SAT Prep Games

So you still need to prepare for the SAT, but you feel like you just can’t do any more word problems or read yet another passage? Lucky for you, there are other (free!) ways to build the skills you need to do well on the test.    Math/Problem Solving Skills The new SAT math test will now have two sections: one which requires a lot of quick calculation and mental math, and one that is full of complex word problems. You will only be allowed to use a calculator on the second one. Logic and quick-thinking math skills are invaluable on the math part of the SAT, and there are plenty of fun ways to build these skills online and through apps. Here are some great places to start. LogicPuzzles.org : Not surprisingly, this site is all logic puzzles, all the time. You can play for free any time or make a free account and compete with other account holders. BrainBashers.com : This site is a treasure trove of both math and word puzzles. Spend some time exploring and challenging yourself. MathisFun.com : This site includes math games, puzzles, and lesson to help you review algebra and geometry concepts that might come up on the test. If you need a review of the basics, this is a good place to start. Reading/Vocabulary The sentence completion section of the SAT might have gone the way of the dinosaurs, but chances are good you’ll still find your vocabulary challenged in the reading part of the new SAT. Index cards are fine, but are prone to being mysteriously lost. Luckily, we live in the age of computers! Here are some sites that make learning vocabulary a lot more fun. Vocabsushi.com : This simple site allows you to select your vocabulary level and then throws you 20 multiple choice questions at a time. That’s it. You can create an account for free if you want to compete for a spot on the leader boards. Freerice.com : If you want to do a good deed while studying, you might want to check out this site. It includes multiple choice quizzes on a variety of subjects, including vocabulary, grammar, and basic math, and for every question you answer correctly, 10 grains of rice are donated through the World Food Programme. The site does have an SAT quiz option, but be aware that the questions are based on the old SAT, so they do not represent what youll see on the current test. SynonymToast : This silly-looking game from Scholastic provides you with a word on a toaster. Your task is to click on synonyms that appear on falling pieces of bread to turn them into toast. The new SAT asks you to identify synonyms for words in the reading passages, so this is a great, quick way to help practice making  those connections. Quizlet.com : If you love flashcards, but dont love carrying them around, Quizlet is for you. This site allows you to use digital cards created by others or make your own list of cards to study vocabulary, grammar, or any other subject. Plus, theres a free app, so you can take your cards wherever you go. You do have to create a free account to use Quizlet, however. As all these resources prove, studying doesnt have to be a drag. Taking SAT-style practice tests and being familiar with the types of questions you’ll see are incredibly important for test-day success, but who says you can’t have a little fun along the way?