<p>So I keep reading on CC of how SAT prep classes are shamming you of your money and how they're not as effective as studying by yourself. But, I keep hearing of success stories in real life from 2300 and 2200 test-takers who went to a prep class. Now I'm not sure of the extent to which they took it, and how long or if they studied by themselves, but I've been studying by myself all this time (many months now) and I'm in the 2100's. I'm pushing for a 2300, I plan on taking the test in January with hard studying done during winter break.</p>
<p>So my question is, are prep classes actually effective and what people say on this forum is bogus, or they're just supplements to personal practice and are for beginner test-takers? I'm considering taking one (Kaplan, anyone know how it is?) but I've already done all the tests in the CB Blue Book as well as other QAS scans, so I'm not sure if I've exhausted the resources they would be prepared to give to me. I'm also aware that Kaplan SAT tests are not alike to real SAT's.</p>
<p>By SAT prep classes do you mean group classes? If so, then it is indeed a waste of time and money. SAT Prep classes are designed to be short and to help everyone equally. You won’t receive individual attention and the so-called “tips” they teach you are very basic. However, if you do receive one one one tutoring it might be worth it depending on how skilled the tutor is. If the tutor is good as s/he says s/he is, then give them a list of the ten most hardest SAT questions and tell them to finish it in 8 minutes. At 2100 you’re pretty much stuck at that point. It’ll depend on the curve of the SAT and also just your luck. Don’t stress out too much. Once you’re pass the 2000 range you’re set.</p>
<p>No, considering not everyone would be willing to put the work in or aren’t skilled enough test-takers for 2400… you’re basically saying everyone has a peak for their potential, which goes against everything I’ve ever heard or read about human nature.</p>
<p>I know, it’s hard to believe. But indeed everyone has a peak for his/her potential.
For example, the deceased Michael Jackson, even if he practiced 24 hours a day, probably would never be able to break Usain Bolt’s 100 m world record. The former’s body just wasn’t built for it. And just think of Usain Bolt’s world record as 2400 on SAT that everyone is trying to reach. </p>
<p>No one’s body or mind is “built” for test-taking. Your comparison of running vs. the SAT is just absurd. Everyone’s brain is nurtured, not natured. Or at least not natured in the same way as a freakin’ runner’s genes.</p>
<p>Besides, I’m fully aware of the capability (and more or less luck or the “build”) it would take to get a 2400. But I don’t want a 2400, I just want a 2300.</p>
<p>The brain can be nurtured only to certain extent, and the gene keeps in.
Some people learn fast, some slow, and some will never learn.
That’s just the fact of life.</p>
<p>This is not relevant to the SAT. If you’re telling me I can’t get a higher score and that I am stuck with my 2100, I’m sorry but I’ll have to say you’re playing me.</p>
<p>I think that the average student can definitely score higher than 2000 given ample time + determination, but there really is a peak of potential. This is not to say that your peak is 2100 though. How are your score distributions? (math cr writing score)</p>
<p>I gained nothing by playing you. Basically, I am just laying out a fact as others have been saying on the site. For example, I personally know somebody who got 1900+ on her first SAT. She took a prep course, studied hard, and ended up with 1900+ on her second SAT. She then studied even harder for her third SAT and still got 1900+. Eventually, she ended up taking ACT and scored 32.</p>
<p>“Studying hard isn’t always studying right.”</p>
<p>Yes, and yet knowing the “right way” to study doesn’t mean that the person is going to apply the “right approach” to study for whatever the reasons might be.</p>
<p>MyRealName. We are just trying to help you. Take it for what it’s worth but there is no room for you to complain. Next time, don’t even ask and just do what you gotta do. Oh and by the way, have fun dropping a load of cash at your prep course. IT’S SO WORTH IT. THEY GUARANTEE YOU A 2400. IT SEEMS SO LEGITIMATE RIGHT???</p>
<p>In no way are we implying that you are mentally incapable. We are just saying that not all minds work the same; some work better than others. For example, you cannot “nurture” someone to be as smart or creative as Einstein.</p>
<p>In regards to your test scores, they can easily improve. Math should always be an 800, just do many SAT math problems and practice. They all follow a formula, and you should be able to see that once you do enough. CR is more up in the air. That just depends on how you do it.</p>