<p>The next coming school year I'm going to be a junior (obviously a huge year). I'm not going to be home for ALL the two months of summer, so taking a prep course is not an option for me. In regards to test prep for the SAT (mostly) and the ACT (alongside), what do you advise? Money is not an issue. What books, online sources, etc...whatever you feel is the smartest thing that a single person can stick to without assistance (for the entire summer lol). If you recommend books, which ones in particular?</p>
<p>I also am wrapping up this year's Chem Honors course and I intend on taking the SAT II Chem in October. Should I study for the SAT AND the SAT II Chem each day of the summer? How long in advance should I prepare for such tests?</p>
<p>I'm obviously open for anything and lost so fill mehhh in ;]</p>
<p>I'm in the same boat as you. Summer just started, I'm going to be a junior, I'll be away for about 4 weeks of my 8 week summer. I decided that even thought I'm going away, there's still a month of time that I could study. I got RocketReview (it's amazing by the way and I totally recommend it!) and I study that everyday (about 15-30 minutes on each section of the test- CR, W, and M- more time on Math though since it is by far my worst subject). I also plan to take a subject test in October (Lit) and I got Kaplan that I go over everyday or every other day for 15 minutes. Then I have PR Math IC and IIC...not taking that until June of next year but I really need more help on math for the SAT so I thought it would be good to have.</p>
<p>So basically, it is possible to study everyday and I would recommend studying for your Chem test over the summer(just so it doesn't float away in those summer breezes). RocketReview is great and so is PR for extra math help. Sorry I don't know any specific chem or ACT books for you but good luck!</p>
<p>Oh yay. Nice to know I'm not alone. I think I'm going to study SAT during the summer. I know most people say to ONLY do the collegeboard tests, but I think I need practice, (anyone know what's helpful).</p>
<p>What books are good? I haven't started looking at any.
Obviously, the collegeboard, and Real ACT books are a must. </p>
<p>Is it useful studying for vocab? I bought two vocab books I plan to study on the plane or something.</p>
<p>The best thing to do is to first take a practice test, and see what your strengths and weaknesses are. Then tailor your preparation to fix your major weaknesses. So if you're strong at vocabulary, then you shouldn't study vocabulary as much as something you're weaker at.</p>
<p>In response to what Ajisa said, I can't take a summer course although I really reallllllllllllly want to :/</p>
<p>So for SAT prep, I should buy RocketReview, CollegeBoard, and the 10 Real SATs? Are those books that can be used without a supplementary course or tutor?</p>
<p>And for the Chem SATs, maybe I just won't take them. I really don't have time to focus on another test :/</p>
<p>Lastly, do you really have to study for the ACTs if you're studying for the SATs? Or do you just get prepared working on the SATs alone for both test?</p>
<p>I have Rocket Review and Gruber's is in the mail. I wanted something more than the typical PR/Barrons, and those looked great. Getting blue book for practice SAT's. Realize that the 10 Real SAT's is for the old test. Doing them probably won't hurt, but know that you won't see analogy and certain math type problems.</p>
<p>The SAT and ACT are very different tests, so you should prep separately for the ACT if you plan on taking it.</p>
<p>Okay so here's the deal...tell me if it's a good combo ;] :</p>
<p>FOR THE SAT's:
-CollegeBoard's The Official SAT Study Guide with 8 Practice Tests
-Gruber's Complete SAT Guide 2009
(so disregard Princeton Review, RocketReview, Barron's, SparkNotes, Up Your Score, and For Dummies??)</p>
<p>Blue Book and Grubers for the SAT...dont spend too much time on strategy...alternate Grubers and the Blue book practice tests...Grubers is substantially harder...make sure you understand why you got each and every question wrong...for the blue book the answers are on the CB site...im not sure if you have to pay b/c i get it free from school</p>
<p>I got a 760 on chem after 2 years of chem (pre a.p. and AP) I used the Barrons book, which was pretty good review (although a bit too in depth, and the lab portions were all dumb). Unless you have no other options for subject tests, i would wait till may or june of junior year to take the tests after completing AP/IB courses. This will ensure higher scores. Don't rush the tests mate. Oh, and i hear PR is decent review for chem. Be sure to do a bit of basic nuclear since most classes don't get to the nukes and there are generally 1-2 questions on decay.</p>
<p>Princeton Review is decent for Chem--of course I didn't really use it to review the material (as my course I took last year was EXTREMELY intensive) and really can just attest to the quality of the practice tests.</p>
<p>For Gruber, read the 3500 vocab list and all that but don't take its practice tests. Or rather, at least skip critical reading sections; they're just confusing.
11 Princeton Review Practice Tests and the Official Collegeboard book are the real things you need.</p>
<p>^ Look at the reviews on amazon, plus the general opinion on this board. It's a great book.</p>
<p>As for the PR 11 SATs, DO NOT GET IT! The practice tests are not accurate. What you need is the Blue Book only. 8 SATs should last you long enough.</p>