<p>I feel like there are certain skills that one acquires from practicing for the SAT such as problem solving, objective critical reasoning (especially with passage based reading), the ability to pick a side on prompt and give supporting evidence for your views, and correct usage of English grammar and vocabulary. Do you think this is true? Do you agree that practicing the SAT makes you smarter, or do you think it only makes you a better SAT test taker?</p>
<p>I have been thinking the same thing.</p>
<p>I have noticed that my Critical Reading skills in particular have skyrocketed over the course of my SAT preparation. I used to regard Critical Reading as my weakest and most worry-inducing section, but now I am wondering if it is my strongest section. I really do believe that practicing SAT Critical Reading conditions you for scholarly and literary passages and develops your critical reasoning skills. My SAT Reading preparation helped me immensely for the AP English Language exam. In addition, preparing for SAT Critical Reading helps you build a voluminous vocabulary that you can utilize in school.</p>
<p>The SAT Writing section has turned me into a sort of grammar Nazi. SAT grammar has really rubbed off on me.</p>
<p>SAT Math appears to help me notice mathematical tricks more, and practicing for it has familiarized me with the reasoning-based, brainteaser-type problems that characterize the SAT Math section.</p>
<p>Practicing for the SAT indubitably develops one’s SAT test-taking skills, but whether it makes you smarter overall is up for debate. I personally think that practicing for the SAT does in a way make one smarter, since it builds vocabulary, develops reasoning skills, and teach proper English grammar and usage.</p>
<p>I feel SAT prep helped me become a better test-taker overall.</p>
<p>To get a a good score on the SAT requires more than simply knowing the material (sufficient for most tests). You need to be able to solve problems quickly (and often know tricks for doing so), you need to have a good sense of pacing, and you need to weed out small mistakes.</p>
<p>Since the SAT is so harsh on mistakes/inefficiency, studying for it involves removing these tendencies. This definitely boosts performance on any test.</p>
<p>That said, I think there are also some “bad habits” to pick up from the SAT in terms of getting better at exams in college, etc. because of its unique format.</p>
<p>I think I may have changed my view slightly with respect to the essay. Although it tests one’s ability to think fast and to develop arguments, it is not a complete indicator of how a student will succeed with essays in college because in college one will have ample time to revise and edit an essay. It still is useful, but it is not a one-hundred percent predictor for how well student’s are able to write essays.</p>
<p>I would also like to add that practicing the critical reading section has made me want to read more classics even after I take my SAT. For some reason, it makes me want to be a better student and intellectual overall.</p>
<p>^What a coincidence! I feel the exact same way! The Critical Reading section has made me much more interested in intellectual writings and probing works of literature for deeper messages and themes.</p>
<p>What interests me the most is how I keep having trouble at critical reading, although the correct answer is supposed to be right in front of my eyes. Reflecting on my mistakes shows me how careless a person I am, and the process has been very insightful.</p>
<p>The SAT essay may not be most effective, but I don’t dare ask for anything more. College essays have exhausted me enough.</p>