5 SAT Mistakes Students Keep Making and How to Fix Them

If preparing for the SAT makes you feel anxious, you’re not alone. Students regularly share concerns on forums like Reddit, highlighting common pitfalls that prevent their best scores. But don’t worry—with awareness and some strategic approaches, you can easily avoid these mistakes. Let’s break down five common SAT errors and practical, proven strategies to overcome them.

Mistake #1: Misreading Questions

One major error students repeatedly mention on College Confidential is misunderstanding what questions are asking. Misinterpretation leads to wrong answers, even when you thoroughly know the material.

How to Avoid:

Underline key information: Mark important words or phrases in each question to ensure you answer correctly.
Recheck your answers: After solving, reread the question. Confirm your answer matches exactly what’s being asked.

A helpful Reddit user explains, “Read each question carefully, word-by-word, especially in math.”

Mistake #2: Making Careless Math Errors

On Quora, students frequently admit to losing valuable points to simple arithmetic mistakes. Rushing calculations or relying excessively on mental math is often the culprit.

How to Avoid:

Show your work: Write each step down clearly—even if the problem seems easy.
Calculator double-check: Use your calculator wisely for complex operations to catch any small errors.

According to one insightful Redditor, “Always write out your math work clearly. Accuracy is more important than speed.”

Mistake #3: Poor Time Management

Many students posting on Niche say poor time management is their biggest SAT frustration, leading to rushed responses and unanswered questions.

How to Avoid:

Practice with timing: Take regular full-length, timed practice tests to get comfortable with the SAT’s pace.
Establish clear timing rules: Assign strict time limits to each section and follow them consistently.

A student on Reddit wisely advises, “The more timed practice tests you take, the better you’ll manage test-day stress.”

Mistake #4: Ignoring Practice Tests

A common regret students express on PrepScholar is failing to recognize the value of practice tests. Skipping these opportunities prevents familiarity with the SAT’s structure and question styles.

How to Avoid:

Take regular practice exams: Incorporate official SAT practice tests into your weekly study routine to build familiarity and stamina.
Carefully review your errors: After each test, thoroughly review incorrect answers to identify patterns and improve.

One experienced Reddit user explains, “Review your mistakes immediately to ensure you understand why they happened.”

Mistake #5: Not Learning From Past Mistakes

Another frequent complaint on The Princeton Review forums involves students repeatedly making similar mistakes by not adequately analyzing past errors.

How to Avoid:

Create an error log: Document the questions you miss, the error type, and relevant concepts.
Focus on recurring weaknesses: Spend extra time practicing areas where mistakes regularly occur.

A student on Reddit suggests, “Find error patterns and work hard to correct them.”

How to Quickly Overcome SAT Anxiety

Feeling overwhelmed by these mistakes is common, but there are ways to quickly ease stress and regain focus:

Short, regular breaks: After studying intensely, take brief breaks to clear your mind.
Positive mindset: Replace negative self-talk with affirmations, reminding yourself of steady progress.
Balanced schedule: Balance SAT prep with enjoyable activities to maintain energy and enthusiasm.

For further strategies on managing SAT anxiety, check out this helpful resource from Khan Academy.

Real-Life Success Stories

Consider Maya, who shared her experience on Niche. Initially overwhelmed by SAT prep, she adopted these techniques—careful reading, detailed error logs, and consistent timed practice—and increased her score by over 150 points. Another student, David, documented his journey on College Confidential, emphasizing how an organized review strategy dramatically improved his confidence and score.