<p>I was kind of disappointed with my scores for my first crack at the SATs in May. 690 CR, 680 M, 710 W (10 on essay) for a 1370/2080. Right after I got my scores, I insisted on getting a private tutor (my schedule is too crazy for a class). However, I'm now starting to think that I can prep myself for my final attempt at the SAT in October, as the $4000+ for a decent Princeton Review tutor is a little ridiculous. </p>
<p>I want to raise my scores 20 points per section at the bare minimum, but more towards 40 points per section would be ideal. Basically, my question is: Can I achieve a substantial score increase by teaching myself, or should I suck it up and get a tutor? I'm very motivated and (being the dork that I am) would probably enjoy creating some sort of program for myself to follow. </p>
<p>If people do suggest books over tutor, I probably need:
-a GOOD strategy book for those 4-7 questions in each section that seem to trip me up (Barron's 2400?)
-a good vocab book (I've heard SparkNotes 1000 is good, but I can't seem to find it other than an online pdf. Is there another way to buy it in print?)
-lots and lots of practice problems. Have people had luck with the Barron's Workbooks for each section? I used the CB Blue Book, and didn't read any of it. Instead, I used it for the practice problems, which apparently didn't work out too well for me.
-any other books you found to be useful</p>
<p>Thanks in advance! It's much appreciated!</p>