With all the indispensable resources out there, all too many students fail to prepare effectively for the SAT. Some students blame nerves while others blame their SAT tutor for their poor performance. But when it comes down to it, students receive poor scores because of insufficient perpetration. Wondering how you can avoid similar pitfalls? Here are 4 surefire ways to score badly on your SAT. Or to put it differently, here are the 4 things that you should absolutely avoid.

1. Ignoring a Study Plan

So you’ve ordered a few practice books online in order to try out a few practice exams. You’ve told your friends you’ll be staying in this Saturday night. You sharpen those pencils. You close the door, sit down at your desk, and you crack open your study guide. You start filling in those circles…

But what’s the next step? Answering a few questions correctly does not guarantee you success on exam day. High SAT scores come from strong problem-solving skills, building up your stamina, finding effective ways to concentrate, and determining your test-taking strengths and weaknesses.

Test prep courses help you build time management plans. Are you ready for the rigorous approach necessary to handle 4 hours of test taking? Thoughtful preparation will help your mind and body from running out of gas.

2. Cram for the SAT a Week Before You Take It

Prepping for the SAT couldn’t be that difficult, right? After all, you’re a great reader and you know your grammar. You love doing crossword puzzles and learning new words. And as far as math goes, you even get to use a calculator during a 55-minutes of the math section. Maybe all this test prep fuss is overblown?

Now ask yourself this: Would a runner train for a marathon by running 5 miles for 7 days?

Your knowledge of geometry and gerunds still won’t prepare you for the tricky ways in which the SAT structures the exam. And cramming won’t help you manage the stress that test takers experience due to the SAT’s time crunch atmosphere.

Depending on your weekly schedule, your study process should begin 8-12 weeks before you plan to take your SAT.

And with effective test prep courses, you should:

• Take test prep courses that will challenge you.
• Do your test prep homework.
• Prepare by taking tests and quizzes.
• Ask questions. Answer questions. Repeat.

3. Go Into SAT Exam Day Without Taking Any Full Practice Exams

So what’s it like to experience taking a 4-hour test? How many exams have you taken which ask you to solve linear equations, analyze word choices, and interpret non-fictional narratives with that 4-hour time period? And how many exams have you taken which could make or break your college admission process?

You’re sitting in a packed room with a group of nervous students. The room may be stuffy and your test-taking neighbors are nervously sighing and tapping their pencils. Let’s be honest: sitting in your bedroom answering a few questions in the comfort of your own home will not prepare you for this.

Practice is essential to mastering any skill. In this case, practice means test prep courses helping you to experience an SAT exam simulation.

4. Relying on Natural Smarts to Succeed

You’ve scored 100 on the last ten pop quizzes in geometry. You know the plot of Macbeth back and forth. And your G.P.A. is heading higher and higher.

Unfortunately, none of the above guarantees you a good score on the SAT. Even if you’re generally a good test taker, the SAT is an entirely different type of test. And frankly, that’s the point. Students with a high G.P.A. are not guaranteed a high SAT score.

Students who hone their skills by taking online test prep courses can learn about answering questions efficiently and learning how to change gears smoothly under time pressure. Test prep will help get you into the proper mindset. You need to embrace the rigors of the process … and avoid resting on your laurels.

Study hard. Study responsibly. Prepare. And when you’ve finished preparing…prepare some more.