<p>@tristan
That’s actually extremely helpful, thanks a lot 
Just one more question: Considering I successfully memorize Barron’s list (already know a lot of it, but considering I memorize the words I don’t know) - do you think it’s enough without DH to have mostly no problem with vocab on the next test? Because that’s what I’m aiming for, and if I do that, I stand a really decent shot at a 750 in CR.</p>
<p>Yes, I think an extensive list like Barron’s would eliminate the need for DH - as I said, I was kind of disappointed when I finally saw DH and realized I knew essentially all the words already! No problem, I’m glad I could help. ;)</p>
<p>tristan101-Which prep book do you recomment apart from the bb(for practice and strategy)??You seem to mention Gruber’s a lot but isnt that only good for math?Ive heard the CR is really bad?</p>
<p>Anybody ever use the Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Guide…? She has a podcast for grammar that is fun to listen to. It can really help you to “hear” the grammar errors in your head so you can spot them on the test.</p>
<p>I’m currently in the IB program and also number one in my class, needless to say, I’m smart and a fairly hard worker. However, I took the SAT in December (without hardly any prep) and surprisingly got a 1750…(embarassing)… CR 550 M 570 W 630. I wonder how kids that are not so smart in class, did better than I did…and I know I can do much better. What is the best way to raise my CR and M scores? Obviously, I’m missing techniques, strategies, etc. My mom hired this tutor that advertised on the internet said on average his students usually raised their scores 312 points in his five one hour courses plus homework, etc…Now, my CR is now anywhere from a 670-710. But, for math, I find myself forgetting a lot of the basic stuff. Should I trust the tutor? Is five hours enough? What about Princeton Review would that help? I want my math to be at a 700 for the colleges I’m looking at, is this possible?</p>
<p>haha val with 1750…</p>
<p>@Dgirl, “without hardly any prep” is grammatically incorrect; it should be “without any prep” or “with hardly any prep” JK. But seriously, how can you be number 1 and manage to get a 1750? Where is your school?? Im really curious. No disrespect, but tutors are USELESS without your knowing all the vocab. My teacher told me that SAT is not a test of IQ, but rather a test of vocab (right on the money).</p>
<p>^Well, the math section is more a test of IQ (or of just basic education). If you know basic geometry (special triangles, parallel line theorems, etc.) and basic algebra (equation manipulation, solving equations, reading graphs, functions and function notation, etc.), there’s no reason to be scoring below 700 unless you’re having big time issues.</p>
<p>Kalookakoo said…
"How right you are. I finally stopped playing it by ear, and learned a few rules. And my score shot up by 100+ points on my next sitting (a week after my previous practice). It’s ridiculously easy after you get the rules down. "</p>
<p>Hey, can you tell me where you learned your rules for the writing multiple choice? Can you link me? Thanks.</p>
<p>I’m still skeptical about essay advice (although there are solid points to follow). I mean, I didn’t finish an essay in the allotted time–I had a paragraph and conclusion to go–and yet I got an 11 on the score. Soft grader, perhaps? Content and articulation do matter though, and I think that’s what saved me.</p>
<p>Very nice posts. Thanx for sharing. Good luck in college!!</p>
<p>Yes! indeed very helpful! Thanx!</p>
<p>Thanks, your post was really helpful.
I have problems with examples for essays. Any advice?</p>
<p>2000 in January '11 Aiming for 2400 in October '11
wish me luck lol</p>
<p>Math i have the same problems. I Miss like 3-4 because of stupid errors and I finish with around 10 min to spare. I know I have to slow down but its tougher than I thought it would be 
.
Writing is the toughest section for me. I get 8-10 on the essay but get SCREWED in error ID. Rest of writing ,Improve sentences and paragraphs, I get -1 or -2. </p>
<p>CR I get 600~650, i HAVE to improve that for June SAT
For practice I use
Barron’s ( Finished all 5 practice tests)
PR (Finished 5/10 practice tests)
CB ( Finished 7/10 tests)</p>
<p>I have been stuck at like 1980-2050 range for like a month. Dad says he wont fund my college unless i get at least 2000, 2100 is what i want please help</p>
<p>very useful. Thanks for sharing!</p>
<p>Great post!</p>