An SAT Improvement Story and a "Thank You" to CC!

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
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I want to start this post off with a quote from a text I sent over the summer:
“Bro I got a 1960 on the Kaplan practice test I’m so pumped!!! That would be so awesome to get a 2000 on the real thing.”
I realize how pretentious it is to brag about an SAT score (and a practice one at that), but I was excited. I didn’t think I could do that well. I dreamed of getting a 2000 on the real thing one day, and after the results today, I’ve passed my goal; I have a 2240 single-sitting and 2330 superscored (730 math).

My biggest struggle was time. I have severe ADD, and I had tremendous difficulty finishing the sections on time. My parents wanted to apply for extended time, especially since I had to cancel my Math II subject test last March (I couldn’t finish even with 2x time on practice tests). However, I refused, as I didn’t want a benefit other hard-working students wouldn’t have access to. I also wanted to avoid the stigma of being one of those kids that “games the system”.

I worked hard, and pushed myself more than I’d ever done before. I spent the first week of summer waking up at 6:00 to take practice tests. I studied vocab books beginning at the tail-end of sophomore year. I actually enjoyed the challenge, especially figuring out the Collegeboard’s tactics. By my 20th practice test, I was still going overtime, sometimes by 5+ minutes; I was frustrated, sure, but determined nonetheless. I obsessed over mistakes, and learned from them. My parents would take away my prep books, hand me a TV remote, and tell me I could have my books back after an hour of TV. My parents thought I was too invested, and I was. This was more than a test score; it was an opportunity to prove my capabilities.

I would’ve never had my score without college confidential. I didn’t want to spend my parents’ hard-earned money on expensive prep courses, so I decided to teach myself using the internet. I learned from forum members about the best prep books, the hidden gems not displayed in Barnes and Noble. I learned great strategies from various guides from APOC, Silverturtle, Noitarep etc. I also enjoyed the companionship from other test takers as we braved cruel curves and deceiving questions alike.

So to summarize: dream big. You’ve nothing to lose and, believe it or not, everything to gain. I believe in you, and when you do the same, both consciously and subconsciously, the results will come. Lastly, to paraphrase one of my previous posts, keep in mind that a poor SAT score, whatever it is that you denote, does not diminish your intelligence, value or potential.

Happy standardized testing everybody!
-AS

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Congrats!

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Tips for CR and math (last 2 fill ins)? Only got a 2080 feelsbadman

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@amdcous CR just takes practice. I started reading The Economist and The New Yorker between my first try (730) and second try (800). Noitarep and APOC both have great guides. Erica Meltzer and the Black Book are also great sources. Here are a few of my own tips:

  1. This is an unorthodox way to do vocab, but it worked for me. Write a story using a vocab list, but you must use the words in the order they are presented. Your story will become increasingly ridiculous as you figure out how to integrate the next word, but it will become ingrained in your mind.
  2. Feel relaxed. I was panicked the first test session, and my score took a hit. On the second session, I felt confident and composed.
  3. Don’t look for right answers, as several of them will appear right. Instead look for wrong answers, which you can determine through specific key words (too extreme, too specific etc.) Come up with an answer in your head before viewing your choices so you aren’t as susceptible to tricks.
  4. Write while reading. I refused to do this for a long time, as it seemed like a complete waste of energy and time. However, writing notes will stimulate your brain and allow you to retain what you’re reading more efficiently.

Of course, different strategies work for different people, so experiment. Good luck!
P.S.: There are much better people than me on these threads to ask for help on math. However, I went from a 680 to 730 through practice and PWN the SAT.

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I am currently on my 13th practice test(finished the BB and doing the 6 practice tests from the online course). I always get mid 600’s for CR and W while getting 740-770’s on Math. Any tips? I am a senior and taking it December.

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@Cheesusrice Take a look at my earlier post for what worked out for me, but other guides are much more in-depth and lauded on these forums. For writing, just used Erica Meltzer’s grammar book and practice essays to nail the timing. Read The Economist/New Yorker for 3 good reasons:

  1. Learn SAT vocab.
  2. Get used to CR-type passages and learn how to dissect the author’s purpose and buildup.
  3. Learn about world events so you have a plethora of examples to draw upon for the essay.
    Lastly, continue practicing as much as you can without overexerting yourself. CR eventually clicked for me, and it likely will for you also. You have impressive commitment going through 13 tests (use cracksat when you exhaust your current sources), and I wish you luck in December.
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Ah… I think one way you were using CC was in sharing SAT answers after the test. That is a gaming the system… not so proud that CC “helped” if that was part of it.

