Hey CollegeConfidential,
Hope you’re doing well!
In the last 4 practice SATs I have taken, I consistently score 730-760 on CR -> I either miss 0-1 sentence completion and 3-4 passage-based questions. Just wondering how I can push my score to an 800, as I feel like I’m almost there. I usually miss inference-based questions (out of the ones I miss). That’s about 2-3 inference-based wrong per test.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks!
Hi! I’m in the mid 600s range (sometimes low 700 if I’m too lucky) but I have different weaknesses (sentence completions, vocab in context) and inference questions boost my score so I hope I qualify for advice.
In inference questions, what I really find helpful is the “one thumb rule” - the answer is paraphrased a couple of lines above or below the line reference. It’s always like that for specific line inference questions. If it’s a general inference question, write it down before you start reading and jot down notes that guide you to the answer. I hope this helps.
If I may ask - what resources did you use for vocab? any tips for vocab in context questions?
@BethanyD Thanks for the tips!
I used Direct Hits Volume I and II for vocabulary - strongly recommend it!
awesome! I just finished volume 2 and I get all level 5 sentence completions correct. I’m now working through volume 1. Did it help with level 3 and 4 questions? I miss these normally
@BethanyD Yep! Volume I is for Levels 3-4 while Volume II is for Level 5.
More tips are appreciated!
I’m having the same situations as well, my scores has increased in the past month, but it is still in the low and mid 700s. Anyone with helpful advice?
Very simple advice - read and learn The Critical Reader then take official practice tests and make sure you can apply what you learned. Study every wrong answer or anything that was not completely clear until you fully understand it and can teach it to someone else. Don’t give up on a question, even if ti takes you 30 minutes to finally see the logic. There is one and only one clear correct answer for every question.
THis advice can get you to 800 if you are a slightly above average reader and have a decent vocabulary. If your reading skills are below par you’ll need to be content with a less than perfect score. If your vocabulary is below average, but you fully incorporate the sentence completion strategies, you may still be able to get the 800 or if not you can get pretty close.