<p>Hello, </p>
<p>I'm a current sophomore and I just recently realized that this would be the right time for me to get serious about college and standardized tests. I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice on creating a study plan for the Sat/Act. I go to a magnet high school where the academics are really tough, but I'm willing to dedicate at least an hour a day on weekdays and definitely more on weekends. I'm a pretty good writer and test taker and my grades are high B's to mid A's. Some research led me to the xiggi method, and I was wondering if it's a good plan to follow, along with what else I can do along with it to increase my score. Also, apart from the blue book, what other study material do you recommend? Finally, when do you think I should take the tests?</p>
<p>Thank you for your time</p>
<p>There are a lot of study guides out there however I’m not sure they are all that necessary if you are a good test taker and have been taking challenging classes. Did you take the PSAT? That will give you a good idea what you may get on the SAT. Secondly what score are you trying to achieve? My son is a Senior. I had him take the ACT last Sept and the SAT last Oct. His scores from last year were good enough to get him at colleges we were looking at. So I didn’t bother having him study for the ACT/SAT, however he did take them this year and scored better on them. This years scores have helped get him more merit aid than he would have with last years scores however I still don’t think spending a bunch of time studying for the tests would have been all that worthwhile. I would try and take a practice test and see where you are at first.</p>
<p>Thanks for your response.</p>
<p>I’m looking to do really well on the sat’s, like 2250+. In freshman year I took the psat without knowing what it was because my school makes it mandatory. I scored terribly at a mid 160. I took it again this year and think I did significantly better. From what I’ve observed, my weakness is definitely geometry. I just think if I start to prepare now I’ll do really well in junior year.</p>
<p>You have the right approach. Always seek to improve your skills and knowledge…the earlier the better.</p>
<p>Thanks for your encouragement. Do you know of any thing specific I can do to study apart from the blue book?</p>