<p>Hi, I'm a junior and I really want to be a national merit semifinalist. I got a score of 176 last year with no prep and with some prep this year I scored a 200 average with 2 practice tests. This isn't enough for NMSF. How should I study so that I'm ready for test day in a few weeks? Thanks </p>
<p>Just like you would study for the SAT. Get the SAT bluebook and work through practice tests. Make sure you understand why you missed the problems you did. Flashcards of those problems and the concepts behind them could help. Most people find it easier to raise their math scores than reading/writing.</p>
<p>Thanks! I’ll definitely implement those strategies into my study program. My scores for my last practice test were (70 M, 61CR, and 69 W) My scores aren’t terrible and I’m sure I’ll be able to get Math and Writing up near 80 come test time. Specifically for the Critical Reading section how would you suggest I study?</p>
<p>Well… the students who do best have been avid readers since they learned to read… it is honestly hard to gain on them. My kids were both high scorers in those areas, but also devoured books during their entire childhood and middle school years. I guess I would suggest that you read the SAT Blue Book section on those areas. Writing might be easier to gain in, because the multiple choice questions are grammar based, which can be learned. Vocabulary and comprehension are harder to improve in a few weeks.</p>