<p>So I'm a junior taking Honors USH (APUSH = too much work for me lol) and I plan on taking the SATII in June. My goal score is in the range of 600 to 700. I just started reading the Sparknotes online review, and I'm defining the terms as I go along. I plan on using that alongside my notes from my history class for studying. Will that be adequate?</p>
<p>Also, does anyone know how accurate the Sparknotes practice tests are compared to the actual exam? I took a practice test on there without looking at the review or anything and having only covered through reconstruction in my class and I scored a 500 (which I'm aware is far below my goal lol)</p>
<p>Sounds like you have a good study plan. It’s best to take the subject test right after you take the regular class (not AP, since AP exams are a lot different fundamentally than subject tests), so it looks like you’re right on track. I love Princeton Review books, so maybe you should invest in some practice materials.</p>
<p>Sparknotes is reliable for their online study guide books for subject tests. But ever since the practice tests became free, they’ve gotten a lot sloppier and full of mistakes. I’ve taken several practice tests through sparknotes, and I found numerous mistakes in all of the tests. It would take off points, saying “D is not the correct answer. You should have chosen X” when X isn’t an option. Or it would say “refer to the illustration for problems 15-17” when there was no drawing. Or they would just plain get their facts wrong. So don’t rely on that practice test grade.</p>
<p>Overall, it sounds like you’re right on track to take the test. Good luck!</p>
<p>I would just like to point out to you that there is an issue with the Sparknotes practice tests: they’re very repetitive. Your scores might be realistic on the first 2-3 tests, but after that they might be inflated. Be wise in choosing when to take them!
That said, I heard from multiple sources that generally, the Sparknotes tests are harder than the real test. The answer chioces may be a bit ambiguous, unlike what you find on the real thing. I have yet to take the test myself, but this is the general consensus.
If you’re aiming for a 600-700, I’m sure nothing but Sparknotes would be just fine. Actually, I’m aiming for a 750+, and I’m using nothing but Sparknotes (I have very little US History background, too!). Sparknotes covers most stuff that comes on the test; the only things that might not be mentioned are the random books/people throughout history. Those won’t be much of a problem unless you’re aiming for high 700s - 800. But make sure you know all the terms in there glossary, as almost every term will be questioned either directly or indirectly.
Good luck!</p>