For starters, I am not the greatest at standardized tests. I previously took the SAT in November and I got a 1330. This may be decent, but I really want to, and believe I can get above a 1450. I am taking the next SAT in March and am very confused as to how I should be studying. Almost everything seems to be paid. I do have two books however, do I just read through them and do problems? I also work on khan academy but I am not sure whether or not this is actually helping me
Make sure you do a full-length practice test at least once a week. Then grade it and determine which sections are causing you problems. Then target those areas when you are studying from your books and Khan Academy. Then repeat the process.
Khan Academy is great for prep. You can also link it to your college board account, and it will see which stuff you need help with and create personalized practice. Taking practice tests is incredibly important. Do the practice tests, and all of the questions you can possibly do on Khan Academy. Go over the questions you got wrong, learn those concepts. Put in the time and you’ll be just fine!
Sorry to disagree, but I’m not a huge Khan Academy fan.
Sol Khan is a brilliant man. But I hate his math explanations, particularly his SAT math explanations.
He gives a textbook explanation, not a teacher explanation. If he hits 2 binomials that need to be multiplied in the middle of a problem, he’ll spend 2 or 3 minutes explaining how to do it. I would say either “FOIL” or “Double Distributive” and my kids would be OK with it. They tend to tune him out after a while because his explanations are so convoluted. And when he makes a mistake, he explains and explains instead of simply editing the tape.
I’m a big fan of using the breakdown after the tests in prep books. Some books-- including, but not limited to Barrons, have a chart telling you which problems test which topics. After you’ve a test, go back and look at your results. Highlight any problem you’ve gotten wrong, and circle any you’ve skipped or not had time to do.
After 3 or 4 tests, you should start seeing clear patterns of the types of problems that are costing you pints.