<p>Hey guys,
I've recently started preparing for the SAT(sophomore) and I bought the official SAT study guide. However, it doesn't help in actually preparing me for the SAT and seemed useless, except for the practice tests. I took my first practice test ever and got a 1920: 800 math, 540 critical reading and 580 writing. I don't know where to begin studying for critical reading and writing. So far, I have these 5 books in my wish list: Direct Hits Core Vocabulary of the SAT 5th Edition (2013) (Volume 1), Direct Hits Toughest Vocabulary of the SAT 5th Edition (Volume 2) , The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar, How to Write a Killer SAT Essay: An Award-Winning Author's Practical Writing Tips on SAT Essay Prep and Barron's SAT Writing Workbook, 3rd Edition (Barron's Writing Workbook for the New Sat). Are these books useful in preparing for the SAT and where should I begin studying? Any helpful tips for the SAT in general would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Bump, anyone?</p>
<p>If you can repeat that Math score, then you obviously don’t need to spend much time preparing for Math. The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar is about all you need for the multiple choice section of the Writing section. The author also just published an 8 test workbook. My son used the Ultimate Guide and went from a 58 PSAT writing score sophmore year to missing only 3 to 4 questions on BB practice test. I would not waste time on the Barron’s because Meltzer’s materials will suffice. For the essay, try also searching for a CC post on How to score a 12 essay in 10 days. Research your examples, make sure to fill up all space, and provide some detailed support in your paragraphs and you will very likely score at least a 10 essay.</p>
<p>For CR, you have a much harder task. Direct Hits is definitely the best vocabulary prep. I think reading challenging material will also help (articles and op-eds from the Economist, NYT, WSJ, etc.). But your best practice time will be spent taking the BB test and any others from College Board (past PSAT’s/SAT’s/Online Course). This will help you learn the rest patterns and tricks. Focus on the type of problems you miss and figure out why. For Writing questions, Meltzer’s guide will show you which rule you need work on for missed BB questions, but there is no such resource for CR that I know of. My son found Tudor Ted’s to be an OK guide for explanations of wrong answers, but it’s better to try and figure it out on your own first.</p>
<p>I would start reading through the MC part of the Barron’s writing workbook since I thought it was really helpful. Read through that a couple times. Also, start studying vocab. Make flashcards or make your own lists to study.</p>
<p>Thanks guys! Are there any other practice tests from CollegeBoard or is the blue book the only source?</p>
<p>Here are some
[SAT</a> 2012 May Sunday - Download - 4shared - nitin s](<a href=“http://www.4shared.com/office/VmvcYkJu/SAT_2012_May_Sunday.htm]SAT”>http://www.4shared.com/office/VmvcYkJu/SAT_2012_May_Sunday.htm)</p>
<p>thank you so much amy2525 for the link
if you have more please share
i want to have as many past papers as possible</p>
<p>My son scored an 800 on the Writing section on the December SAT. Meltzer’s Ultimate Guide is by far the best SAT resource we have used.</p>