<p>Hi all , let me briefly introduce myself first. I'm 16 years old and I'm from Mongolia . I'm planning to take SAT I test in october( official schedule hasn't changed, last exam is in june). I'v been studying english for 5 years, but I think my grammar and vocabulary is not sufficient enough to ace sat I W and CR. My dream is to become one of the key contributing people of my country , I really want to abolish many unfair structures in my country and I want to develop my country. I believe one of the fundamental thing to achieve this is to be well educated, so I'm planning to study in Harvard, Princeton or other top prestigious universities in the US. I know that these schools deny many students with SAT 2100+, solid ECs and stellar grades. I won't say that all my grades are outstanding(a+) nor I'm a genius, but I'm confident that I will have chance to compete with many other students in admission to get into university.</p>
<p>I have entire 5 months to prepare for SAT I( I'm taking SAT II WH and MATH II test in june), so I'm hoping to improve my vocabulary and grammar(writting) by significant amount during summer months. What is the best way to improve those areas? I have ordered SAT I official prep book , Direct hit voc 2010 I and II . I heard that direct hit is the best voc builder for SAT. Do reading literature,novel books help improving grammar and writting? ( and in sentence completion part)
I would appreciate any advise I can get. Thank you</p>
<p>Reading books helps you understand words in context as opposed to just learning word-meanings. Many books will have tough and big words that you never even heard of, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are “SAT words.” SAT-makers like to recycle vocabulary from old tests, so you’re probably better off learning some SAT wordlists from Direct Hits, PR Hit Parade or Barron’s Hot Words. CC members love Direct Hits, so you’re probably going to be advised to go with it. </p>
<p>Reading books is going to help you with passages though, if you don’t already read at a high level. Classics like Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice have complex sentence structures, that, when you’re used to reading, you’ll be able to breeze through CR sections with much time left.</p>
<p>To tell you the truth, I am younger than you by 2 years and hence have not taken the SAT; however, I have stalked these forums long enough to know certain things. Direct Hits was definitely a good idea! Also, go to [SAT:</a> Improve SAT Score with SparkNotes: Meet the Writing Section](<a href=“SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides”>SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides) and study all of the grammer rules, this should help a lot with the Writing section. Also, use <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/750399-how-attack-sat-critical-reading-section-effectively.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/750399-how-attack-sat-critical-reading-section-effectively.html</a> . This method brought my score from a 580 CR to a consistent 670-690CR. With practice, your scores will definitely improve. Most importantly, MATH! You must get an 800 in math! It is possible for everyone(well mostly)! If you are not too strong with CR and W, the 800 M will pull up your score!</p>
<p>Here is a link to get you some more practice materials from the College Board <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/757034-college-board-sat-test-links.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/757034-college-board-sat-test-links.html</a> . You want to work on this type of material as much as possible. Direct Hits will really help build your vocabulary with words that are on the SAT.</p>
<p>Hey</p>
<p>I know that your question specifically addresses Critical Reading and Writing, but you should also concentrate on Math as well. This is because, Math can be learned through perspicacious practice (I’m giving you vocab words from now=D). Make sure that you iron out your silly mistakes because even if you know the theory cold, it is more than likely that if your not careful, you can make 1-2 mistakes. For math, the Barron’s workbook is the best. </p>
<p>Now, for the C.R. and Writing. For the Critical reading section, I would recommend that you read the “How to effectively approach the Critical Reading Section” thread on this forum. Also, what Packrat says is true. Try reading a few classics if time permits. Direct hits, as so espoused by the members of this forum, is helpful. As for the passages, practice, practice, practice. Often, questions can be subtle and you must really understand the passage. However, don’t try going to deeply into the passage. You should read between the lines yes, but not with a magnifying glass. For writing, try the workbooks available from various firms, ex: P.R., Kaplan, Barron’s, Grubers, etc. Again, diligent practice should help you recognize the various question patterns as they frequently repeat.</p>
<p>For a sidenote, I really sympathize with your aim for changing your country for the better. Changing India for the better and ridding its rampant disease of corruption is also my drive. To do this, getting into the top universities such as Harvard, Yale, etc. really gives you a unique framework of thinking which allows for a more creative thought process. Sorry for my meandering, but I had to tell you.</p>
<p>Anyways, good luck in your endeavor. I hope you succeed.</p>
<p>The key is making the most of your time this summer to memorize as much vocabulary as you can and do lots of practice tests. Will you take the PSAT in October? Even if you don’t there will be a PSAT Practice Test online (probably in August) that will give you more helpful practice materials and explanantions for everything. There will also be a new SAT Practice Test. Good luck!</p>