<p>I took the PSAT earlier this year (as a sophomore, just for practice) and received a 223 on it. My breakdown was CR 71, Math 74, and Writing 78. I think in terms of skills, math and writing were more stupid mistakes - though the curves are pretty harsh! - while CR does need work. I'm kind of weak on vocab, but how does one prepare for that? They can pretty much test you on anything, right? Anywho, I would really appreciate any advice for studying and improving my score for the SATs from this point on. I'd really like to shoot for 2350+ in this coming school year. Thanks!!</p>
<p>What I found useful was a vocabulary notebook. Basically it's just a notebook that you put vocab words that you don't know. Whenever you come across a word you don't know, immediately put it into your notebook and define it, and try to make a few sentences with it if you can. Then review all the words at least once I week, and memorize their definitions. I really broadened my vocab and did well on the CR using this method.</p>
<p>Thanks for the tip! That sounds really helpful. Other than learning vocab and trying to read as much as possible, are there any other tips for boosting one's score on CR? </p>
<p>Also, since there was no essay on the PSAT... I've heard that collegeboard likes very formulaic essays. Anyone care to share the general "formula"? Thanks!!</p>
<p>I bet your PSAT score will improve for next year simply because you will have had ~8 monthes more exposure to literature, math etc. I've found it very difficult to eliminate those dirty little mistakes, but with lots of practice it can be done. Vocab lists abound, both online and in prep books. There are several threads on here about essays... I would try searching for the Jane Schaffer essay format - there were several posts about it a while ago.</p>
<p>Sparknotes has a good section on essay writing for the SAT, although I would put the thesis at the end of the first paragraph rather than the first sentece (as they suggest).</p>
<p>Definitely practice the essay. My son got an 800 on the PSAT writing and a 690 on the essay. He just isn't used to covering two pages in less than half an hour. I think the xiggi thread has good essay advice in it near the end. When I lived in Germany I used to put a dot next to words I had to look up in the dictionary. When they got three dots I made an effort to learn them. Personally I think the best way to expand your vocabulary is to read. At least an hour a day. What you read isn't that important, though obviously it has to be written at an adult level. You'll absorb more vocabulary than you think.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the advice! As far as studying for the PSAT, do you think it will be sufficient if I just self-prep for the SAT (this summer)? After all, the PSAT and SAT are very similar - except for the essay on the SAT, right?</p>
<p>I think studying for the PSAT and SAT are so similar I'd ignore the difference.</p>
<p>There was some study that showed that if you read the editorial pages of the New York Times (I'm sure any newspaper works though) you can increase your verbal score by a lot... I don't remember what they said the average was. For the essays, in my PR class they told us to always fill the entire 2 pages even if you have to write big, indent your paragraphs really clearly, and have clear intro, body and conclusion paragraphs. They said that the CB reader spends 30 seconds on average reading your essay-- skimming it really-- so presentation is as important as content. Oh, and don't use hypothetical situations in your essay. Always use examples from literature, they're easiest and most impressive.</p>