Should I get an SAT prep class?

Test Preparation
1

<p>Last spring, I took the SAT and got a score of 2010: 800 Verbal, 710 Writing, and 600 Math. I know from reading similar posts that, generally, SAT prep classes are not recommended for people with scores in this range. However, I think my case may be different, and I would appreciate some feedback.</p>

<p>My math score, while good, does not reflect my abilities--I got high As throughout Pre-Calc honors and am taking AP Calc next year. This problem stems from my tendency to a) over think and over complicate problems (e.g., stare cluelessly at a problem only to realize I could have used the Pythagorean Theorem) and b) panic slightly during standardized math tests. The general reason why people say not to take prep classes when you already get high scores is because "they will only teach things you already know"--but my main problem is that I do not know the "tricks" for handling the SAT. Similarly, my (very good) Writing score was substantially brought down by the fact that I got a 8 out of 12, or average, on the essay. As with the math, this does not reflect my essay-writing skills at all. I have a feeling this is less because I do not know how to write well than because I do not know how to write an SAT essay well (this idea was confirmed when a classmate, who is also a really good, got-a-five-in-AP-Language writer, only received a 9 for her SAT essay.)Again, I feel that an SAT prep class may help me fix this problem.</p>

<p>So I really have 3 questions to ask. One, should I try to take an SAT prep class? If so, what would you recommend (and what is relatively cheap)? Lastly, if I should not waste the money, could someone give me some tips as to what SAT essay readers look for? Most of the online tips I have found are in the "general tips for good writing" vein, and not particularly helpful.</p>

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<p>I had the exact same issue. Regarding your math score, the reason prep classes aren’t recommended is that you have already mastered the skills necessary for this area. I found that taking prep helped, but only because I was forced to do loads of practice. If you can by yourself do loads of practice, you will greatly improve your score. </p>

<p>The tricks for math and reading are incredibly obvious after 6 or 7 practice tests</p>

3

<p>maybe you can try to find a tutor so you can have a personal one on one experience and be able to focus on one subject area (in your case, math).
to be honest, most of the math in the SATs are based on material taught to you in high school. besides reviewing high school math, i would suggest learning the “tricks.” With the SATs, they’re all about trying to set up traps for you. You might think something is the right answer, but you have to think carefully about it because they do that on purpose. You have to avoid the traps. Tutoring/a class might be helpful to guide you to how to avoid them.</p>

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<p>Self-prep is a really good way to study. Just make sure you learn from your mistakes from the answer keys.
You also have to time yourself.</p>