Studying the SAT From the Ground Up

<p>I need help to try and figure out what to do in order to get a higher SAT score, and now that I have a lot of time as a Freshman, I can get started right away. </p>

<p>Please read this entire post before commenting. </p>

<p>The situation is as such that I am in dire need of guidance: Books, websites, vocab lists, prep classes, anything you know of that helped you get a great SAT score, preferably in order. I'd really appreciate it of some of you 2100+ posted on here since you provide the great tips/guidance. I took the SAT after 8th grade and got a 1520, I didn't study a second, but I still feel like crap after that score. I already ordered the College Board Blue Book, since I've seen in numerous places that it is a must. I have above a 94 in each class and complete my homework in less than 3 hours, so I can definitely handle some SAT.</p>

<p>2 questions:
1. What was your Freshman (or closest) SAT Score?
2. What was your final SAT score and, how did you do it?</p>

<p>My goal is a 2200+, and I know it won't be easy, but I will try my best to make it happen. </p>

<p>Thanks for the help fellow CC'ers.</p>

<p>My freshman PSAT score was around 180-185, and my final SAT score was 2070. Basically, I did a lot of math contests in MS/HS, so I had no trouble scoring 80/800, but my reading/writing sections were only okay. I’ll admit that I didn’t prepare for the SAT nearly as much as I could’ve, but in the end it didn’t matter too much. However I did manage to pull up my writing score by over 100 pts by simply reviewing the commonly tested grammar rules.</p>

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<p>Please read the suggestions posted on top of this forum. If you are asking others to read your post, perhaps you could return the favor in reading the answers to the same questions that have been posted here dozens of times. </p>

<p>It should not be that hard.</p>

<p>dang xiggi posted on my thread, i have dude, spent hours looking through it. The situation is that some of the circumstances I face are unique to my situation, nobody has the same issues, that’s why we create “dozens” of threads. No offense at all xiggi, you are a legend in CC but we all need assistance that is specific. Good day :)</p>

<p>No offense pandia, but there is nothing in your description of your circumstances that can help anyone understand why you have a unique situation. Everything you’ve asked has been answered in the suggestions posted on top of forum.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Did not take SATs as a Freshman, but my first time taking the SAT was Junior year. I scored a 1750. </p></li>
<li><p>Final SAT score was a 2330. Took 20+ practice tests from Blue Book, SAT Online Course, Princeton Review, off the internet, etc. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>Writing:
Reviewed grammar rules with The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar and various online sources. For the essay I was already a good essay writer, I just created a formula for answering every prompt to save time. Make sure you know what the essay readers are looking for.</p>

<p>CR:
Hardest section to improve in by far. Because you’re a freshman, you have plenty of time to start learning vocabulary and reading difficult books and newspapers. For vocab I recommend Larry Krieger’s 500 words book.</p>

<p>Math:
You will get better with this as you take higher level math. You might not have refined math skills until your Junior Year of high school.</p>

<p>There’s a reason why most people take the SAT in their Junior Year of HS. You learn a lot during HS that helps to prepare you for the test. You’re going to be at a disadvantage with math, especially.</p>

<p>Time is on your side, though. Keep that in mind. Don’t get frustrated if you get a 1500 on your SATs in freshman year.</p>