Increasing Your Digital SAT Score From 1400 to 1500

Achieving a 1400 on the SAT is an impressive milestone, placing you among the top 95th percentile of test-takers.

But for those aiming to reach the 1500+ mark, which opens doors to Ivy Leagues and other top-tier universities, there’s a clear path forward with targeted preparation.

This guide breaks down strategies for conquering the Reading and Writing section as well as the Math section, focusing on specific areas that typically differentiate students who score 1400 from 1500+ students.

To achieve the best results, adapt the strategies to your current performance. For example, if you are consistently acing vocabulary questions and know the meaning of every word on the exam, skip the vocbulary studying section and allocate that time to your weaker areas.

Section 1: Reading and Writing

• Expanding Vocabulary

  Mastering vocabulary is essential not only for tackling Words in Context questions but also for strengthening your comprehension of complex passages. Here’s how to approach this:

  • Diversify Word Lists: Instead of trying to memorize 300 words at once before the exam, aim to learn 5-10 SAT words daily, reviewing previous words to retain them.

  • Leverage Digital Flashcards: Flashcards are a great tool to learn new words. When using flashcards, don't just memorize the definition - come up with some example sentences yourself to solidify your understanding of each word.

  • Reading Classic English Literature: Every SAT exam contains passages from classic novels and/or poetry. By reading these types of literature beforehand, you will stand a much better chance of understanding them on test day. Authors like Jane Austen, Dickens, and poets like Wordsworth expose you to rich vocabulary and sentence structures. Check out our free library to get started.

• Memorizing Boundaries and subject-verb conjugation rules for "Standard English Conventions" Questions

  Standard English Conventions on the questions are generally split between punctuation and conjugation questions. Fortunately, there are a limited number of these grammar rules, so memorizing them can ensure you don't miss any of these questions.

  • Review Key Grammar Rules: Focus on subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, verb tense consistency, and comma placement. Create a “cheat sheet” summarizing these rules, and review before practice sessions.

• Mastering Transition Words

  Just like boundary rules, there are only a few dozen transition words and phrases tested on the SAT.

  By memorizing these transition words and completing some transitions practice questions, you should be able to ace these questions 100% of the time.

• Increasing Reading Speed and Comprehension

  To maximize performance, it’s essential to read both quickly and with full comprehension. Here are targeted techniques:

  • Targeted Speed Reading Practice: Practice with challenging texts, aiming for 100-120 words per minute. Speed reading apps train you to expand vision and reduce subvocalization.

  • Skim for Structure, Not Just Content: Focus on topic and conclusion sentences in each paragraph to grasp main arguments without getting bogged down by details.

Section 2: Math

• Mastering Graphing Linear and Nonlinear Functions with DESMOS Calculator

  Graphing skills are crucial, especially for interpreting linear and nonlinear relationships. Here’s how to build expertise:

  • Familiarize with DESMOS Features: Explore DESMOS's graphing functions. Practice inputting various equations—linear, quadratic, and exponential—to see how equation changes affect graphs.

  • Analyze Graph Behavior: Beyond graphing, focus on interpreting intercepts, slopes, and turning points to answer SAT questions efficiently.

• Enhancing Mental Arithmetic for Faster Calculation

  Mental arithmetic saves time and builds confidence. Here’s how to strengthen it:

  • Mental Math Apps and Daily Drills: Use apps for rapid calculations and daily drills to improve speed and accuracy with basic operations, fractions, and percentages.

  • Practice in Real-Life Scenarios: Incorporate mental math into daily activities, such as calculating discounts or determining percentages. Regular practice sharpens mental agility.

• Efficiently Solving Difficult Algebra Word Problems

  Algebra problems can be challenging. Systematic approaches can help:

  • Break Down the Problem: Start by defining the problem and identifying key information. Breaking it into steps makes tracking easier and reduces errors.

  • Practice Translation Skills: Translate word problems into algebraic equations, especially those involving rates and proportions. Practice helps recognize problem formats for faster solutions.

  • Set Time Goals for Each Problem: Since timing is crucial, give yourself a set time (e.g., 2 minutes) for each problem, gradually reducing time to increase speed without sacrificing accuracy.

Achieving a score increase from 1400 to 1500 on the SAT requires dedication and strategic study. By focusing on targeted vocabulary building, understanding grammar boundaries, improving graphing and mental math skills, and practicing efficiently, you’ll be well-equipped to join the 1500+ club.