<p>The earlier the better? I'm currently a sophomore and don't know if I should have started already or if I should start soon.</p>
<p>Yes the earlier the better. Start to read now!</p>
<p>I didn’t start until my junior year, but it never hurts to start sooner. The earlier you start, the more opportunities you have to improve your score.</p>
<p>That’s true, but I’ve also read that too much studying too early could do more harm than good. Don’t know if that’s true, but I read that from a fellow CCer a while ago. So if I were to start studying, would the College Board SAT Study Guide suffice? Or would I need more than that?</p>
<p>Reading and more reading!</p>
<p>I started studying for in July, because ACT English / Reading practice was a part of my AP Language summer assignment. I did what was required only. In late September I reviewed the English/Reading sections, did a bit of math practice and glimpsed at a science practice test. I didn’t do anything for writing. I took the ACT at the end of October, and got a 30 composite (32 E, 31 R, 30 S, 28 M, 9 W). </p>
<p>I think if I would have done some math & science in July when I did English, I would have done slightly better. So I’d reccommend doing a lot of practice during summer or winter break when you have plenty of time. Then just do a quick review before the date you take it.</p>
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Shoot, I’m not really a reader… I only read a book when it’s required. Does reading matter all that much in terms of getting a good SAT/ACT score?</p>
<p>@baileyj So you started studying as a junior? Your score’s good! Did you not take the SAT?</p>
<p>I started a week before the ACT, whoops… But I got a 34 composite and 8 on writing for the ACT. I would recommend practicing the reading section, because it can be difficult to get through some of the passages. They get pretty dry.</p>
<p>the first time I took it, I completely disregarded studying, thinking that I would somehow easily score 2200+. Thus, the 1980 that I received thoroughly disgusted me (that was on the January test). So from the point that I received my score to the next test (a measly 3 weeks - I even had to sign up late!), I started studying my ass off. In the end, I got my 2240. What I learned is that it is not how long you study for, but how hard you study and make the best use of your time. Studying hard and determined for 3 weeks can be just as good as studying half-assed for 2 months. Plus, if you start studying too early, you run the risk of running out of practice materials, which would be VERY bad. What I recommend is to take it the first time cold-turkey, then study from there.</p>
<p>@happyanglerfish 34 with minimal studying? Nice! I’m not even sure if I want to take the ACT anymore. I read that it’s more of what you already know rather than actual reasoning skills and logic (SAT). </p>
<p>@satman Is 1980 considered a “bad SAT score”? I’m sure anything besides a 2300 is bad here on CC where everyone’s an overachiever, but realistically… Would getting an 1980 look terrible on one’s college app?</p>
<p>Started looking at SAT books casually summer after freshman year, disregarded until summer after sophomore year. Studied my butt off during the summer, took the November sitting–2370. Darn that one math problem. :’(</p>
<p>I’d say that early start really worked for me, so I wasn’t scrambling at the end to finish all the accumulated prep material.</p>
<p>Also, the vocab flash cards by Barron’s did me a world of good.</p>
<p>It really depends on the student. If you have taken PLAN or PSAT in sophomore, you may have some idea on your current standing. Otherwise, do a couple practice tests on each. If you find you have a long way to go to reach your target score, you should start the preparation as soon as possible. Your ultimate goal is to reach a plateau (or your personal limit) in practice tests before taking the real test. My D took 30 practice tests on each over the Summer before junior and in Fall to reach her plateau. Your goal should be taking the test once that matches your practice score and be done with it. Sometimes, you score lower than your expectation and may need to retake it in Spring after some more preparation. Try to finish the retake by April so that you can focus on the AP and subject tests afterward. You really don’t want to retake any test in senior as you would be busy in school applications and writing essays. In addition, sometimes scores would be delayed that could not be sent before EA/ED deadline. So you better don’t need to count on a senior retake.</p>
<p>I think it’s best to start early, but you don’t have to spend too much hours at once. Just read through the Blue Book and other resources as you go throughout sophomore year. Take a couple of practice tests too. That way, you’ll have time to absorb the information that you read because you’re not rushed.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice everybody!</p>
<p>@Phlogiston Do you recommend any prep books besides Collegeboard and Barron’s SAT Vocabulary?</p>
<p>I started after the first semester of Junior year, I was still able to get 2030 by June.</p>
<p>I do not read much in my free time, and was able to raise a 55 PSAT critical reading to a 720 on the SAT before “The Insider’s Complete Guide to SAT Vocabulary: The Essential 500 Words” came out. I used Direct Hits and took practice tests out of the blue book and the online course.</p>