<p>Ok so I am a sophomore and i was wondering is it necessary to take a SAT prep course if my target score is a min 2250? I got a 201 on PSAT in October, and I am just looking to start improving that now in the cheapest way possible. Also, when is a general time period that people start taking college tours?</p>
<p>This is a copy of a post I posted on a different thread:</p>
<p>To self prepare for the SAT, first, buy the old, actual SAT tests from college board book. (This one is new, so don’t know what it’s like inside).</p>
<p>Amazon.com: The Official SAT Study Guide with DVD (9780874479799): The College Board: Books.</p>
<p>Or here’s the older version for less money. Not sure what the difference is between the books, but I’m sure it’s been analyzed in the SAT/ACT section of cc.
The Official SAT Study Guide, 2nd edition: The College Board: 9780874478525: Amazon.com: Books</p>
<p>Then, go to the SAT/ACT section of cc, look up both Xiggi’s and Silverturtle’s guides to self studying for the SAT and follow the directions. Usually, you take the tests under timed conditions and analyze what you did wrong. The 2 new books have a comment on the correct answers.</p>
<p>Thanks, Xiggi!!</p>
<p>If you are already above 2000 (200 in PSAT), a prep course may have little additional help from simply practicing unless you need to improve your essay to achieve a better writing score. Don’t limit yourself to the blue book. The cheapest way would be checkout your library to see if they have any prep books. There are a ton in my local library. If not, then talk your friends to set up a book exchange club that each of you would buy a different one and circulate among yourselves.</p>
<p>A 201 on the PSAT sophomore year sounds like a great score. i got a 187 sophomore year, then 224 junior year and just got above a 2250 on the SAT. so honestly i dont think you have to worry about improving that much. you probably dont need to take a prep course, just practice like yohoyoho said. regarding college visits i think the earliest you should start would be summer going into junior year. im a junior now and i did my first visit in november of this school year and then just did another during spring break. i might try to get one more in before this school year ends and do the rest over the summer. its best to do them when class is in session so im gonna try to go at the end of august after colleges start classes.</p>
<p>Allright thanks to all, I think self-studying would be the best method as all of you said and I of course downloaded Xiggi’s and silverturtles materials.</p>
<p>If you have the SAT prep class at your disposal and it’s not too costly, I might suggest taking it. Though the PSAT is a good indication of what you can do, it’s not set in stone. I scored a 216 on the PSAT and I’m a national merit finalist, but I still only scored a 2140 on the SAT. If you’re looking at top-notch schools, the competition is only getting tougher, and every little bit helps. If you have your heart set on a certain school, too, do everything you can to show your loyalty as soon as possible. When everyone is on the same playing field, that campus tour or interview can help set you above the rest. Good luck!</p>