Many Indian students preparing for study abroad face a frustrating reality: despite putting in significant effort, their SAT scores refuse to improve. According to education expert Ms. Sonali Dawar, the problem isn't lack of hard work but rather an ineffective approach to test preparation.
The Root Cause: Why Traditional Methods Fail Indian Students
Ms. Sonali Dawar, Founder and Global Education Advisor at Elixir School of Language and Life Skills, has identified why conventional SAT preparation often yields disappointing results for Indian students. The key insight lies in understanding that SAT success requires learning how the test thinks rather than simply taking more practice tests.
"If your SAT score isn't improving, the problem isn't effort — it's approach," explains Dawar, whose methods have helped students consistently beat national averages, particularly in the challenging reading and writing sections where Indian students traditionally struggle.
The 3 Game-Changing Strategies That Deliver Results
Through extensive work with Indian students, Dawar has developed three fundamental shifts in approach that produce significant score improvements. These strategies focus on working smarter rather than harder.
First, students must move beyond surface-level practice to deeply understand the grammar rules underlying each question. Many students repeatedly make the same mistakes because they haven't mastered the foundational English grammar principles that the SAT systematically tests.
The second critical shift involves practicing topic-wise instead of blindly solving full practice papers. This targeted approach allows students to identify and strengthen their specific weak areas rather than wasting time on concepts they've already mastered.
Mastering the Art of Elimination
The third strategy focuses on developing what Dawar calls "trap detection skills." Students learn how to systematically eliminate distractor answer choices and train their brains to spot the traps the test designers create, rather than falling for them.
"Marking mistakes, analyzing patterns, and revising intentionally creates a feedback loop that accelerates improvement," Dawar emphasizes. This methodical approach to error analysis helps students break negative scoring patterns that persist despite extensive preparation.
Beyond Test-Taking: Building Lasting Skills
These strategies not only improve SAT performance but also develop critical thinking and analytical reading skills that serve students well in international academic environments. The approach transforms SAT preparation from a mechanical exercise into an opportunity to build foundational abilities for overseas study success.
With study abroad aspirations growing among Indian students, mastering standardized tests like the SAT has become increasingly important. Implementing these three strategic shifts can help students overcome common hurdles and achieve scores that reflect their true academic potential.
