December 5 SAT Study Plan: 10 Weeks to Test Day

The reader is taking the December 5, 2026 SAT and wants a realistic week-by-week schedule starting in late September or October.

Updated 2026-09-25 · 5 minute read

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Systems of linear equations

The graphs of the two linear equations in a system are shown as lines ℓ and k in the xy-plane. What is the solution (x, y) to the system?

Week 1: Baseline

Take one full-length adaptive practice test under real timing, in one sitting. Sort every miss by skill and write down your 5 costliest skills. Register this week while you're thinking about it, well before the November 20 deadline.

Weeks 2 to 4: First skill block

Pick your 2 or 3 costliest skills and give them four sessions a week of 30 to 45 minutes. Short, frequent sessions beat long weekend ones. For every miss, read the explanation, then retry the question a few days later.

Weight your choices by how often a topic appears. On Math, algebra and advanced math are about 35% each. On Reading and Writing, the four areas are closer to even, so a weak area there costs about the same wherever it is.

Week 5: Full test and adjust

Take a second full test on a fresh form. Check each skill against week 1. Anything that improved goes into light review, and anything that didn't moves to the top of the list for the next block.

Weeks 6 to 8: Second skill block

Same routine, new skills. Add timed sets: the same number of questions in the time the real test gives. Thanksgiving falls in week 9, so if you're traveling, finish your hardest work in week 8.

Weeks 9 and 10: Final test and rest

Take your last full test about a week before December 5, then only light review. Stop new material two days out. The night before, check your admission ticket and ID, charge your device, set up Bluebook, and sleep.

Questions students ask

When is the December 2026 SAT registration deadline?

November 20, 2026, at 11:59pm Eastern. There's a late registration window after that, for an extra fee.

How many practice tests should I take before the December SAT?

About three or four full tests over 10 weeks is plenty: one to start, one or two in the middle, one about a week out. Spend the rest of your time on specific skills.

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