Most colleges require students to receive a particular SAT score before being granted acceptance, but preparing for the SAT can be an expensive, grueling task.
Finding free study tools to help you prepare can be even more overwhelming because many test prep materials cost money that you may not have.
How can a strapped-for-cash student study for the SAT without shelling out big bucks?
Here are four free ways you can prepare to take the SAT:
1. Use Online Resources
The internet is chock-full of websites with free online resources, such as virtual classrooms, flashcards. or even a slope intercept calculator.
With so many options at your fingertips, you will have no problem finding the best tools that fit your specific needs at no additional cost to you.
Some websites even offer free test prep materials created specifically for the SAT.
These websites might have practice math questions or essay prompts similar to those you might encounter on the actual test.
Save money today by searching the web to see what free online tools you can find.
2. Go to Your Local Library
The library is a great place to find test prep books and materials. Most public libraries have a section dedicated to books filled with SAT practice tests, reading passages, and vocabulary terms.
Bookstores often charge high prices for test prep books (sometimes over fifty dollars or more).
Why go out and purchase an SAT prep book from an expensive bookstore when you can check one out at your local library for free?
Just make sure that the books you check out from the library are current. You do not want to use a dated book because tests like the SAT often change throughout the years.
Try to find books that are no more than two years old.
3. Seek Free SAT Tutoring
There are plenty of ways to find free tutoring sessions in your community. Because many teachers usually enjoy helping students, you could ask current or former teachers if they would tutor you before or after school.
Depending on your weak areas, you can seek a teacher who is strong in that subject. For example, if you know you are weak in math, ask a math teacher to tutor you.
You could also go to your local library and see if they have any test prep sessions. Some libraries hold classes or tutoring sessions on certain days of the week.
If you know any college students, ask them if they would mind tutoring you for free. Some college students need community service hours anyway, so both of you would benefit in the long run.
Plus, a college student who has already taken the SAT can give you first-hand advice on acing the test.
4. Form a Study Group
If you have friends who will take the SAT soon, you could form a study group together.
The benefit of forming a study group is that you all work together toward a common goal. Another advantage is sharing notes, materials, advice, and more within your group.
A study group could also help you stay on track as you will all be holding each other accountable.
You could make it a social event where you each bring snacks, study music, and plenty of caffeinated beverages.
The Takeaway
With so many free options to choose from, you can obtain a high score on your SAT without spending a dime.
So try out these tips, and reach your goals while saving yourself some money.
With how much it costs to attend college these days, you need to save as much money as possible.
