With the Scholastic Aptitude Test rapidly approaching, juniors at Coral Gables Senior High School are beginning to prepare for one of the most widely recognized standardized exams in the college admissions process. While the goal is the same for most students– earning a competitive score– the ways they prepare vary.
While some students utilize weekly tutoring sessions, other juniors self-study using online learning platforms like Khan Academy, textbooks and practice tests on One-Prep. These students face a college admissions landscape that, for many, feels is becoming increasingly competitive by the year. The SAT, a standardized test commonly used for college admissions, has seen a shift in relevance as many top colleges reconsider test-optional policies.
As application season inches closer for the Class of 2027, many juniors are experimenting with a variety of strategies that fit their schedules and goals. However, there is no single roadmap for SAT success, but only a shared determination to walk into the testing room prepared on test day. That is why around campus, students are testing methods that suit their needs and fit their learning objectives.
For some students, structured preparation offers the most effective results. SAT prep classes, tutoring sessions and scheduled practice exams provide a clear and disciplined routine for students who prefer a rigorous study schedule. By taking practice exams, students get clear insight into the structure of the timed exam.
“So to start getting ready for the SAT, I mainly did practice tests to help me gauge what exactly it was I already knew. From there, I would just take whatever question I didn’t feel too confident on or understand at all and I would ask for help from a tutor. I definitely improved on the math portion and learned how to use the tools available to me to my advantage. In the past, I tried watching videos or just applying what I remembered from class but that just proved to be more difficult for me. For me, being someone that learns in a very hands-on way where something only sticks if I do it myself, videos just didn’t leave any lasting effect,” junior Emily Falls said.
In contrast, many students take a more independent approach. Rather than hiring a tutor, some students choose their own study schedule and use study websites like Khan Academy and One-Prep SAT to review digital SAT practice exams and refresh their SAT vocabulary words. These platforms offer reviews of each math and English topic shown on the exam. Study groups are another common strategy. Some students meet with friends after school or on the weekends to review difficult questions and compare problem-solving methods.
“I used question banks, so One-Prep was so useful for those question banks I was able to review SAT material on. I didn’t exactly want to hire a private tutor because I don’t feel like it’s necessary to spend so much money on one, so I prefer to work with other people and my friends in study groups and attend the College Bound Cavs SAT tutoring. I think studying with my friends allows me to gain different perspectives on how to tackle questions on the SAT,” junior Nathaniel Woods said.
Digital resources have become a key component of many students’ preparation. Online study platforms allow students to complete practice tests, receive instant feedback and track their progress over time. For students balancing academics and extracurricular activities, this flexibility can make studying easier to manage.
“I do swimming and water polo, so right after practice I try to get to work right away and study everything I need to know, or else I’ll forget. I like to set reminders on my phone of when I have to study or even change my wallpaper on my phone [to] the list of homework and studying I need to do so I don’t lose my consistency in studying even when I have a very busy schedule,” junior Sebastian Azpurua said.
While preparation styles vary, many juniors say their motivation is influenced by the growing competitiveness of college admissions. In recent years, highly selective institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University and Brown University recently announced required SAT or ACT scores for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. Beyond the Ivy League, other selective universities such as Stanford University and California Institute of Technology have reaffirmed testing requirements to enhance the review process.
“In regards to colleges removing test-optional policies, I think I understand why, especially with the rampant artificial intelligence usage in schools today. It is important to focus on an exam that feels for many colleges like a true determination of college readiness in math and English,so I think it’s definitely made it more competitive environment,” junior Emilia Kohnstamm said.
For many juniors, balancing SAT preparation with schoolwork, extracurriculars and personal responsibilities remains the biggest challenge. Still, students continue experimenting with different strategies to find what helps them perform their best. Despite different approaches, they all share the same goal, walking into the testing room confident and prepared for what comes next.
