<p>Hi guys, I'm new to the boards. Never thought I'd look through these forums, but after taking my first diagnostic SAT, I'm feeling pretty pessimistic.</p>
<p>A couple weeks ago I scored an 1860 on a college board SAT. I had no previous prep, except for the PSAT which I took last year. I didn't do so well on that either, but again no prep and I still have a chance next year.</p>
<p>I was a bit sleep deprived, probably got around 5 hours the night before, and didn't really bother to double check my answers. I had alot of extra time in the beginning and slowed down at the end which really hurt me. I was not aware of the two page essay limit and ended up with two body paragraphs and a three sentence conclusion.</p>
<p>Hopefully, by not repeating these mistakes, I'm confident that I can get at least a 1950. But what I'm really hoping for a 2400 or high 2300. My mom wants me to take the October SAT this year, leaving me about 6 months. I am aware of how difficult this might be. My grades aren't astounding due to my sloth-like behavior and a 2300-2400 will really help. </p>
<p>With the task at hand, I am asking for your expertise and your experiences. Any tips/hints will be graciously accepted. Please help me on this long, difficult journey.</p>
<p>Nobody here is going to be able to tell you exactly what to do, but lots of people on this board can offer bits of advice as you go. My advice for now: leave your sloth-like behavior at the door. You’re going to have to work (really work) every day to achieve even close to what you’re talking about. </p>
<p>Take some practice tests, try to identify patterns in the kinds of mistakes you’re making, and spend time on this board seeking solutions for those specific kinds of problems.</p>
<p>There are lots of people here who are willing to help, but you’re only going to get results proportional to the work you put into your improvement.</p>
<p>Buy Direct Hits, the Blue Book, use Silverturtle’s guide and Sparknotes 7 deadly screwups, look for any other non-blue book collegeboard tests (including PSATs) and just start cracking down. I hear Gruber’s math is good but I haven’t really tried it out since I was good at math, but it might be worth a shot if your math section needs work. For grammar it shouldn’t be too bad, read “How to write a 12 essay in 10 days” and learn the rules and an 800 should be within reach. For reading, simple read. Each day READ and try to understand everything you are reading. That plus the vocab from Direct Hits and the practice sections will help you. My first practice SAT was the beginning of Sophomore year and I scored a 1650 or something close to that. My first SAT in December was a 2220 and I am waiting for March scores next week. You can do this, you just have to want it.</p>
<p>youwrotethis, thanks so much!
This is exactly the kind of advice I’m looking for!
Your story is such an inspiration and gives me hope.
I really do want this, I felt so guilty when I started gaming.
And at PWNtheSAT, I’ll definitely try to get over my laziness, at least in regards to studying for the SAT.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies, and I hope that there will be more to come :]</p>
<p>So many ■■■■■■ on this site, wow. @Skarpi, I’ve already started on some vocab and am taking another Collegeboard practice test soon. In no way am I avoiding working. I’m just looking for the most efficient route, so I don’t end up wasting my time.</p>
<p>If you do the work you can improve greatly. I went from a 1650 to 2190 in a little over two months. I had the 36 hour one on one Kaplan course simply because I knew I wouldn’t get around to studying myself due to do many ECs and having a job. I found the blue book to be very helpful, especially for math. Also do as many practice tests as you can. For the essay I just learned a simple formula and got an 11 on it. My essay formula for the introduction was a topic sentence, present the view I’m not arguing, present the view I’m not arguing, then my thesis (quick and to the point). Then I used one historical example and one personal example and connected each example to my thesis. For the conclusion I restated my thesis, briefly went over my examples again, and ended with a “so what?” statement (a sentence saying why your argument is important). I also made sure to fill up both pages and used transitions to make the essay flow. </p>
<p>I’m planning on taking an SAT class during the summer that focuses on reading & writing.
I recently took another SAT practice test and got a 1950. A 9 on the essay, 710 on math, 650 on writing, and 590 on reading comprehension.
What can I do besides vocab that can boost my reading score?</p>