<p>Alright. From my experience.
Took the entire Princeton review course, but only hardcore studied two weeks before. I did the majority of the sections (timed, of course) in the 11 Practice Tests by Princeton. March '07 - 2090 (M700 CR690 W700)
Took the Princeton refresher course (free), but didn't hardcore study. Studied somewhat the week/two weeks before the test. Finished most of whatever sections I didn't do in the 11 Practice Tests.
Oct '07 - 2150 (M800 CR600 W750)
Superscore - 2240
My advice: You can't really do much better on the critical reading section because it's all comprehension. That takes years to build up. As for the vocab...it's a grand total of nineteen questions. And they're only five to eight hard ones. So don't bother too much about studying vocab.
The math and writing on the other hand, are much easier to prep for. It's basically a bunch of rules. By learning all the rules, it's easier for you to improve. Also, the Princeton review gives a bit of good rules for math and writing. And for the essay...that just depends on your writing skills.
I would say the Princeton review didn't help...but from my PSAT (1990) to a 2090 to a 2150, finally a 2240, I'd say it would. Or just all the timed sections I did. Good luck!!</p>
<p>Well, I took the Princeton Review Course. I guess it did help but only the practice tests. Much of the stuff they taught was simple common sense stuff. </p>
<p>Other then that, I only used the blue book and did maybe a few practice tests. I mostly concentrated on why I got the answers right/ wrong.</p>
<p>I ended up with a 2200 on my first try =]</p>
<p>It really depends on how much time and effort you put into practicing.</p>
<p>All 4 Barron's Books (M,CR,W,2400)
Blue Book + Online Tests</p>
<p>Also had Kaplan/PR, but didn't like them too much.</p>
<p>Barron's 2400
Blue Book + collegeboard online tests
some other vocab things (got a free elite 2000 vocab packet from friend; it helped a lot)</p>
<p>I improved like 190 points on CR (550 -> 740 from june to october, same year lols)</p>
<p>DO NOT take classes...they are a complete waste of money and time and only for people that have no clue what the SAT is actually about ("The SAT has three sections, math...." etc. A tutor would be the only huge investment you should consider.</p>
<p>As for books, use Rocket Review. Seriously. The guy knows what he is talking about. After learning the techniques, practice with the blue book (official SAT study guide) from College Board. The month or two before Oct. SAT, I just read through Rocket Review and did 2 practice tests along the way and raised my sat 100 points. So imagine if I actually practiced more</p>
<p>thanks people.</p>
<p>I downloaded a practice test from the collegeboard website...that's like the Blue Book, right?</p>
<p>Always use the Blue Book, it's exactly like the real SAT. Because it IS composed of real SATs! Isn't that just...amazing? </p>
<p>You could also use Princeton Review.</p>
<p>Shapeofhome...
You know what really would be shocking? Getting over 2350 without any prep. ^.^</p>
<p>people tell me princeton review is useless.</p>
<p>For vocab purposes, it's just a matter of reading. I personally have always had a large vocabulary, so that section was no problem.</p>
<p>For the actual reading parts, the math, and the grammar questions, I used the College Board's sample test booklet. They're the blue, black, and white booklets that should be found in every guidance counselors' room in America.</p>
<p>I regularly score 700-800 on reading/writing, but I can't break 700 for math (usually mid 600s). What do you guys recommend as the best MATH book?</p>
<p>Blue Book seems fine, but it doesn't explain too much for the CR and Writing. That's why I brought a Barrons CR and Writing book.</p>
<p>I would say use the Blue book and the Barron's 2400 book. The rest, practice tests.</p>
<p>I really don't think it matters which book, as long as it has practice tests. I had like three different books, and so I just took a bunch of practice tests.</p>
<p>For math: try prayer. It worked for me. My first time I got a 650, second a 740. The only difference was that I didn't study the second time.</p>
<p>i used kaplan 2400 for critical reading, went up 40 so not a huge improvement but helpful.....my most helpful resource was the College Board Blue Book. from my first to second testing i went up 180 and i did a ton of practice. i wouldnt go for strategy books as much as the blue book and just practice. as boring as it is, it truly is invaluable.</p>
<p>hmm seems Barrons is most popular.. didn't expect that.</p>
<p>Hahah bowmaster, I read "try prayer" and immediately went to my Google search box to type in "prayer." </p>
<p>And then I was like...oh. Whoops.</p>
<p>I told my kids not to bother to study. The best preparation for them was taking the PSAT just to get familiar with the test format. I told them their work in H-S was their preparation and not to worry so much about it, get plenty of sleep, and eat a good breakfast. D1 hit 1440 the first time out (on the "old" SAT) with an 800 on SAT-II writing so let's call it a 2240 with no prep. D2 did 2120 with an interesting cognitive disorder that effects her ability to do timed math tests quickly we were not aware of prior to SATs and so she never asked for special consideration. Thirty-seven years ago I hit 1500 on my first try with no prep back when that was a real score with no curve. </p>
<p>About all the SATs tell is that some people test better than others. If you can familiarize yourself with the test format and test-taking by repeating practice tests, that's probably more helpful than cramming in an attempt to gain knowledge you don't already have. And get a good night's sleep and eat a balanced breakfast!! ;)</p>
<p>lol <em>37 years ago</em></p>
<p>the biggest help for me was using a book filled with practice tests, and each question had its answer explained in the answer key. as you practice, look up the words you come across you don't know the definitions of and write them down, also write down any helpful mathematics equations.</p>