<p>There's a socially inept guy in my classes who can't get over 2000+ no matter how much he studies. He has taken two SAT prep classes (both of which cost over $500) and plans on taking a $3000 prep class during the summer. He's taken the SAT three times so far and these are his scores:
First try: around 1550
Second try: around 1700
Third try: around 1850</p>
<p>I was a bit upset by the fact that so many kids have the money to take SAT prep classes. They obviously have an advantage over those who are less financially privileged. For instance, my family is very poor (I'm one of five girls in my family), so I couldn't take a prep class. I sought for help on CC and studied on my own over the summer. When I took the SAT for the first time in May, I got a 2280.</p>
<p>Do SAT prep classes help? If I'd taken a prep class, would I have gotten an even higher score on the SAT?</p>
<p>They help, but I wouldn’t fork out $3,000 for a prep class. I took a $500 prep class and my writing score improved ~150 points, although I can’t say whether that was from the prep class or just me reviewing some grammar rules.</p>
<p>SAT prep courses are great for kids who need an extra push to study for the tests. Sure they give you test prep advice but the main reason they work is their guarantees hinge on you showing up for class and doing the homework. If you miss even one class your guarantee can be void. So they really force you to practice which is the key. You can do this on your own by just getting a SAT or ACT practice book or two and really going through all the practice tests. My D improved her ACT score from a 30 to a 35 by just practice, practice, practice with a $20 book. </p>
<p>One bit of good advice my kids counselors said was to take both the SAT and ACT early in January your junior year, see what one you did better on to start with, then really practice that test, then take it again. Some people tend to do better on the SAT and others on the ACT.</p>
<p>I find also from my own test taking days, and I have taken many a test in my day, that your attitude and stress level can really influence your results the day of the test. Make a point to be relaxed, get a good night sleep, eat a good breakfast, get to the test center early, and if you find youself panicking when you look at the test booklet, stop, take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, relax and start again. Take your time to read the question slowly and carefully , then choose your best answer - and let it go. Don’t go back and second guess.</p>
<p>hat really depends on the student. The worlds best personal trainer won’t be able to give everyone a six-pack. It’s up to the person to do the workout and eat the nutrition.</p>
<p>If you had taken a prep course, you would have worked hard and earned a higher score. But you don’t and you didn’t and you still scored fine.</p>
<p>There are 2 kinds of poor kids at uni: the bitter ones and the hopeful ones.</p>
<p>The bitter ones think is lame that other kids have coin and can do whatever they want. They drop words like, “that’s BS”, or “that jerk”… </p>
<p>The bitter ones don’t really grow, even if they are smart.</p>
<p>The hopeful ones say things like, “whoa, that’s awesome that your dads hard work lets you live comfy,” and “i cannot wait to give my kids this kind of opportunity.”</p>
<p>I was a hopeful kid in uni, and I’m doing fine. The bitter kids, they aren’t doing so hot.</p>
<p>Be hopeful and keep working. You’ll get yours. :)</p>
<p>Craig</p>