<p>Things aren't different with the Xiggi method 3 years later. Worked like a charm for my older D and I'm starting younger D on it now. Of course, with younger D I need to credit $ towards clothing purchases for each full practice test she takes....</p>
<p>I doubt I'd invest in a tutor over investing in exposure. This is my daughter's theory but I think it makes sense. She came out of this year's PSAT knowing she didn't do as well as she did as a sophomore. Two weeks later she came out of the SAT knowing she did very well. Zero test prep in between and a +170 point swing. She just said she felt on top of her game physically and mentally, that she got the right test with the right essay prompt, and was in the zone. She said since it's so hard to predict those variables, why wouldn't someone just take the SAT ten times? It's a helluva lot cheaper than tutoring, it is real-time, real-world test prep in itself, and it provides the greatest exposure to the possibility of a winning score. Of course the obvious question is what will admissions people think and there seem to be a variety of answers on that. In this situation, trying to meet a merit aid cutoff at a state school, I doubt it matters at all. Sign him up and tell him +30 means he doesn't have to take it again.</p>
<p>Read, read, read. I think it even helps with the math score. Lots of those problems involve reading comprehension.</p>
<p>Here is a link to a great discussion of study skills:
Ill</a> Get You Back Up to Speed Academically in Two Weeks. Youll Be Ready for College.</p>
<p>I recommend Princeton Review classes--worked very well for my son, and I don't recall that he did any work outside of class. The value comes in the student feeling more comfortable about taking the test--types of questions, when to guess and when not to guess, etc.--as opposed to studying content. And I think there's benefit to being in a class--more fun. Most kids aren't sufficiently motivated to self-study for the SAT.</p>
<p>My son thought Kaplan did not help at all. Of course, he did not do all the work .... He did the work that was on-line but not in the book. Didn't even take the plastic off the vocabulary cards (I'm saving everything for my daughter). Then I invested in a tutor. He thought the biggest advantage of the tutor was learning the vocab (he had to study a certain number of each session) and the root words. Interestingly, his biggest increase was in math - he saw another tutor of only two sessions. I don't know what they did but it worked. The one good thing about Kaplan is that you take an actual SAT multiple times so that you are comfortable with the exam.</p>
<p>"Its all about use of common sense." my kid about SAT I. His ACT is not as well as SAT. Most of his friends thought ACT is easier on sience sections. But he got oposit results.</p>
<p>Again, PR seemed to help my son, if only to make him more comfortable with the test-taking environment as opposed to learning new material. This was a couple of years ago when they were moving to the new 3-part SAT. His Math + Critical Reading total increased by 80 points from sophomore to junior year, and he scored 11/12 on the Writing essay. On the other hand, his PSAT score didn't change at all from sophomore to junior year, but it was already quite high.</p>
<p>In addition to all the test prep ideas, you might want to think about more food and water on test day :-). Three and a half hours is a long time, and it's good to bring re-fueling supplies. I believe the kids can't eat or drink during the test, but there are short breaks. I sent energy bars, cookies, dried fruit, and drinks with my daughter, since I know she runs out of fuel easily and usually eats half of her lunch mid-morning when she's at school. She said eating and drinking during the test breaks really helped to increase her energy.</p>
<p>lyonsden -</p>
<p>"Does anyone know if Xigge is still around?"</p>
<p>Well, Xiggi was around yesterday afternoon --- either that or someone has stolen his identification (LOL). But really, if you read through his method you'll see that it's a very common sense combination of techniques. It's worked for many students, and the price is certainly right.</p>
<p>
[quote]
My son is in 11th grade and just took the test. His scores were 630 reading, 600 math, and 500 writing. I think these are OK grades, but not nearly where they should be, and he is usually excellent at standardized tests.</p>
<p>He wants to go to one of the moderate state schools and the guidance counselor said these scores will get him in. </p>
<p>From what I've heard, a private tutor is the best way to go. My son absolutely refuses. But I know for certain he'll never read a book or do an online course.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>For what it is worth, I've heard the same story many, many times. Unfortunately, you can't bank on the advice of the GC and cannot control what other students do in preparation for applying to the moderate state school. </p>
