<p>Hey guys I'm new to this whole thing so please be gentle :)</p>
<p>Essentially, I have high hopes of attending UPenn, Johns Hopkins, etc for Medicine (I want to be a neurosurgeon). I have the grades, rank (2nd), extracurriculars, volunteer hours, etc, but my SAT needs improvement. Freshman and Sophomore year, on the PSAT, I only scored 147 and 151 respectively. Very disappointing. This year, we (parents and myself) decided to take the Kaplan SAT course. It helped: 670 writing, 610 math, but my critical reading is still 550. I know I can do better in writing as my essays are usually strong (no arrogance intended) and I have a strong grasp of the concepts in the errors/multiple choice sections. Math has always been a strong point in school. I haven't scored under a 99 on my report card since 6th grade (includes geometry and precalc taking AP calculus this year (junior), again no arrogance intended) The concepts just appear to be used differently in each test and after reviewing all of the explanations, I seem to grasp it effectively. However, my critical reading scores are just garbage. 550 is not good, especially after months of tutoring and practice test. Math went up 100 points, writing went up 190 points, but reading only went up 50 or so. If you guys have any pointer tips on what I can do to score at least 720 on each section, ESPECIALLY critical reading, I will be VERY grateful.</p>
<p>Stickied threads are those threads on the top, such as Silverturtle’s guide (which you should definitely read if you want to score high on the multiple choice part of the Writing section)</p>
<p>Ah I see. Thanks a lot, guys. I have lots of work to do. I didn’t expect answers this quickly! I’ll be sure to update my status when good news comes.</p>
<p>Get the College Board Official Guide prep book and do all 30 sections of critical reading. Look up any words you don’t know. It would very helpful to have at least vol. 1 of the Direct Hits books to help you build vocabulary. There is also a practice SAT and PSAT on the College Board website with explanations that will be very helpful to you.</p>
<p>even if you don’t do well, realize that if you want to go to med school there really is no need to go to prestigious universities such as UPenn and JHU, so don’t worry.</p>
<p>@suncoastfan<br>
Thanks I am planning to buy the book from Barnes and Noble this Sunday. School starts next Friday and I have a lot on my plate for this year: 2 ap’s 2 subject tests, hopefully NHS officer position, so I hope this will help in addition to my tutoring</p>
<p>@mathstarftw
I live in an area where Temple, Drexel, and UPenn are less than an hour away from home. If I don’t make Penn or Johns Hopkins, I will definitely try Drexel. I have made their requirements already and I will definitely try to get some scholarships from different places. Also, the PSAT is four days after I take the SAT, so I am also hoping to get National Merit Scholarship. If I don’t make undergrad at Ivy, I know I will try my best to get there for grad school. My cousin did it and she said it worked greatly for her. Thanks for your help, and, as I mentioned previously, I will definitely keep you guys postped on how I do. </p>
<p>I still have 35 days and 19 hours until test time (counter on desktop) so I will make the most of my study time :D</p>
<p>I’ve decided to move my SAT date to January instead of October. I don’t think I’m ready for it just yet… Although I WILL be taking the PSAT in October. Will this advice still help?</p>
<p>Thanks, I’ll be sure to implement that in my studies. I have also decided to make a change to my study habits. Since the SAT has 10 sections, I came up with a weekly plan to aid my studying. On Sunday, I will write the Essay. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I will do sections: 2,3,4; 5,6,7; and 8,9,10 respectively. On the days in between, I will check my answers. This will account to one test per week. Since I have many extracurriculars, school starting with AP’s, and music classes, I won’t have time to sit down and take the test in one shot. Does this sound like a good idea? Even though I won’t be getting all 10 sections of Math, Reading, and Writing in one shot (although I could), would this still be beneficial? </p>
<p>P.S. I went to Barnes and Noble and wanted to buy the Collegeboard’s Official Guide to the SAT but they didn’t have it so they ordered it and I will pick it up sometime this week. This is what I will use for practice tests. Although this will be enough for PSAT, it’s not enough for one per week until January for the real SAT. Any suggestions for other practice test books? I still have my Kaplan Purple Book of Practice Tests, but I only have three of those left. That will not be enough either. Any suggestions?</p>