Searching for free and official SAT practice tests? Find links to 10 full-length practice tests, straight from the College Board, below.
Why Should I Take a Practice Test?
Would you run a half-marathon without running at least 10 miles before the race? Probably not! A practice run shows you how prepared you are for the race to come and where you could improve. Similarly, taking a practice SAT test before your real SAT test shows you how prepared you are for the SAT and where you still need practice.
Taking an SAT practice test will help you understand the fast-paced timing of the test, the structure of the sections, and the stamina you need to complete the hours-long exam. You’ve probably never taken a test that requires such precise timing and endurance; don’t let test day be your first encounter.
Links to 4 Free Official SAT Practice Tests
Note: These tests are linear, not adaptive: they’re paper versions of some material you might see on the SAT, but they won’t mimic the test experience itself or give you a second module that’s harder or easier based on your performance on the first module.
SAT Practice Test 1 – Questions | Scoring | Answer Explanations
SAT Practice Test 2 – Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations
SAT Practice Test 3 – Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations
SAT Practice Test 4 – Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations
You can also take full digital tests (with the adaptive modules and built-in use of Desmos) on the SAT’s app, Bluebook, which you’ll also use on test day. Download it here. There are now 6 digital tests available, with more expected in 2025.
How to Take an SAT Practice Test
One of the reasons to take a full-length SAT practice test is to understand how it feels to take a real SAT test. To get the most accurate experience, mimic the SAT’s testing conditions as closely as possible.
How to Mimic SAT Testing Conditions:
Block off two hours and fifteen minutes in your schedule to work without interruptions.
Print off a full practice test and gather a few pencils and a calculator, OR make sure you have the Bluebook app ready to go.
If possible, go to a room by yourself.
Clear the room of any distractions. Turn off your phone.
Use a timer (not on your phone) to time each section of the test (or use the built in timer if you’re taking a digital exam!)
Take the test!
Materials Needed:
- Printed practice SAT test or Bluebook App.
- An SAT-approved calculator (not on your phone) if taking a paper test
- Timer (not on your phone) if taking a paper test
How to Study for the SAT
Choose a Test Date
Before you begin studying, pick a test date! This gives you a goal to work towards and focuses your study timeline.
Find a Study Plan that Works for You
Find or create a study plan that works for your timeline and schedule. Creating a study plan before getting started ensures you cover all the material on the test in the amount of time you have available.
Enroll in a Course
An easy way to find a study plan? Enroll in an SAT prep course! There are plenty of online and in-person options for every budget. The Olive Book’s SAT course covers everything on the test in a structured, self-paced format. You just log on and start studying! And if you’d like more structure, you can follow one of our four study schedules.
Khan Academy’s online SAT course is another popular, free way to study for the SAT. They are partnered with the College Board, so you can use your PSAT score to guide your practice – or keep it self-guided!
The Best ACT and SAT Test Prep Companies for Every Budget
Or, Create Your Own Schedule
You can also create your own SAT study schedule. Take a practice SAT test to diagnose the content areas you feel confident in and those that need work. Then, build your practice around improving those content areas that you struggle with the most.
Work to Own the Content
Studying for the SAT is not about memorizing formulas or tricks. It’s about learning the content that the SAT tests. If you fully understand the concepts behind the test questions and can apply your knowledge to new situations, you’re on track for a great score.
Pay Attention to the Questions You Miss
The key to improving your SAT score is not how many questions or practice tests you complete; it’s about how much you pay attention to which ones you got right and which ones you got wrong.
When you miss questions, you have to figure out what went wrong. Then figure out how, if you saw a question like this again, would you know what to do next time?
How to Stop Missing the Same Questions
Mentioned in this post:
What to Expect on the SAT
What Calculator to Use on the SAT
2022 SAT Test Dates
1, 2, 3, and 4 Month SAT Study Schedules
The Best SAT Test Prep Companies for Every Budget
How to Stop Missing the Same Questions