<p>I've taken the SAT twice so far (CR: 630 and 620, W: 600 and 680), and I am thinking about taking it again in January. So to all the people who've gotten a 2200+, is there anything special that you did (I guess other than do the CB Official Study Guide) to prepare for the SATs?</p>
<p>bump bump any advice?</p>
<p>You might give the ACT a try. It has surpassed the SAT in popularity and many students prefer it. You could always take a practice test and see what you think.</p>
<p>[The</a> SAT vs. the ACT | SAT ACT Comparison](<a href=“http://www.princetonreview.com/sat-act.aspx]The”>SAT vs ACT: Which Test is Right for You? | The Princeton Review)</p>
<p>[Free</a> ACT Online Practice Test](<a href=“http://www.princetonreview.com/college/free-act-practice-test.aspx]Free”>Free ACT Practice Test | Free ACT Events | The Princeton Review)</p>
<p>@houstonmom2: I’ve thought about taking the ACTs, but I’m a senior and decided it was too late to start preparing for a different exam.</p>
<p>Any other tips regarding the SAT?</p>
<p>bump bump bump</p>
<p>bump bump bump
plz any advice?</p>
<p>I have heard many of the group review classes are of very little help. You should get a book of Sat tests. Work on each section individually. You have to figure out what approach works best for you. For example reading comprehension: Many suggest you read the first two sentences of the passage and the last two, then go immediately to the questions, read all of the questions. First go to the questions that pertain to a certain line in the passage, read the sentence before and after that line for context. Go back to the question, narrow down your answers. Look for wrong answers first x those out, if you can narrow it down to two then guess, if not leave it blank. Many words have a negative meaning or a positive meaning if that is the case then the answer should correspond. Next answer the other questions, you do not necessarily have to read the entire passage, and many just look for the answer specific to the questions. You do not have to answer the questions in order. You should circle important ideas or questions you have skipped. You can write on your test booklet. Answer the “What does the passage mean type questions” last. Time is your enemy on all of these tests.
I would spend a lot of time looking at the answers when you review each section of the
test. You need to familiarize yourself with how they ask questions and what type of answer they are looking for, in an non-timed setting. SAT Math is easiest to bring up, you need to identify what concepts you are not familiar with. Again work through the entire section and try to figure out why you got the wrong answer. Since you are a senior you don’t have much time. Many kids start junior year and take numerous practice tests. It gives them a tremendous advantage, and is not really fair. If you do go to a review type class you need to make sure you are spending most of your time actually taking the test. You should not be listening to someone just telling you certain tricks. The idea would be to spend time reviewing the individual sections then have someone help you figure out what you misunderstood, then start taking actual timed test to see if you have benefited. I hate what you kids have to go through.</p>
<p>I agree with Houstonmom2. Take the ACT.</p>
<p>@houstonmom2: Thanks a bunch for the advice! Never heard the reading comp approach before, so I’ll test it out the next time I do a practice test!</p>
<p>@preply: How long does it take to prepare for the ACT? Never even touched a practice book before…</p>
<p>It just depends. Some students really find that they like it better. I would just take the reading section and see how you do. If it seems more straight forward to you then give it a shot. They say that the ACT tests more what you have already learned in high school. Not sure how true that is. There is a science section that gives some students trouble so take a look at that before you decide.</p>
<p>@houstonmom: I’m really really thankful for your advice, but I just checked the website and it said that the registration for the december sitting had already passed and the next sitting would be 2/3, which would be too late. Guess I have to give it all on the January SAT.</p>
<p>houstonmom2 knows what she’s talking about. After taking SAT 3 times, I found out that taking the practice tests are the most effective way to improve your scores. After doing the practice test, the most important thing is to review your mistakes. Not just looking at the answer but really thinking why you got it wrong. </p>
<p>Also, luck is important in SAT. Sometimes you need to make educated guesses. My own policy is to guess whenever you can eliminate one answer out of five, giving you 25% chance. This is worth it coz you only lose 1/4 mark for every wrong answer.</p>
<p>@testsimple: damn 2350! PMing you right now.</p>
<p>ACT Standby testing dates: Not sure how this works but might be worth checking out.</p>
<p>[Registration</a> | Standby Testing | ACT Student](<a href=“ACT Registration | ACT Testing Dates | The ACT Test”>ACT Registration | ACT Testing Dates | The ACT Test)</p>