<p>I'm a junior and I'm planning to take the SAT in March.
So, I only have about 2months left.
I took a sample test and got CR:670 M:690 WR:630 but it wasn't really a "testing atmosphere" cause people in the room were kinda loud and I dozed off in the middle of a math section :(
My goal is to get 2300 or near 2300 (at least 2250)
but because I only have 2 months to study and my school gives so much hw, that I need a really efficient and "time-saving" studying strategy.</p>
<p>I've heard so many rumors about the "best way" to study SAT
but I'm not sure if they are all true...
such are:
1. conquer the Word Smart book. It's the "Bible" of SAT vocab. Then study Barrons 3500 if you want to get over 700 in CR section
2. Use the blue book to practice.
3. Read magazines like Time magazine or economist everyday
4. Read the 101 Recommended readings from Collegeboard .com
5. efficient way to memorize words is to use spare time. Don't memorize a bunch of them at once, sitting at your desk, and writing the words over and over again to memorize. Carry flash cards and memorize one by one in your spare time (like on a bus etc)</p>
<p>So,,, mainly my concern is Critical reading. I know that for Writing section , if I study, I can get over 700. And Math... well I totally flunked the sample test and I know it cuz I didn't pay attention to a single problem and I didn't even study math before I took it. So, I'm guessing if I study I can get 800.</p>
<p>But CR is my problem... it SO hard for me :(
Regarding that list, are they correct? If they are not, can you guys advise me on a better way to study? </p>
<p>I really want to get near 2300,
but would really #s 3,4, and 5 work(especially within 2 months)? </p>
<p>It would be great if you guys can share your way of studying as well :)</p>
<p>Hardest part about CR SAT:
-Time
-Endurance
-Bad questions/answers that penalize for creative interpretation</p>
<p>Solutions:
-Practice (Blue Book and anything you can find)
-Realize that the answers are in the text, not based on your opinion
-Underline while you read (it doesn't take much time and keeps you active)
-Read voraciously outside of the test
-Have good vocab
-Take Adderall (only kidding...or am I? :D)</p>
<p>I actually find the CR the easiest part in that you don't need to come into the test knowing much.</p>
<p>Try not to interpret it in your own way because the answer is always in the text. In fact, sometimes you can narrow down answers based on whether they are too shallow or not. You always have to ask yourself, 'Is this what the passage meant to tell me?" Sometimes there is an answer that is better than another answer simply because one focuses on the big picture while the other does not.</p>
<p>And you could try to read the passage as you answer the questions. Usually the questions go in order based on the line numbers, but if you find a question near the beginning that asks about the passage as a whole, just skip it until you have finished the passage.</p>
<p>Thanks guys.
Someone told me that reading the 101 Recommended books from collegeboard helps alot. But would that help me even though I have only 2 months (even less than 2 months) left?</p>
<p>Much of the test is on logic rather than on knowledge. I found that studying for vocab is grossly overrated. People spend way too much time on it. I have maybe studied 500 words and have yet to miss a vocab question, and I would say that I don't have an exceptional vocabulary.</p>
<p>Reading is good. But practice tests are better. My studying consisted of 12 practice tests and 200 vocab words, and that was plenty to get me past 2300.</p>
<ol>
<li>Practice Tests</li>
<li>Read philosophy for vocabulary.</li>
<li>Pay attention in Math, and if you're hopefully above Algebra 2 and doing well you should have no problem.</li>
</ol>
<p>Increase your level of vocab!... 350 words should suffice.. and for the writing: it's all about the trends of the questions, familiarize yourself with them. for the math , however, if your taking advanced math at school, you should be fine... and make sure to read alot and try to read as fast as possible. Remember to comprehend everything you read.... that said, you should be looking at high 700s on each section</p>
<p>The best study guide is the one you will read. :)</p>
<p>Go to a bookstore, find the couches or chairs, get a coffee if you're so inclined. Then grab 3-4 books from the shelf. Barrons, College Board, Princeton, Kaplans, whatever. Then spend 15-20 minutes (more if you can) going through each book, looking at the layout, see whether it explains right AND wrong answers on practice tests.... see what you think will work for you.</p>
<p>Barrons gets recommended here all the time for SAT subject tests. My d couldn't make heads or tails out of it so those were the ones that never got opened. She likes Princeton Review for subject tests, along with the College Board practice tests. For the PSAT she studied with Rocket Review and the College Board practice tests and made 237. Her plan for the SAT reasoning (taking it in March) is to do lots of the College Board practice tests each week, including 1-2 "full blown" tests from start to finish.</p>
<p>CR
1. Look for the lvl 1 directly stated answers first. 80% of the questions are written that way.
2. Vocab, keep it at only a few words per day. </p>
<p>That improved my 56 Psat to 74.... </p>
<p>Math
1. I don't know, I've finished calculus 2 and I still make mistakes adding... </p>
<p>Writing
1. Look at your test to see if have mastered 100% of the easy questions. If you have, the basic problem will be going through books and picking out the ones labeled "hard". The "hard" ones have particular and obscure rules in grammar that are the ones to study for.</p>
<p>Writing:
- Know your sentence parts; what comes after a comma; what not to start a sentence with; etc...
- Essay... I just posted a topic at making 12/12 on the essay. That's the way I was taught to do it in SAT prep courses, and its been proven to me by more than 5 essays. >___></p>
<p>Math:
- Know your formulas!
- Learn shortcuts
- When plugging in an answer to see if it is write, Always ALWAYS start off with C.
- - Usually, A is the highest solution, and E is the lowest</p>
<p>My daughter is also a junior and taking the SATs in March. She is looking for more practice tests. She has taken all the blue book tests. Any suggestions on other books or places to find more tests written preferably written by the College Board?</p>