SAT Score Improvement Advice

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>So far, I have taken two SAT Tests (One in December and one in January).</p>

<p>I have yet to recieve my scores for the January SAT (they come out on February 16th), but on my first try I received a cumulative score of 1600 (CR = 560, M = 550, W = 490). For many of the sections, I felt rushed because of bad time management and I was not able to eliminate obvious answers like I wanted to, instead I impulsively chose answers that "seemed" correct (which may explain my mediocre score).</p>

<p>This was my first attempt at taking the SAT, without any sort of prep or practice. Since then I have been using the SAT Study Guide, the Princeton Review Study Guide, and SAT Vocabulary building books to help me prepare for the upcoming tests.</p>

<p>Even with these, I still feel as if I need to learn more techniques that will help me suceed.</p>

<p>My ultimate goal is to (at least) score within the 2000-2100 range to give myself a competitive edge when applying to college next school year. </p>

<p>What, in your opinion, would be the best way to prep for the test? An SAT course (ex: Testmasters, etc)? </p>

<p>(Side note: I am currently a high school junior with straight A's in all honors classes and two AP classes)</p>

<p>Thank you! :)</p>

<p>(and I apologize if this is in the wrong section of the forum)</p>

2

<p>I think the best way to practice for the SAT is to just take a lot of practice tests. Initially, you may want to spend a couple of weeks going through some prep books. I used the blue book, McGraw’s big SAT book, and some of the Barron’s books. The Barron’s writing workbook is pretty good. After you look through those, try doing practice sections and practice essays as often as possible. Cut out the problems you miss and put them in a notebook; that way, you can easily review missed problems. I found that method from someone (travismarie, maybe?) from here, actually. DO NOT use Kaplan books of any sort. It’s better if you just use authentic practice tests such as those from the blue book or from college board’s online SAT course. The online course isn’t that helpful, except it includes ten SAT practices tests. If you run out of practice tests, you could consider getting the red book/10RS (10 real SATs). It’s from the college board too, but it’s from the older SAT. If you use that, just ignore the analogies. </p>

<p>Personally, I don’t think SAT courses are that helpful, but if you ask around, some people may believe otherwise. </p>

<p>When do you intend on taking the SAT?</p>