How a rising junior should prepare for CR and Writing Sections

Test Preparation
1

<p>So that's it, today I finished my last final. With summer comes the SAT studying that I must do, and as I've done a few practice tests just for fun I'm realizing that I'm pretty much screwed for the Writing and CR sections as english is my worst subject. Math I'm already getting like 760-790 so I'm not worried about that but the Writing and CR scores are awful (Low 600s/High 500s). My goal score for the SAT is 2200+, which means even with an 800 in math I need at least 700s in both. What are some tips for bringing my CR and Writing sections up 100 points each.</p>

2

<p>Buuuuuuuuummmmmmmp</p>

3

<p>Practice tests. </p>

<p>I brought up my CR score 140 points just by practicing. Honestly, the SAT is not really a test designed to test your intelligence, but your test-taking ability. By becoming more familiar with the test and learning how they want you answer the questions, you can learn to master it. First time I took the test, I made the mistake of over-analyzing the way I did in AP English. For vocab, you’ve got to read, read, read. Tooth and Nail: A novel Approach to the SAT is a good one. I don’t memorize vocab lists, but I’ve never missed a vocab question because those questions can usually be answered by careful process of elimination.</p>

<p>As for writing, it always helps me to read the sentences sotto voce and try to “hear” them in my head to decide which sounds right. (Seems stupid, but it always works for me). The essays aren’t really a big deal either. You should just try to learn a good list of 6-7 historical and literary examples that can be used for any prompt. Past that, you need a solid intro and conclusion and you’re pretty much set for a 10-12 essay.</p>

<p>Credentials:
800 CR on June SAT
800 W on both January and June</p>

<p>Let me know if you have any other questions.</p>

4

<p>The Blue Book (by Collegeboard is good) and Silverturtle’s guide to the SAT helped me. Be sure analyze extensively exactly why you missed a problem to identify your weaknesses and redo the questions you missed, even on CR sections.</p>