In most cases, I recommend that students begin their preparation with the Critical Reading section. This portion of the test tends to be the most effective starting point for recognizing how the SAT relies on consistent rules and patterns to create questions that are objective and predictable—even when they may initially seem subjective. It also serves as a valuable introduction to the importance of close reading and attention to detail.
There are only two scenarios in which I might suggest not starting with Critical Reading. The first is if you have already achieved a perfect score in that section. The second is if your primary focus is on improving your Math score and you are working with limited time before your test date. In all other situations, beginning with Critical Reading is strongly advised, even if it is not the section you find most challenging. It lays the foundation for approaching the test as a whole.
Once you begin to feel confident in your understanding of the Critical Reading section, the next area to focus on is Math. As discussed throughout this guide, the Math section is built around fundamental concepts that are often combined and presented in unfamiliar or complex ways. The key skill here is learning to break down a seemingly difficult problem into its basic components and apply core principles to solve it. Due to the variety in how Math questions are framed, mastering this section may require more time and practice than others—so plan accordingly.
Finally, I suggest saving the Writing multiple-choice questions and the SAT Essay for the latter part of your preparation, in whichever order suits you best. This recommendation assumes that your prospective colleges consider these components in their admissions process. If they do not, it may not be worth devoting significant time to them. You can confirm whether the Writing score matters by visiting the admissions websites of your target schools or reaching out to them directly.
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