Hi guys, I’m a HS freshman who is aiming for a 1570+ on the SAT and is most likely taking it in August 2019. I’ve been doing some light SAT practice for more than a year now, and I have gotten to the point where I have almost no trouble getting a 780-800 on the SAT Math section. However, I can’t seem to earn more than a 730+ on the SAT EBRW section (and this sucks because I want a 1570+). I’ve read a lot of articles that explain how to get a perfect score on the SAT EBRW section (such as the PrepScholar one) and implemented the tactics described in them into my practice, but my score isn’t improving no matter what I try. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to improve an SAT EBRW (I mostly need help with the Reading portion) score that is already 700+. Are there any books or online resources you recommend? For those of you that were in a similar situation as I am in right now and were able to bring up your SAT EBRW score, what worked for you?
BUMP
I would suggest you taking it in August of 2020, your reading/writing section would improve with one more year of schooling. The prep book my DS used and thought to be helpful is by Erica Meltzer.
@makemesmart The reason why I’m planning on taking it this year is that I’m applying to this online/residential high school program that requires a SAT/ACT score and because it would be better to take it right after precalculus (which I’m taking right now) so it’s fresh in my mind. I’m pretty much trying to be one-and-done with the SAT this year when I take it in August, which is why I’m aiming for a 1570+ (a 1600 would be nice haha).
That makes sense. Good luck!
You might also consider taking Math II? SAT math does not require precal while Math II does.
@makemesmart Yeah, I’m most likely taking that in June and I got the Barron’s book to prepare for it. Also, I believe that SAT math includes Precalc as well but I’m not 100% sure.
Hi, I’m an SAT tutor. I’ve posted elsewhere on this site in depth about how to improve your verbal score, so I’m not going to repeat all that. A few quick points. First, bubble at the end of every reading, not at the end of every question (until the very end, of course). Second, make sure you are asking yourself, “Why might this choice be wrong” instead of “Is this choice right?” Any flaw or imperfection in the answer choice makes it the incorrect one; sometimes the correct answer is boring but flawless. Erica Meltzer’s “The Critical Reader” is the best resource out there for the reading section, but it’s fairly dense and will take dedication. (But it seems like you have that.) Use Erica Meltzer’s Guide to SAT Grammar (4th edition) (NOT the workbook) for the grammar/writing section. This is a very user-friendly resource. A bright student who studies that book can get a perfect or near perfect score on the grammar section, which is worth 400 of the total 800 available points. Practice using official SAT practice tests, under timed conditions. Go over your errors carefully. And remember, the correct answer on the verbal section is as correct as the correct answer on the math section. In other words, don’t argue with the test; study each incorrect or unsure answer carefully until you fully understand WHY the correct answer is definitely the correct answer and why the answer you chose is not correct.
@SoccerMomGenie Thank you so much for the information! I was wondering if you could provide the link to your post in depth about improving the SAT verbal score, as I couldn’t find it when I looked for it on your profile.