SAT: Help!

Test Preparation
1

<p>Hi!
Currently I have an 750 Reading, 630 writing and 660 math.
I cannot seem to break out of the 600s for the writing and math.
Is there any advice for these sections?
I'm aiming for a 2200, and these two sections are really dragging me down, I'd like to at least break into the 700s.
Anything will help!
Thank you!</p>

2

<p>Practice them. That’s the best thing you can do to raise your scores. Get a practice book with some old tests, and then figure out WHY you’re missing the questions you’re missing. Then try to avoid making similar mistakes on the actual test.</p>

<p>The math on the SAT is much different than that on the ACT. It is almost more of a logic test, and will often try to trick you. Be sure to read the questions very carefully, as often there will be a keyword which will necessitate that you approach the problem in an entirely different way. For example, they might give you the dimensions of a pyramid in feet, but want you to find the volume in cubic inches. Silly read-over mistakes like these seem to be the most common. If you can learn to spot their tricks, you’ll be golden.</p>

<p>The writing is a bit different. Make sure you know your grammar rules really well. Pay attention to what the subject is, what the tense should be, etc. Make sure phrasings are properly parallel to each other.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

3

<p>For math: 1. make sure you read the question very carefully and understand what you are solving for before you bubble it in. After you solve a question, re-read the last line of the question (or whatever it is asking you to solve for) and double check that you are solving for the right answer. I like to underline exactly what they are asking for. Also, make sure you understand all of the math of course, and also keep notice to see helpful info that they include like positive prime numbers, etc. Underline that too. Also, try to go fairly quickly through about the first 10 questions and then make sure that you have enough time to go back through and check ALL of your answers. </p>

<p>Reading: If you’re stuggling with vocab like i was, make sure you get direct hits or pr’s sat hit parade: great lists right there. Also, what helped me for the passages was to realize that only one answer is supported fully by the text. Originally i would look at an answer and ask myself: “How could this be right?” That is WRONG! You have to go to each answer and say to yourself "Why is this answer choice CLEARLY wrong.’ And the way your figure out if it is wrong is by seeing if the text fully explains that, and that you’re not justifying it from your own reasonings. </p>

<p>For writing: Make sure you know ALL of the rules, which you can find online and on other CC forums. Also, review your mistakes and see what your struggling with after taking practice tests and review those concepts. Once you take enough practice tests you will be used to the errors that the SAT throws at you and most likely will be able to see which answers are right and wrong based off experience alone. Finally, for the Essay simply use lots of advanced vocab (not too much though) and follow a template for the essay that you should memorize. This is what I used to get me a 12 and subsequently a 2400:</p>

<p>Intro:

  1. “The premise that <em>position on topic</em> is an unequivocal truth.”
  2. “Although some individuals uphold the idea that <em>opposite view</em> is true, these people are too parochial in their perspectives.”
  3. 2-3 sentences about overall topic and opinion.*
  4. “Through examples from history and the contemporary world,
    one can see the truth behind this assertion.”</p>

<p>Body 1:

  1. “One paragon that exemplifies this topic is….”
  2. Details about the life example.
  3. “From this situation, one can truly understand how…” (thesis applies - 2-3 sentences detailing connection).
    Body 2:
  4. “Not only can this be witnessed in life, but historically, this perception is relevant as well.”
  5. Details about historical example.
  6. “Ultimately, because <em>sum up example</em>, one can truly come to realize how…” (thesis applies - 2-3 sentences detailing connection).</p>

<p>Conclusion:

  1. “In summation, through the examples of A, B and C, one can see the
    veracity in this claim, and how pervasive the values are that can be learned from it.” </p>

<p>Overall, mastering the SAT comes with practice. Practice Practice Practice Practice Practice, and you will make perfect. Paying attention and focusing are also too very important tips. If you can really focus and even, to an extent, have some fun taking the test, you will be rewarded :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye: Hope this helped.</p>

4

<p>You can also add a third supporting paragraph which i use an example from literature (I usually use A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines), which adds a little spice to the mix as well.</p>