So I'm taking the SAT on May 6th and I need help...

<p>Do you guys think that in about 3-4 weeks I can raise my score 150 points?
See, I'm in 8th grade, and I want to get an 1800 or so on my SAT. My goal is to get a 600 (at least) on each section.</p>

<p>Right now I'm pulling off about a 550 in each. Do you guys think that I can do this in the time I have?</p>

<p>Also, I need some advice: in the 3 weeks I have, should I memorize words or those latin word roots? Over the past few months, I have been memorizing words, I've learned 350 or so.</p>

<p>For math, what is the best book for advanced problems (harder inequalities, functions, etc): Kaplan's SAT book, Collegeboard's Official Guide, or the Princeton Review's math prep book?</p>

<p>For writing, I think that the editing section is pretty easy. As for writing, how much of your score is that worth? Like if you got an 8, what would your scaled score be? What if you got a perfect 12? Also, what are some good websites/books to help me with my writing? Oh, and are the writing topics completely random, or are they usually easier topics? </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>I don't know the answers to most of your questions, but I will say that you should look through the prefixes and roots before rote memorization of words. Review the words you already know.</p>

<p>Definitely get the Official SAT Study Guide, that has (obviously) the most accurate questions. It's not difficulty that matters, its accuracy. If you had more time I would also recommend Gruber's.</p>

<p>For writing, the first choice is Elements of Style.</p>

<p>In 3-4 weeks you should be able to make progress.</p>

<p>My tip, take the ACT instead. They don't bust you for guessing</p>

<p>Okay, thanks for everything.</p>

<p>I also have a question about critical reading. Is this a good strategy?
1. Read all the questions (do not read answer choices)
2. Read passage, and underline everything that MAY answer a question.
3. Circle everything that MAY be a "big picture/main idea" question.
4. Answer the questions based on what you underlined/circled.</p>

<p>Or does this sound better:
1. Read all questions first that have to do with pages/lines
2. Read and answer them
3. Read big picture questions
4. Answer</p>

<p>It all depends on what type of reader you are and how fast you can read while still maintaining a good level of comprehension. Sometimes it is better to read the questions beforehand so you know what you're "looking for."</p>

<p>I think the second strategy you mentioned may work better, but I haven't tried it. Be careful in that sometimes the answer lies slightly outside the lines the question indicates, so try to get a context of what is happening.</p>

<p>My usual strategy: Skim passage quickly, just to get the gist. Then answer vocabulary in context type questions. Then answer the questions that refer to specific lines. Finally answer everything else. Rarely will I have to read the entire passage thoroughly.</p>

<p>Thanks!
What about writing, how is that scored?</p>

<p>For the essay in the writing section, I don't know much more than this:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/sat/writing.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/sat/writing.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>I remember seeing a self-scoring guide for the essay in the blue book (the official study guide), but I don't have it with me right now.</p>