SAT Advice

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

I took a practice test on the Official CollegeBoard Course (#1 to be precise) and I scored a 740 W, 640 CR, and 740 M (a fluke, got restless and didnt check over have scored 800s before). As for preparation, I have improved quite a bit from my October PSAT 198 80 M, 61 W, 57 CR. However, I want to improve more preferable 2350+. I recently ordered some new prep books to use. I bought Erica Meltzer’s books for writing and critical reading and went through them once and found them very helpful (especially writing). I also have the essential 500 vocabulary book I think by Insiders’ (Larry Krieger).

My plan is to focus most of my time on CR to improve my low 600s score to a high 700 or a 800. I will be taking AP English Language this coming year and I have heard it also helps the score. But as far as the famed blue book, I have read through it but I dont really know how to use it. I know that CollegeBoard tests are extremely valuable because they are the best for gauging performance. This is precisely why I use them sparingly. I know there are about 25 or so in existence. I personally have 20 (Online course+BB). So what I need is passage practice so should I just take timed sections out of practice tests from the Blue Book or is that a waste? Also, if there is any other book that has great Critical Reading passages then can you please suggest the name.

Thanks for your time, I am very determined to improve my score.

P.S I have also heard that reading novels is a great way to improve score. Being a foreigner, I didn’t read that many books as a kid (probably why I am not that great) so can you please suggest books that are moderately hard and you personally recommend.
Sorry if it is too many requests.

2

McGraw-Hill’s book is good for a fakebook. The passages are often unreasonably long, some q’s and answer choices are bad, but mostly it’s pretty well crafted. Reading novels is good, but not as a short-term method or quick fix.

3

I will most likely take in 4-6 moths so I will read to pass time (or so I plan).

4

Bump?

5

You really sound like you have it under control. I would just relentlessly practice the reading passages from your collection of 20… do each section timed, and then go back and review your answers until you can confidently explain any question. Know why the right answer is right and then make sure you see why the wrong choices are wrong.

Also, you have more than enough real resources. I would not bother looking for fake practice tests unless you have time to waste.