SAT/ACT in play despite Qatar’s small population. Additionally, Education City in Doha hosts branches of American universities – institutions like Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores for admissionqatar.cmu.edu. This means that even students who stay in Qatar for an American college experience must prepare for the SAT. The country has a few SAT test centers (e.g. Qatar Foundation schools), and students from Doha’s international schools routinely take the exam. Given Qatar’s emphasis on world-class education (at home and abroad), the SAT is well recognized and test-prep support is sought after.
Sources: The information above is supported by international education data and news reports. For example, College Board notes that universities in over 65 countries (including the U.S.) use SAT scores in admissionsinternational.collegeboard.org. Open Doors reports and other sources provide the numbers of students from each country studying in the U.S., illustrating the demand (e.g. 10,600+ from the UKsavethestudent.org, ~28k from Canadainternational.gc.ca, ~16k from Saudi Arabiaspre.com.au, etc.). Gulf News and other regional outlets have highlighted the continued importance of SAT/ACT for international applicants, especially from places like the UAEgulfnews.comgulfnews.com. Government and educational organizations (such as Mawhiba in Saudi Arabiamawhiba.sa and trade reports for Turkeytrade.gov) further underscore how these countries actively prepare students for the SAT as a pathway to top universities. Each of the countries listed above has a clear rationale for SAT relevance – whether it’s an admissions requirement, a growing cohort of U.S.-bound students, or local American universities requiring the exam. By focusing promotional efforts on these locations, Global Tutoring System can target regions where students genuinely need and seek out SAT preparation.
Success on the SAT doesn’t come from luck—it comes from strategy. By avoiding these SAT preparation errors and applying practical SAT tips, you can unlock your full potential. At Global Tutoring System, we’ve guided thousands of students across the USA, UK, Canada, Europe, and the Gulf to SAT success. Our online platform offers safe, effective, and flexible tutoring that adapts to your schedule.
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Engagement Isn’t Optional: Passive video lectures fail. Polls, breakout rooms, and gamification (like badges) are essential.
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