<p>I'm a very driven sophmore who aspires to well on the SAT. Though i recieve good grades and take AP classes, I've always wondered about the best way to prepare for the SAT. To score a 2200+ does one have to be inntately cabable or does thorough studying help...</p>
<p>advice? tips? experince? </p>
<p>THANKS!!!</p>
<p>Um... both. Some people are naturally good at taking these standardized tests. Personally, I took a lot of practice test. As you probably already know, the SAT does not really measure intelligence at all. :/</p>
<p>Tips: Buy the big blue book and try to remember vocab. When you do practice tests, just do the sections you have trouble with. If your weakness is CR, you should try to read more books in order to improve Vocab and Reading speed. Pretty much, the only way to improve is to do a lot of tests... In my opinion, prep courses are not worth it. Studying on your own is way more effective.</p>
<p>Hope these tips help. They helped me get a perfect score... so there's some legitimacy?</p>
<p>what exactly is the "BIG BLUE BOOK?"</p>
<p>thanx</p>
<p>The big blue book is the official prep book offered by Collegeboard...</p>
<p>Here's a link to it: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Official-SAT-Study-Guide/dp/0874477182/ref=pd_sim_b_1/102-5112171-2248121%5B/url%5D">http://www.amazon.com/Official-SAT-Study-Guide/dp/0874477182/ref=pd_sim_b_1/102-5112171-2248121</a>
This book has tips directly from the makers of the test, and it includes 8 practice tests.</p>
<p>Another book that you might look into is this: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Real-SATs-Third-College-Board/dp/0874477050%5B/url%5D">http://www.amazon.com/Real-SATs-Third-College-Board/dp/0874477050</a>
I didn't use this book to study... but apparently, it has 10 real SAT tests (publisher's also Collegeboard). I'm not sure whether or not these tests overlap with those from the blue book.</p>
<p>There really is no advice in my opinion. You just have to find what works for you</p>
<p>I use the Blue Book to take whole practice tests and the 10 Real SATs (Red Book) for individual section practice. It does not have writing sections, but I'm not too concerned about that. The CR and Math practice is great.</p>
<p>I am going to order RocketReview...people say it is amazing</p>
<p>first do practice tests from Barrons (its much harder) then do whole tests from the blue book</p>
<p>practice incessantly.</p>
<p>Two of the current seniors at our high school got 2400's. One did quite a bitt of practice testing and studying; the other one didn't. A third person got a 36 on the ACT; he didn't study much at all.</p>
<p>I'd say a lot of it is innate, but studying can definitely help you reach your full potential. Read, memorize vocab, be very familiar with grammar rules, do practice tests....that's it really.</p>
<p>Don't bother. A 2400 isn't a ticket to top schools, even with a perfect GPA and an otherwise great app. Spend your efforts somewhere else.</p>
<p>try to get your hands on some actual tests, see if people in your school got their SAT's back and use those. I didn't do well my first time taking the SAT, an 1860 (probably due to no studying and a lack of sleep), the 2nd time I prepared with one on one tutor sessions where I did about 5-6 real tests, like the ones actually administered, then when I took it the second time I got a 2300.</p>
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I'd say a lot of it is innate
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<p>I believe that is a huge misconception. If you ask around, many excellent or perfect scorers had a low score the first time. A poster called naidu90 had a 590 the first time at her CR score and on the March test got an 800.
Nothing is innate at SAT. That is exactly why smart people do bad. A very small amount of people are naturally excellent test takers that just have to look at the test to find patterns. I myself have dedicated a week in finding all the patterns in Writing, so that I could score an 800. I am still struggling, but from high 600s, i went to 750-800.</p>
<p>i had the same as debate_addict as well, there are definitely a lot of patterns in the writing and if you know what to look for it is incredibly easy, I went from a 590 ---> a 770</p>
<p>I skimmed over what other's said, but essentially they are correct. I think I am qualified to give advice, 2370 SAT, so here it goes:</p>
<p>1) Start studying summer of sophmore year (that's this summer), you can't start any later because I assume you will be taking time intensive AP's and having ECs to worry about Junior Year
2) Refresh on basic skills by buying some section specific prep books based on your weakness (i.e. your weakness is Math buy a well-rated math prep book)
3) After you have torn through these prep books, buy Collegeboards real book of 8 tests- this is your Bible. Take 1 or max 2 (week before test) a week.
4) If you need other CB tests, buy the online course- I think they have like 6 or 7 extra practice tests there.
5) Take Practice Tests in REAL TESTING SITUATIONS. You would be surprised how fatigued you get after a 4 hour test-I'm telling you this was by far the hardest part for me- I really get hungry and can't concentrate well into the later sections and I saw this when scoring my practice tests.
6) Study vocab 20 words per day during the summer, to make them stick in your head use them in your writing and your daily sentences
7) If you think you need it to stay disciplined- get a prep course. I found it pretty useless besides making me practice what I have already learned. Also, dont read too much into the diagnostic scores. I got a 2170 on my last diagnositc score with Kaplan a week before the test and improved 200 pts.
8) I'm assuming you'll be looking for NM commended or semi-finalist, start studying for the PSAT first (aka dont worry about the essay or the higher level math)
9) VERY IMPORTANT- you will do well if not the first time, the second time. If you dont wanna take it a 2nd (like me) just say to yourself while you're studying, I dont wanna take it a 2nd time- that drove me to study my ass off
10) Don't buy the bull crap that there is no difference between a 2200 and 2400, that leads to laziness, poor studying habits, and complacence (Trust me I know) So therefore AIM for the HIGHEST score
11) The SAT isn't everything, your GPA/Rank/Rigor of courseload, ECs, recs, and other stuff is extremely important. Especially the rigor of courseload- I think this is the MOST important factor anywhere, which you seem to have down pat.</p>
<p>Sorry for my lengthy post.</p>
<p>Oh yeah it's not a ticket to top schools but, if you have a 2400 I will assume you will be admitted to a few ivies.</p>
<p>take practice tests</p>
<p>That is immensely helpful, how much in advance should i begin?</p>
<p>You should begin studying TODAY. I kick myself over and over again now for not starting as soon as I possibly could.</p>