<p>Over the years, CC has helped me so much and single-handedly guided me through the college admissions process. I’m quite certain that if I had not stumbled across this site during my sophomore year, there is no chance that I would be heading off to one of the best universities in the world next fall. I promised myself that once I successfully reached the end of the road [which I have, finally!], I would do this in return for all the wonderful people who have helped me along the way on this site and perhaps inspire some of you who dare to dream big and who are not afraid to put in the effort to make it happen—I know you’re out there because I was in your very shoes just a year ago. ;) </p>
<p>Some of you have PMed me about this before, so for a little background, I improved over 500 points from the first time I took the SAT in 7th grade to junior year. Granted, I hadn’t learned half the material in math the first time, but I managed to improve tremendously on CR and Wr even up to a few weeks before I scored a 2330 in a single sitting. To be brief: It is possible! I will try to explain as best I can what helped me the most, and hopefully parts will be helpful for you. </p>
<p>** Critical Reading **
The most important thing for doing well on CR is reading the passage carefully and making sure you understand what it’s saying from the beginning. Get a feel for the author’s tone, and after reading, summarize to yourself how he feels towards the subject. Personally, I prefer not to read the questions first because it tends to skew my thinking and influence my understanding of the article when I’m trying to find the answer and comprehend the text simultaneously. Try to develop a habit of following the lines with your pencil as you read because it increases speed and prevents you from losing your place. I frequently underline certain sections of the passage that I feel are important, but nothing more than that because writing extra detracts focus. </p>
<p>For the questions, the secret lies in knowing that the right answer always is explained in the passage, just in different words—you just have to know which parts are relevant and where to find it. If part of the answer seems wrong, then it is the wrong answer. If you can’t find evidence for it in the passage, then it’s probably wrong. If there seem to be two right answers, then you’ve most likely missed some details and need to reread that section. I was so familiar with spotting essential information that eventually, I could pick out exactly which vocab word a question would later test over, and most of the time, I was right. There is always a pattern to how CB constructs its exams. Doing more practice will help you to identify them quickly and accurately.</p>
<p>I personally believe it is essential to memorize vocab. I used Gruber’s List (3400 words) and memorized it 3-4 times. When test day came closer, I focused in on high frequency lists with fewer words (RocketReview, Direct Hits, etc) and sometimes made my own list. I think that once you get a feel for the type of words the SAT tests you on, you can begin to eliminate making any errors in sentence completion. With these techniques, I received a 750.</p>
<p>** Math **
Since the SAT Math only tests the concepts learned in basic arithmetic, geometry, and algebra (I/II), there a only a few formulas that need to be refreshed: special right triangles, proportions, volume and area of simple shapes, slope, and whatnot. For me, it wasn’t really about solving the problems, but more of not making stupid mistakes. I knew all the right concepts and when to use them where, but I would make a stupid mistake like finding the mean when it asked for median, or solving for the wrong angle, etc. In this case, the problem wasn’t going faster to leave more time to check (I finished the questions in a little over half the time) but carefully solving the ** first time ** and reskimming the question before moving onto the next. Even though I knew the material, I would always miss 2-3 questions on the practice exam, and it was really frustrating. Once I found the source of my error (hasty speed, mistakenly thinking I needed more time to check), I intentionally slowed down and read EVERY word and at most only missed 1. This helped ensure that I did indeed find what the question was asking for and eliminated other errors, leading to an 800. </p>
<p>** Writing MC **
You must learn the rules, train yourself to identify them quickly, and apply them. Once you get the hang of it, you realize there are only so many rules and every question will cover one of those rules. I recommend familiarizing yourself with Sparknotes’ guide. Generally, there are 20% of No Error so just use that to check but don’t rely on it. Know the patterns and rules, and you will find the errors. This is probably the most trainable and therefore easy section, so no stupid mistakes. In the end, I got a 780 in Writing. [Though if I had missed one fewer MC question aka 0, it would have been an 800...]</p>
<p>** Essay **
Have concrete examples to back up your view and don’t be overly flowery or complicated in grammar. This is a must. Write a clear thesis, simple if necessary, and mostly develop your body paragraphs. Shoot for 4 to 5 paragraphs and ** MAKE SURE TO FILL UP THE FULL 2 PAGES. ** This is the key because length really does matter. Construct a conclusion and try to end with a metaphor or a profound insight rather than summarizing your essay again. I also came up with around 15 general examples the night before and did some research, so I had ideas that could be altered and used for any topic (think MLK Jr, Gandhi, Helen Keller, WWII/Hitler, 1984 by Orwell, etc). Yes, they were probably trite but they suffice, given the limited time you have. Just know them ahead of time to think fast and reserve time for writing. </p>
<p>** Recap **
The most important thing is to PRACTICE. I took 20-30 practice tests before I felt comfortable going in and knowing I could get at least a 2200 if not higher. In the beginning, use other brands to practice in order to save real CB tests for last to gauge your level. I used Princeton Review, Sparknotes, Barron’s, some Kaplan, just to get used to the format. Real CB tests are invaluable and ultimately, they helped me most because other brands really do not test over the same skills and instead distort your feel of the real test. QAS are the absolute best, but as they are not widely available, it may be difficult to get your hands on them. Though they are around. I’m not advocating anything, but make what you want of that. Also, the general consensus I believe for a “good SAT score” for Ivies is that above 2200 is qualified, but you need a 2300 to be competitive. A good score won’t get you in, but a bad score will keep you out.</p>
<p>I will end by quoting an old thread: “It has to be a long and persistent journey.” You have to work hard and discipline yourself if you really want that 2300 [or whatever] score. Just remember, nothing worth it is achieved without perseverance and diligence. After a very long time, I finally obtained that magical 2330, over 500 points from where I first started. It may seem like an impossible feat, but my dedication paid off. So YES, it is possible and may be challenging, but never doubt yourself but only if you are willing to do whatever it takes. I know I was. Anyway, even if this was just helpful for one person, this post will have done its job. :] Lastly, pay it forward! When you do reach your goal, share your methods with those poor souls who have yet to complete the SAT/college process. :p</p>
<p>Good luck, and feel free to PM me.</p>
And sorry I wrote so much 
(if this were an SAT essay I’d get a 12 - we all know it’s about length 
)</p>