<p>I'm currently a sophomore. I've purchased the college board book, but I don't know how or when to start. Tips?</p>
<p>If you’re only a sophomore, I don’t know if I’d recommend breaking out the Blue Book just yet; there’s a finite amount of tests in there, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Start by brushing up on vocabulary, essay writing, and math found on the SAT. Check different threads for suggestions on each. As your test approaches, start using your Blue Book. There are differing opinions on this, but I would use it sparingly before your first test, using only one or two tests. After your first “high pressure” experience is over, you can really throw yourself into the test. In my opinion, if you take the PSAT first, you’ve got the experience of the pressure, and you can move on to preparing heavily for the SAT. I’ve never gone “all-in” with the SAT, but with eight to ten tests, you can probably manage between one and two a week, so that works out to around a month and a half of prep. I wouldn’t accelerate up to the test; you don’t need any more reason to be nervous!</p>
<p>Best of luck, chief.</p>
<p>Okay, thank you! How much longer before my test should I start using my Blue Book?</p>
<p>Like 2 months before you actually take the test. Right now, you shouldn’t be doing any SAT specific studying, except reading reading reading and doing the best you can in your classes.</p>
<p>I would suggest you start bangin’ out those practice tests on weekends and note each question you get incorrect (then look up all the answers and do those questions again.) Then go on to the next practice test - repeat. After several months you will have a collection of questions you got wrong the first time. Do all of those questions again and again until you get them all correct and remember why. By the time you sit for the PSAT - that Blue Book shoud be your blue beyotch! Also, keep reading as many books and articles as you can just to get your reading speed and comprehension up.</p>
<p>I suggest you start reading as much as you can and start slowly but surely learning Direct Hits and 300 essential words vocab lists. When you begin junior year, that is when you should crack open the blue book and start studying intently.</p>
<p>When do you plan on taking the test?</p>
<p>I have no idea when I’m taking it. Are there specific test dates that are better than others?</p>
<p>The March exam during your Junior year is a very popular test date.
You don’t want to take it too early because you should become a stronger test taker as high school progresses.
You don’t want to take it too late so that you can take it again (if needed) to improve your score.</p>
<p>Start studying the summer before junior year, that way your studying will double-dip for PSAT preparation.</p>