<p>Everyone prepping for the SAT,
My name is Alan Hatfield and I just graduated from high school this past June. I received a 2400 on my SAT and a 36 on the ACT and I'm going to attend Princeton in two years, after I finish a year of living in India. This past year, I was the guest editor for an SAT prep book titled "Up Your Score: The Underground Guide to the SAT" and released by Workman publishing. It's essentially an SAT prep book designed to both entertain and prepare. It's filled with some (hopefully) quality humor along with a more relational approach to studying form I and the three other guys (they're grown up now...) who aced their SATs way back in the day. The 2010-2011 edition is out in stores currently and I'd suggest that anyone interested at least look it over or contact a friend who's used it before. Also, if anyone has used a previous edition or currently owns a copy, it'd be cool if you can post your suggestions, comments, etc. Just throwing another book out there that's a step away from your traditional Barron's, Grubber's, PR, or CB-type SAT books. Check it out.</p>
<p>I’ve skimmed through it, and didn’t find it particularly helpful (I own it). If you have been lurking around CC for a while or have read either Xiggi or Silverturtle’s guide, Up Your Score is totally not worth it. If you have a really young sibling who obviously probably wouldn’t be a CCer, then Up Your Score is a great way to get started (it’s a quick read).</p>
<p>You’re absolutely right if your preparation consists of only doing practice tests. For some people, there’s nothing better than just doing more and more practice tests, but neither of the other guides assesses your mentality about the test, which helped me more than anything else. Both Xiggi and Silverturtle present a traditional formulaic path to success. Up Your Score is a tad different. Just a thought. For you, obviously, it’s not the perfect cup of tea. But, as long as your happy with your score and the preparation you’re doing, youwrotethis, then go for it.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>You’re saying that I didn’t speak to mentality?</p>
<p>Alan, while all roads are supposed to lead to Rome, there are many different paths to the top of mountain. </p>
<p>Students react to different methods and do not learn the same way. I have always recommended to try different methods to find the one that works the best. For some, this might mean to sit and watch videos passively; others seem to be able to absorb new strategies with ease; and finally some need to work through stacks of practice tests with patience and dedication. </p>
<p>As far as being formulaic, a few days ago one poster called one my suggestions the most ridiculous she (or he) ever read. This is just an example that it is impossible to please everyone. One small correction is, however, warranted: in addition to base one’s preparation on working through the official tests, I also encourage to check the available source books, and to utilize the resources of this site to the fullest extent, namely through the active participation in discussions. </p>
<p>While I remain convinced that my suggestions could and should and should be helpful, I also know that this is far from being the only successful approach. </p>
<p>Best of luck with the book! </p>
<p>PS The edition I read was from 2001-2002 with the authors listed as Berger, Colton, Jewell, Mistry, and Rossi. Sounds like a Chicago law firm!</p>
<p>I own one of the earlier editions. It’s ok I guess. Pretty funny. But I didn’t find it that useful</p>