Hey everyone,
Let’s talk about that moment on the SAT when you hit a word you don't know. That split-second of panic can mess up your flow, and it’s a big source of stress for a lot of students. When I was prepping, I felt the same way. There are so many words out there, and trying to memorize them all feels impossible.
But here’s the thing: you don't need to learn every single word in the dictionary. The College Board, even on the new Digital SAT, tends to pull from a specific pool of "hard" vocabulary words. These aren't just random, obscure terms, they're words that can change the meaning of a sentence or a passage. Knowing how to handle them is a major key to a high score.
So, how do you find those words and actually make them stick?
Which "Hard" SAT Words Should You Actually Study?
Forget the generic 5,000-word lists. On Reddit and other forums, students who took the first Digital SATs pointed out specific words that gave them trouble. These are the words you should be focusing on. They tend to be a mix of formal, academic terms and words with multiple meanings.
Here are a few examples from what students reported, along with my tips on how to internalize them:
· Banal: boring, unoriginal. Don't just read the definition. Imagine a movie with a super predictable plot. You'd say, "The storyline was so banal." By connecting it to a scenario, you'll remember it better.
· Vacillate: to be indecisive, to go back and forth. Think about a friend who can't decide what to eat for dinner. "He vacillated between ordering pizza and getting a salad for thirty minutes."
· Exhaustive: thorough, comprehensive. When you finish a deep-dive research paper, you've done an exhaustive study.
· Preclude: to prevent or make impossible. If you have a scheduling conflict, it might preclude you from attending a party.
The best part? These words aren't just for the Reading section. They can pop up in the Writing section, too, as part of a word choice question. By mastering this core list, you're boosting your score across the board.
What's the Best Way to Make These Words Stick?
Rote memorization is a dead end. Your brain works by making connections. Here’s how to build those connections and lock these words into your long-term memory.
1. Use Smart Flashcards (Spaced Repetition is Your Secret Weapon)
This is the most effective method, hands down. Don't use paper flashcards. Use an app like AlphaTest that uses spaced repetition. This algorithm shows you words you’re struggling with more often and words you know less often. It's science-backed and way more efficient than traditional flashcards.
· The Rule: On the front, write the word. On the back, write a simple definition AND a sentence you create yourself using the word. This makes it personal and memorable.
2. Read Widely (Your Brain Needs Context)
You'll remember a word far better if you see it in its natural habitat.
· What to read: Forget young adult novels. Read things like The New York Times, The Economist, or classic literature. These sources are packed with the kind of vocabulary the SAT loves.
· The Rule: When you encounter a new word, highlight it. Try to guess its meaning from the context before you look it up. Then, add it to your smart flashcard deck.
3. Study with Friends (Make it a Game, Not a Chore)
Learning alone can be a grind. Group study can make it more fun and effective.
· The Rule: Quiz each other. Create crazy, funny sentences with the words. The more ridiculous and creative you get, the better you’ll remember them. For example, “The banal dog-walker’s story precluded me from finishing my thrilling book.”
By combining these methods, you'll go from being stressed about SAT vocab to being excited when you see one of "your" words on the test. You'll know it, and you'll get the question right every time. Good luck!
