Should I take prep classes? Also - online practice test vs. real score?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>I'm a current sophomore and I recently took the official SAT practice test (without previous preparation). I scored a 2320. The breakdown was: CR - 800, M - 760, W - 760. Should I take prep classes this summer? My ideal range is 2380-2400. My family isn't really happy about the idea as most classes where I live are super expensive. </p>

<p>Also -- does anyone know if the online practice test is actually representative of the real SAT? It was easier than I expected. Also, is the auto grading for the essay similar to how the human graders evaluate it? </p>

<p>If people could post their practice test scores vs. the scores they actually got for the exam that would be really useful.</p>

2

<p>Do not take the prep class. It will not help. The prep classes are really designed for people who aren’t motivated enough to study by themselves. You’ll be fine without it.</p>

<p>It depends. Did you take an official collegeboard test? If so, then it is a very good representation. If not, that is still a phenomenal score. However, the auto grading is far too optimistic and hands out 12’s like crazy. Nonetheless, that is a very impressive score, especially without prep.</p>

<p>For me, I scored a 2310, 2350, 2340, 2310, and 2380 in the five tests prior to my second time taking it. I ended up scoring a 2360. If I were you, I’d consider prepping fairly briefly and taking it in May or June this year to get it out of the way. Really, scores at the range you’re at are so good that there won’t be much of a difference between say a 2350 and 2390.</p>

<p>By the way, I’m also a sophomore.</p>

3

<p>while i strongly disagree that prep classes are “for people who aren’t motivated enough to study by themselves”, i do agree that you specifically dont need them IF those scores are accurately timed, represent a whole test taken in one sitting, and you aren’t someone who struggles with text anxiety once it’s ‘the real thing’.</p>

<p>was your practice test a college board one? if not, get a real prac test done asap so you have a realistic idea of scores.</p>

4

<p>You definately do NOT need a prep class. Read my article on the proper way to take the SAT for an 800 in Math in this thread:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1320362-sat-math-do-you-think-its-good-idea-start-end.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1320362-sat-math-do-you-think-its-good-idea-start-end.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>You may also want to read my articles on eliminating careless errors in SAT math, and how to stop getting those last few hard questions wrong. I think I have them posted in various threads here as well.</p>

5

<p>I took an SAT prep class, and honestly it’s not worth the money. Prep classes will not help you improve your high score to a perfect. I think they’re better suited if your beginning score is low. Just take lots of practice tests on your own. The Kaplan book that comes with 12 tests is good, that helped me a lot more than the class I spent lots of money on. Good Luck!</p>

6

<p>

</p>

<p>Batgirl, allow me to rephrase myself. I believe it would be more appropriate to say that prep classes are most effective for people who are less willing or less able to self study. Certainly, people who are motivated can also benefit from having a more organized and systematic routine. However, I feel that it is generally more effective to self study for the SAT rather than taking a prep course.</p>

<p>However, if you have had a positive experience involving prep classes, please do share. I’d be interested to hear it.</p>