<p>Took my first SAT in June and got a 1670 (I'm pathetic)
However, it was a wake up call for me and ever since the results came out, I have been going HAM studying for the SAT. My week revolves around me going to my internship and studying for the October SAT whenever, I have the time too. </p>
<p>I have taken the advice of many on this forum and have decided to use the bluebook first. I am also taking each subject one by one. CR first, math second, and writing last.</p>
<p>On the June SAT I got 530 on CR. However, after having taken 6 of the practice tests (only critical reading) from the Bluebook, I am averaging a score of about 700-720. I am assuming, by simply studying the bluebook's tips and practice questions, I have been able to improve my scores. Also playing the role of the devil's advocate (like many members suggested) has improved my critical reading score. In terms of vocab, I have not memorized any but usually only get 1-2 wrong for the whole practice test.
As of now, I am feeling very confident.</p>
<p>Looking at the Math and Writing guides of CC, I believe the best ways to study are the bluebook and guides on CC such as silverturtles guide. Is this correct? I am assuming, that you can achieve high scores in math and writing simply by learning the formulas and rules needed. Is this correct. In terms of the essay, Im also following one of the popular guides named write a 12 essay in 10 days (something like that).</p>
<p>I really want a 2000+ on my october SAT (my last chance).
Do any CC members have advice for me and personal experiences?</p>
<p>Was also wondering, would my story of me improving my SAT score, be a good college essay?</p>
<p>when u do ur reading passages, do u read the entire passage before answering the questions or read the questions and only read the significant parts?
and for vocab, how do u only get one or two wrong? like do u naturally just know all the vocab?
and could u advice me on how i should improve on CR? im getting higher 500s and low 600s. are the tips in the blue book actually helpful?</p>
<p>it depends.
On the short passages, I just read then answer
On the long passages, I look at the questions and for the questions that require I look at a certain page number, I will underline that sentence or word and read that part with more emphasis. I will answer a question. Read. Then answer the next question.
For the one’s with two passage to compare. I read the first one, answer questions related to the first one. Read the second one, answer questions related to the second one. Then do the comparison questions last. I do the long passage style for these too. </p>
<p>For vocab, at times, I will not know the definition, but through elimination most times, I am able to find the answer. Studying roots, suffix, prefix in school really helped me though. </p>
<p>I found the practice tests from the blue book the most beneficial. If am correct, the CR section is different in that there is no formula or rule. So, I have found it beneficial to take practice tests and go over the questions meticulously. It allows me to figure out that kind of mistakes, I was making. </p>
<p>However, at the end of the day, everyone has their own way’s of getting a high CR score. Some of these tips I found on CC others I discovered myself. I guess, it’s also a lot of experimentation</p>
<p>For the critical reading section, memorize a lot of vocabulary. I use the first volume of DH, my Barron’s and PR book, Sparknotes, and a plethora of other sources. I also make vocabulary lists after every practice test I take. If you’d like, I could mail you my lists (I think I have around 300 words so far)</p>
<p>CR is all about practice. I used to score constant 500s on the CR and on my last practice test, I got an 800. </p>
<p>For the writing section, study any grammar book with rules like parallel structure, subject/verb agreement, nominative/objective case, etc. After that, just take more practice tests.</p>
<p>And for the math, if you already have a decent amount of knowledge about algebra and geometry, then you just have to take practice tests so that you can get into the mindset of a SAT math whiz. If you’re bad at math, first learn the basics (and some stuff like permutations, since those are HUGE life savers). After that, keep solving several problem sets. I did that and now I automatically snap when I see a problem and usually finish each math section 5 minutes early.</p>
<p>Also for CR, noitaraperp’s guide is amazing.</p>
<p>And personally, I wouldn’t. College essays should show your voice, passion and personality. Tons of people are in your situation, and all of those people have probably raised their score by several points through practice. Instead just write about something you love to do, since that will be more unique and appealing to admissions officers.</p>