<p>The good news is that there is plenty your son can do to increase his scores without feeling it to be a chore. For instance, increasing the writing score should be quite easy, especially is your son is taking an advanced English class that has a focus on writing. All that is needed is paying attention to a few dozens easy grammatical rules. Paying attention in class and taking a handful of the writing sections of the College Board practice tests should pay huge dividends. A moderate effort here should propel the 500 to a 650 --and more in line with the 630 CR score.</p>
<p>Taking practice tests also WILL help increasing the math scores (school work and "being great at math" is not that relevant here) and it should NOT be a crusade. Taking two or three practice tests and ONLY looking at the math sections should take no time at all. As I wrote many times, I even recommend to "take" the test while looking at the answers. The purpose is to get familiar with the questions and identify the patterns. Working on time and advanced techniques is probably not important for your son's objective. Increasing the score by 100 points should be possible.</p>
<p>In his case, I would not worry about the Critical Reading score. </p>
<p>Should you take a tutor? I don't think so. Should you sign up for a PR or Kaplan class? Absolutely not! Save yourself the money and save your son the aggravation. Your best friend will be the 12-15 dollars Blue Book. However, do not buy it and throw it at your son. A better idea is to cut it in small sections. Place all the practice tests in manila folders and give your son a few at a time. Ask him to take ONE or TWO sections at a time for a maximum investment of 1 hour. Consider paying him $20 for each one-hour "ordeal" ... if he takes 20 of them, he'll increase his scores and you'll still will be way ahead of the fees charged by the outfits that offer generic classes. </p>
<p>Make it sound like a game to play, and both of you will win. You may even consider taking the practice tests as well and ... challenge him. :)</p>
<p>PS Your son's PSAT score will also give you a second opinion on his potential scores.</p>
<p>XIGGI - You arrived! Like Superman to save the day! :) And I thought you were only a legend. I've printed out your whole plan for my son, but this, THIS is probably the best advice and maybe he'll even listen to you.</p>
<p>I have no idea of your age or where you are in school, etc. But you are clearly a remarkable young man who truly cares about this generation of (many) kids who feel entitled without putting in the work. Since it's a "new world," seems reasonable that it'll take a whole new way of thinking to get these kids to change themselves and the world. Maybe most of the kids and parents on this board are not having this experience, but all of my son's friends' parents with whom I've spoken have the same battle.</p>
<p>Have a great new year. I know you will be a stunning success in any endeavor. Thank you for taking the time to address my concerns so specifically.</p>
<p>To spare Xiggi's blushes, he is a college senior. He has been helping students on CC even before starting college.</p>
<p>Xiggi is Legend</p>
<p>Thanks. Just one question. Which "few dozen easy grammatical rules?" Strunk and White? Or are they in the book? Or any other suggestions. </p>
<p>By the way, my son agreed, without argument, to Xiggi's suggestions, above. :) </p>
<p>Thank you all.</p>
<p>If you want to include a good economic reason to increase his score: </p>
<p>Bright Futures= around $4000/year= around 500 hours of work at $8/hour= around 10 full time work weeks paying no taxes and saving every penny. Multiplied by four years if you keep up your grades.</p>
<p>A return on his investment worthy of Warren Buffett</p>
<p>Though it makes me squeamish, I agree to the idea of paying the kid $20 for doing practice tests. I suggested this very thing to my sister for my nephew this week. Since most state schools aren't really counting the writing section, I'd focus on getting the other 2 up. Did you son finish all the sections on the SAT? I'm guessing he didn't. Doing the practice tests will up his speed. If he can finish each section, that will help his score a lot right there.</p>
<p>We put both of our S's in the Testmasters prep course. It was expensive (about $700), but their scores came <em>way</em> up. Also, it was fun. The instructors do things like call out questions and throw candy at whoever answers first. The boys liked it, and their higher scores opened up a lot of options to them that would have been closed otherwise. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.</p>