<p>The day I took the test, I tried to take a lax approach to it- I figured if I didn't place too much emphasis on the test while taking the test, my knowledge would magically come into fruition. Guess not. What hurts is that I took a Princeton Review Tests and always scored in a range in the 3 subjects (60 - 65 W, 65 R, 48 - 52 M). Perhaps the actual test came as something of a shock or something.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, I have a summer to prep before the October SAT. Any books good for the 3 subjects? I don't have a really good foundation in sat math, what books would be considered best for problem solving tips? What about for reading and writing? Aside from the blue book...</p>
<p>Barron's 2400 is great for math...the practice problems are a bit harder than the actual test, but it teaches you the concepts that you need. Do not use PR. PR treats you condescendingly and gives you strategies that insult your intellect...it seems to me that they're aiming for their students to get 900s. Also, PR's practice tests are in no way an indication of how you will do on the actual SAT because of their inconsistency and dissimilarity to the real thing. And, of course, if nothing else, get the blue book.</p>
<p>As far as prepping, i don't really know anything about that. as far as testing attitude, i got you there. i just relax during the days leading up, especially the day before. you're not going to get siginificantly better in that time, and are more likely to get thrown off your game. i usually do something the night before i find relaxing, like go to the gym or watch jackass and just rest my brain. then, during the test, just attack it. refuse to concede defeat to any question. go in with the attitude that you are not going to miss any.</p>