okay guys I need a plan (I'm slightly panicking...)

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
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<p>So I just took my SAT IIs cold (I know, bad idea) in November and didn't get the scores I was hoping for. I got Math I 670, German (w/ Listening) 600 and Literature 640. I know there's nothing I can do about the German but I need to get Math and Literature to 700+ at least in December.</p>

<p>What should I do? I'm international so the American syllabi are all new to me and I'm kind of teaching myself. I've ordered Barron's Math and Kaplan Literature... is just working through those books the best way to get 700+s?</p>

<p>Thanks :)</p>

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<p>What do you get on SAT I? I mean breakdown by sections.</p>

<p>You should use collegeboard blue book preparation. It's the best imo. Rest is just for practice tests.</p>

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<p>Not much you can do else, really. I was/am in a similar position...I studied for Math2 and Biology myself in two weeks total. Barrons math is great, but I wish I'd used another book to supplement the biology...I doubt you'll be facing a similar problem with Literature, however, where no particular syllabus is tested, but rather your mastery of critical reading/ ability to read carefully and extract meaning.
If you're more used to the British system of teaching, I suggest you spend some time figuring out the graphing calculator (if you intend to use one) - it'll at least put you at par pace-wise with some of the people taking (unless you're a certified math person and are equally well off using a scientific calculator/self-sketched graphs etc.).</p>

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<p>I got 660M 670CR 720W. That was taken cold as well. So they're hardly impressive either, but I'm booked to retake in January.</p>

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<p>IndiaRubber, are you also from Britain? If so, how hard is Math2 in comparison to A Level? I've never tried it but everyone always talks about the curve etc. Math1 is so unforgiving with how many you can get wrong.
Literature was a shock - I did loads of practice tests where I was getting 750+. No idea how I ended up with a 640!</p>

<p>Now I'm just worried about my 3rd subject. Argh!</p>

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<p>IndiaRubber, are you from the UK too? If so, how hard is Math2 in comparison to A Level? I've never tried it but everyone always talks about the generous curve etc. Math1 is so unforgiving with how many you can get wrong.
Literature was a shock - I did loads of practice tests where I was getting 750+. No idea how I ended up with a 640!</p>

<p>Now I'm just worried about my 3rd subject. Argh!</p>

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<p>Math 2 is trig and stuff, involves less reasoning and more material knowledge in my opinion.</p>

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<p>Poisonivy: Nope, not from Britain. I'm Italian/Eritrean but I've been to British-curriculum teaching schools most of my life and am applying to the UK for medicine this year in parallel, if that counts for anything :)
I stopped at AS Math and then switched to the IB Higher Level Maths so I'm not sure I can compare the Math 2 to the A-Level program too well... but I'm relatively sure the Math 2 will be no where as difficult as A-Level Maths. However, it will scratch at your mastery of maths basics (especially graphs) and your ability to use a graphing calculator to your advantage (in my opinion anyway). It does have a pretty generous curve. I ended up with a 720... nothing exceptional but I don't think I'm retaking.
I would opt against Math 1 if I were you : as you said, the curve is quite harsh.
From what I hear, Literature is quite the beast. I was disappointed about my Biology grade myself (after great practice test scores)...but like you, I'm retaking in January. Let's hope for the best! Good luck (:</p>

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<p>Thanks very much, you too (especially with medicine, blimey) :)</p>