How to Use AI for SAT Prep (for real)

John Hoegerl

⭐

29d • June SAT Prep 📝

Many of you use AI for SAT prep. But many of you also use it very BADLY.

The current way you use it is probably something like this:

You take a photo of an SAT problem, paste it in, and ask the AI for the answer.

This isn't TERRIBLE, but it could be 10x better.

Here's how to actually use AI.

And by the way, for all you AI-haters out there, I feel you. But I can't deny that probably 90%+ of the people here DO use AI and aren't going to stop. So I gotta try to help them as much as I can.

1. Use AI to figure out WHY you got a problem wrong

After you attempt a problem (like on Aniko) and get it wrong, go to AI.

Good AI software to use include Claude and the built-in Aniko AI tutor.

Once you're there, don't ask "what's the answer?" Ask this instead:

"I got this SAT problem wrong. My answer was [INSERT ANSWER] but the correct answer is [INSERT ANSWER]. Can you explain what mistake I likely made and what concept I'm missing?"

Now the AI is diagnosing your thinking, not just solving the problem for you.

And YOU still had to attempt it first, which means your brain actually engaged with the problem before getting help.

This is basically an extension of The Loop Strategy, a method I teach students in Mission 1400+.

2. Make it teach you the rule, not just the solution.

This is the one that most students never think to do.

But it's SO much better than asking it for a generic solution.

After you understand why you got a problem wrong, ask this:

"What is the general rule or strategy for solving this type of problem? Give me a step-by-step approach I can use every time I see a problem like this."

Now you don't just know how to solve ONE problem.

Instead, you have a repeatable method for every problem of that type.

This is also really good, since you probably will NEVER see the exact question again, after you get it wrong. Contrary to what people think, CollegeBoard usually does NOT just re-use Bluebook questions.

3. Use it to generate practice problems.

This one is underrated. Once you've learned the rule, ask:

"Give me 3 more SAT-style problems that test this same concept, ranging from easy to hard. Don't give me the answers until I ask."

Now you're actually DRILLING the concept.

If you can get the 3 problems right, you're solid. If you still get them wrong, clearly you didn't understand the lesson/rule.

AI is a tutor, not a crutch.

Comment if you would like me to make some kind of more complete guide for using AI for the SAT. Might be useful!

13 comments