SAT Prep with school and activities is not a simple matter of working harder. It often requires reorganising your days, deciding what can be adjusted, and finding study rhythms that fit your life.
At The Princeton Review Singapore, we have met students who seemed to have every hour of their week filled, yet still found ways to prepare effectively. In many cases, it wasn’t about adding more hours. It was about using the hours they already had in smarter ways.
Why Balance Matters
SAT prep does more than raise a score. It strengthens skills like careful reading, clear writing, and problem-solving under time pressure. These skills tend to show up in school grades as well, and they remain useful at university.
A strong score can give an application a competitive edge. The digital SAT in particular rewards students who can think quickly and adjust when needed, so preparation has to be both consistent and flexible.
Approaches That Work
We suggest beginning with a practice test in full exam conditions. This gives a clear picture of current strengths and weaknesses. From there, the study plan can focus on specific areas while fitting around existing schoolwork and activities.
Many students do well by keeping preparation short but regular. For example:
- A short grammar or vocabulary review in the morning.
- Homework first in the afternoon, then one focused SAT section in the evening.
- Weekends for longer practice tests and review.
One student who followed a 45-minute-a-day plan improved by more than 150 points in two months—without cutting back on sports or debate club.
The 10–10–80 Method
A simple way to divide study time is:
- 10% timed practice
- 10% reviewing errors carefully
- 80% targeted drills
This avoids wasting time on areas that are already strong and keeps progress measurable.
5. Maximize Holiday Breaks for Focused SAT Prep
Using Small Time Gaps
Short moments add up. Reading a passage on the bus, solving a math problem during a break, or reviewing flashcards while waiting for class to start can create hours of extra learning over a month.
Making the Most of Holidays
When school is not in session, a few hours of focused study most days can make a noticeable difference. Holiday sessions often allow for full-length tests and in-depth reviews without other school demands competing for time.
Looking After Yourself
Sleep, good food, movement, and regular breaks are not luxuries—they protect your focus and memory. Students who stay healthy mentally and physically tend to perform more steadily on both practice and real exams.
Choosing Reliable Materials
Our students typically use:
- Flashcards on Quizlet or Anki for quick review sessions
- The Princeton Review SAT Prep for strategy and drills
- The Official SAT Study Guide for authentic practice questions
- Khan Academy for adaptive online work
Final Preparation
One Week Before the Exam
One week before: Take a timed test on the Bluebook™ platform.
Day before: Light review only, rest well.
On test day: Arrive early, set a calm pace, and trust the preparation you’ve done.
Our Approach
At The Princeton Review Singapore, our teaching combines structure with adaptability. We give clear plans, but we also adjust them to each student’s needs. This has helped many find a workable balance earning strong results without giving up the activities that matter to them.
Balance isn’t just good for the SAT Prep. It builds habits for learning, time management, and confidence that last well beyond test day.
Join The Princeton Review Singapore today and take the first step toward securing your dream university admission!