5 Tips to Do Well on the SAT English Portion

After years of helping students prepare for the SAT, we’ve discovered that top scorers don’t study more, they study better. To do well on the SAT, it’s not just about deepening your knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension, but it’s also about learning how the test works.

Here are our top 5 tips for how to crush the SAT English portion!!


1. Take Practice Tests Based on Skill

The SAT English portion consists of two sections: Reading and Writing. Start by taking a full practice test. Once you’re done, identify your biggest areas of weakness.

For instance, if you missed five questions on verb tense, it’s time to brush up on that skill.

In our first sessions, our tutors give students a customized diagnostic to determine their strengths and weaknesses. Once we’ve analyzed the results, we decide which skills to start working on first.


2. Sharpen Those Skills

The SAT covers a wide variety of grammar topics, including subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, modifiers, and more. Once you’ve identified your strong and weak areas, start digging deeper by focusing on the categories where you scored the lowest.

At All Around Educación, we tailor the tutoring experience for each student based on their diagnostic results. Starting in session two, we focus on the skills students need to improve by teaching the concept and then practicing targeted questions.

3. Read the Entire Sentence for Context

Students often rush to pick an answer when they feel unsure or overwhelmed. But slowing down and reading the entire sentence, or even the full paragraph, is key.

Every word matters.

Make sure you’re reading closely, comparing answer choices, and thinking about the context. Context is everything!

4. Use the Process of Elimination

Start with the answer choice you’re most confident is incorrect, then continue eliminating until only two remain.

This strategy helps you avoid traps and increases your odds of choosing the correct answer, even if you’re not completely sure. It’s especially helpful when answers seem very similar.


5. Practice with Real SAT Materials – Rinse & Repeat

The best way to prepare for the SAT is to become familiar with the test format and question types. Use official practice tests whenever possible. Don’t just take them, but make sure to review them carefully.

Ensure you understand why you got each answer wrong. Was it a grammar rule you didn’t know? Did you misread the question? Identifying the reason helps you avoid repeating the same mistake.

Then repeat the process. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns and gain the confidence you need to succeed.


You may find as you continue to study that it’s helpful to go through materials and build confidence with a tutor. If you are considering signing up for a session, fill out our form today.

Above all, believe in yourself and your capabilities. You’ve got what it takes to do well! We believe in you. 🤩