<p>I'm a rising junior who scored 207 on the PSAT and 2030 on the SAT last year with no studying whatsoever. I'm not bragging, I only mention that to give you a better idea of my situation. In order to secure National Merit Scholar status for myself, I need to raise my PSAT score about 15 points before the test date this fall. I also want to raise my SAT score to between 2250-2300 by the time I apply to colleges in a year. What books do you guys recommend I use to prepare myself?</p>
<p>I’d recommend : 1) The College Board Official SAT ; 2) Princeton Review SAT and PSAT (has 11 tests); 3) Barrons SAT–is way harder than the real SAT, but that is good to get you ready; 4) Hot Words for the SAT (a little paperback by Barrons–good for vocab; has a short vocab lesson w/ a mini-quiz each day); 5) Vocab cards–I like the Princeton Review box of 500 vocab cards. Last year (my jr year) I got a 213 on the PSAT (will likely make Jatl Merit for my state–will not know for sure until September) and a 2230 on the SAT. I did NOT study vocab as much as I should have; vocab is a MAJOR part of the Critical Reading (unlike in the ACT), so I am hitting vocab harder to retake it in October. Good luck!</p>
<p>Great scores! But what’s your weakest area? This might be the easiest to improve, but you didn’t say what section you are weakest in.</p>
<p>My scores were:</p>
<p>PSAT
CR- 74
M- 62
W- 71</p>
<p>SAT
CR- 690
M- 690
W- 650</p>
<p>The SAT was taken about four months after the PSAT. As you can see, my math improved while reading and writing faltered. My essay was not good, considering I have virtually no idea of the proper way to format an essay specifically for the SAT.</p>