How to Improve Your SAT Score in 30 Days if you have ADHD & ADD

Let’s be real: preparing for the SAT is stressful for anyone, but if you have ADHD or ADD, the challenges can feel even bigger. Staying focused, managing time, and juggling test prep with everything else on your plate can be tough. But don’t worry—you can totally improve your SAT score in 30 days with the right strategies. And if you’re aiming for that dream college and hoping for some serious financial aid, this guide is designed to help you make every day count.

Let’s break it down in a way that works for you.

Step 1: Assess Where You’re Starting (Day 1-2)

Before you dive into studying, it’s important to know exactly where you stand. Take a full-length SAT practice test under timed conditions (College Board has free ones). But here’s the key: take breaks if you need them! You might qualify for accommodations like extended time or extra breaks on the real test, so it’s a good idea to practice in a way that works for you.

Once you finish, look at your results. Where did you struggle most? Was it pacing, understanding questions, or staying focused? Pinpoint the areas that gave you the hardest time, and use this to shape your study plan.

Step 2: Build a Realistic Study Plan (Days 3-5)

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything you need to do in a short time, so let’s make it simple: focus on small, manageable chunks.

Prioritize: Focus on the sections that give you the most trouble. If you’re stronger in math, don’t spend too much time there—put the extra hours into reading or writing.
Use a Timer: Since staying focused for long periods might be tough, use the Pomodoro technique—study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat. This keeps your brain engaged without feeling burned out.
Set Clear Goals: Instead of saying, “I’m going to study SAT stuff today,” be specific: “I’m going to practice reading comprehension questions for 30 minutes.”

And remember, if you’re planning to apply for extended time on the SAT, practice under those conditions so you know how to manage the pacing.

Week 1 (Days 6-12): Master the Basics

This first week is all about building a solid foundation.

Math: Focus on core topics like algebra and geometry, which show up a lot. Write out important formulas and keep them somewhere you can see every day (flashcards are great for this). You don’t need to cram it all at once—use spaced repetition, where you review a little each day.
Reading/Writing: Practice active reading. Underline key ideas and ask yourself questions as you read to keep your mind engaged. For the writing section, get comfortable with the basic grammar rules that the SAT loves (like subject-verb agreement and comma placement).

Tip for ADHD Students: Set alarms or reminders to keep you on track during study sessions. Breaks are good, but make sure they don’t turn into hour-long distractions!

Week 2 (Days 13-19): Focus on Your Weak Spots

Now that you’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to zoom in on the areas where you’re struggling.

Math: If advanced math topics like word problems or trigonometry trip you up, spend extra time on them this week. Don’t just practice—go over the steps you took to solve each problem. Understanding why you got something wrong is key to fixing it next time.
Reading/Writing: Work on improving your reading speed and comprehension. ADHD brains are wired for creativity, so try summarizing passages in your own words or drawing out concepts to make them stick.

Pro Tip: Break long study sessions into smaller pieces. Instead of doing a 2-hour block of reading practice, split it into four 30-minute chunks with breaks in between. This keeps your focus sharp.

Week 3 (Days 20-26): Test-Taking Strategies

This week is all about sharpening your strategies so that when test day rolls around, you’re ready to tackle anything.

Math: Practice pacing yourself. Work on solving problems quickly but accurately. If you find yourself getting stuck on one question, skip it and come back later. Use scratch paper to organize your thoughts—keeping your work clear helps prevent silly mistakes.
Reading/Writing: SAT reading questions often try to trick you with tempting wrong answers. Practice eliminating the obvious wrong ones first to narrow down your choices. For writing, keep drilling those grammar rules—repetition is your friend!

Bonus for ADHD Students: Practice mindfulness exercises, like deep breathing, to help manage test anxiety. If your mind starts to wander during the test, these techniques can help pull your focus back where it needs to be.

Week 4 (Days 27-29): Final Review and Confidence Boost

In the final days, it’s all about boosting your confidence and reinforcing what you’ve learned.

Math: Focus on reviewing mistakes you’ve made in the past and practicing mental math to improve speed. Go over formulas again—especially the ones you tend to forget.
Reading/Writing: Do quick reviews of grammar rules and reading comprehension techniques. This isn’t the time to try to learn anything new. Instead, work on solidifying what you already know.

Confidence Tip: Visualize yourself doing well. Positive thinking can be powerful, especially when paired with preparation. Remind yourself how much you’ve practiced and that you are ready for this test.

Day 30: Prep for Test Day

The day before the test, avoid cramming. It might feel tempting, but cramming leads to stress, and stress leads to burnout. Instead, focus on gathering all your materials: your ID, calculator, snacks, and SAT admission ticket.

Get a good night’s sleep, and in the morning, have a breakfast that will fuel your brain—something with protein and complex carbs. Most importantly, take a few deep breaths, and remind yourself that you’ve got this.

How a Strong SAT Score Helps with Financial Aid

Here’s the bonus: improving your SAT score isn’t just about getting into college. It can also open the door to scholarships and financial aid. Many schools offer merit-based scholarships based on your SAT score, and if you’re applying for federal aid, a higher score could make you more eligible for grants and scholarships.

Final Thoughts for ADHD Students

Prepping for the SAT in 30 days might sound like a tall order, but with the right strategies—and a plan that works for you—it’s absolutely possible. Take it one step at a time, be kind to yourself, and remember that everyone’s journey is different. Your ADHD is part of what makes you uniquely you, and with the right preparation, you can turn it into a strength.

You’ve got this!