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@intparent I confess I did engage in those discussions. However, my score didn’t benefit, so I don’t know how you consider it gaming the system. Like the rest of the commenters, I was just passing time and trying to get an idea of my score so I wouldn’t be disappointed when results were revealed. I’ll refrain from discussing the test in the future.

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So you potentially helped others who had not taken the test yet, and violated the oath you signed when you took the test so you could “pass the time”. Nice…

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@intparent I see the error of my ways, and will act more appropriately in the future. I’m new to the site, which is part of the reason I didn’t follow proper conduct, but I still accept due blame. Still, your condescending sarcasm isn’t necessary, and a little surprising from a parent. I’ve tried not to respond confrontationally, and I wish you would do the same. As far as I know, all tests had been completed by the time I posted.

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Congratulations! This is so awesome :slight_smile:

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The parents out her put a lot of time into helping students. There are clear warnings in the SAT forum & threads about this issue. I am cynical in that I think that aomeone who doesn’t take their signed statement seriously and ignores specific requests not to do something will be honest in other parts of their application. It is easy to be repentant now, after you have the scores you want. Still ahead in the college app process: writing your own essays, honestly reporting your activities, only depositing at one school. Still ahead in college: doing your work without cheating. Good luck, hope you have indeed turned over a new leaf in all areas.

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It’s super disappointing to see you being so childish as a parent. Even if he shouldn’t have discussed questions he expressed an earnest apology and yet you are trying to degrade his achievements? Don’t act like you or your child don’t make mistakes and like you have the right to sit on your high horse and condemn someone who worked hard for something. And him discussing questions in no way could have rose his score since he had finished the test already. Grow up, before your own child ends up outgrowing you.

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Congrats @ambitionsquared! Thanks for sharing your story of hard work paying off as well as tips for other kids. Stories like yours are what make CC a useful resource.

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There are consequences when people cheat. Like other people noticing and pointing it out. And wondering what else that person might cheat on. That’s all I am trying to say.

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@mannika19 That is already a stellar improvement. Congratulations on breaking 2000! I was around 2000 on practice tests a few months ago, but improved relatively quickly, and I’m certain you can do the same. You don’t need to worry about math at this point, a 760 is amazing for any school. For writing, Meltzer’s book is a lifesaver, so if you haven’t already, try it out. For the essay, follow Academic Hacker’s rubric. Unfortunately, CR is typically the most difficult subject to raise, but with enough practice, it will click. For your next 1.5 months, I would recommend cramming vocab (ideally 10-15 words per day) and taking practice CR sections at least a couple times a week (only college board materials). Meltzer’s CR book is helpful but rather dense, so it might eat up a good portion of your winter break. Good luck!

@Ibebikz Thanks for the backup :slight_smile:

@intparent It’s frustrating that you would question the value of my character and ethics. I have my faults - we all do - but dishonesty isn’t one of them. Like I said, I refused to consider extra time because I considered that cheating, and despite the trials I had to go through during prep, my conviction never wavered. I didn’t flip back in the SAT to finish old sections like some people do. I even took a seat next to the proctor; I had nothing to hide. I’m kind of a goody-goody lol, but I take pride in that. Lastly, although I was definitely at fault, I find it ludicrous that you would consider my actions cheating, considering they yielded no benefits or advantages.
Cheat=“act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage, especially in a game or examination”

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What is academic hacker’s rubric? Is it a book? I can’t find it online

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@mannika19 It is considered a golden resource by many on these forums. It was an extensive post, but seems to have been removed since, so watch the youtube video of it. Type in “How to write a 12 essay in 10 days”. I would give you a link if I was allowed to post one. For vocab, I found the Insider’s Complete Guide to SAT Vocabulary to be best, but Direct Hits also has a good track record.

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@intparent Seriously, you’re going to blame him/her for cheating? In the world of cheating of SATs, this is the least severe I’ve seen out there. The most common being flipping back to other sections after time has been called. Almost every student I’ve seen does that. Some will even go so far as to get a friendly medical professional to sign off on medical reasons to allow for extended time, even though they do not deserve it. OP has severe ADD, so he DESERVES extra time. But he chose not to use it; that’s crazy awesome imo!!! He got a 2330, a score some could only dream of. Imagine what score he could’ve gotten had he gotten teh extra time he deserves. Stop being so salty and lashing out on OP.

@ambitionsquared GREAT JOB!!!

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He is quite proud of not requesting the extra time, but that is within the rules to do so. If he doesn’t have a legitimate disability, he wouldn’t get it. Students with recent diagnosis that are suspect are not usually given extra time. And “minor” cheating is still… cheating.