<p>Hey guys, I'm a second-semester junior and I'm taking the SAT for the first time in March. I have barely studied whatsoever, maybe a practice test or two. Yeah, I know I kind of screwed myself over by leaving it for the last minute. But I know it is possible to study within a month. I do better if I study more last minute. I got a 204 on the PSAT this year and am aiming for a 2150-2200 on the actual thing. I am also planning on retaking it in May, but I'd still like to do pretty well the first time. Problem is, I don't have a clue on how to approach it. Can you guys please give me some advice? I appreciate it very much. :)</p>
<p>Sounds like we’re in pretty much the same boat 
I’ve been studying about a week now.</p>
<p>If you don’t already have it, get the Collegeboard Blue Book asap. You’ll want it before/right at the beginning of February Vacation so you can study up all week.</p>
<p>Since you took PSAT you have a pretty good indicator of where you are, but I’d take one of the practice tests in the back as a diagnostic anyway. (Don’t use the first three, they’re real released tests; save those for later). This will give you a score/score range. The real tests give an exact score (my first practice test was a 2090) and for the others you can take an average (again this was a 2090 for me when I tried one of those). Then you can see which areas need the most work. For me, it’s the essay and sentence completion.</p>
<p>Spend a significant amount of time over February Vacation studying problem areas. I’ve been researching essay topics and bumped up from a mediocre 7-8 essay to a 10 in a couple of days. Check this out:<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/645763-how-write-12-essay-just-10-days.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/645763-how-write-12-essay-just-10-days.html</a></p>
<p>If Sentence Completion is an issue, get your hands on Direct Hits 1 and 2 (5th edition) and read through them. I got mine today and they’re fantastic, spent $20 total on both at Amazon.</p>
<p>As far as everything else (math/writing mc/reading comprehension) I’m just going over old mistakes, looking up strategies as I go, and trying to improve so that I don’t make as many stupid errors. From now until the actual test, I’m also setting my alarm every Saturday and taking a test just like I will March 9.</p>
<p>Whatever study schedule you decide to make, stick with it. Do as many practice tests as you can, find out your strengths and weaknesses, improve. And whatever you do, don’t waste February Vacation! That’s the most valuable time you have from now until the test to get yourself in shape.</p>
<p>Best of luck, hope you reach your goals! :)</p>
<p>I have the blue book. Unfortunately, I have no February break since my school was closed for 2 weeks after Hurricane Sandy -_- I guess I’ll just have to take time out of my weekends. Thank you!</p>