Take Your SAT Vocabulary to the Next Level

The results from the SAT factor into the college admissions process. As such, it is important to spend the time and effort to get the best scores possible. There are a number of techniques and tools available to optimize efforts, retain vocabulary and help build a noteworthy SAT Vocabulary.

Strategies: Read, Write, Speak and See Daily

Find texts on the subjects that are generally covered. Highlight unusual words and determine their meaning from the context. Go back and check them with a dictionary. For those where the guess was incorrect, write them on index cards and review. Write a summary of the text and include the correct use of the vocabulary words.

Stump a friend. Text a friend with a word used incorrectly in a sentence. They in turn must rewrite the statement correctly. Then check them. If they do well, they get a point and it is their turn. Points can be turned in for favors, like walking the dog or cleaning out a locker.

With an app like a free voice recorder, speak and use the word in the context within a sentence. Then mix it up with changing the part of speech from sentence to sentence, i.e. noun, verb, and adjective. It can be replayed during any downtime.

Online videos are a way for visual learners to become exposed to new or unfamiliar vocabulary. Students can watch videos on the YouTube Teacher’s Language Arts section for appropriate video content. Watch it first for an introduction to the vocabulary. Come back to it later and play it without sound, guessing the words showcased to activate information retrieval.

Brainstorm related words that would be used with a selected new and unknown word. Write the word unknown word down and add other related words that would be related to it. Writing it down creates a visual reference and creating associations will help build long-term retention.

Regular testing helps students become familiar with the format and questions. Record results and spend time on the areas that need attention. Testing monthly is typically a good pace as long as studying is not left to the last minute. Check out our online self-paced program to learn more.

Learning styles can vary from student to student. Some students like to rewrite material repeatedly. Others need to hear words used and/or are more socially inclined to study better when partnered with others. Everyone should take a test for a baseline and a preliminary score. Assess the areas that need improvement. Develop a strategy. Implement it and reassess for success.