|
Yes it is possible but no magic formula of "time+books=definite success" exists. Setting time limits boxes you in. Instead, try to achieve certain goals each day. For instance, if you're dead set on memorizing the infamous Barron's 3500, calculate how many you at least should memorize each day to eventually complete the entire thing. Play mind games with them and don't be afraid to have a little fun learning each word. Though it seems silly, more familiarity and mental connections between words will benefit you on the test. For everything else, alternate your focus on the three sections. Based upon your score thus far, I suggest you focus more on writing and math at first. Writing is the easiest to improve on: you begin to figure out the patterns of errors with more practice and possibly a workbook. Avoid Barron's SAT Writing workbook though because it's by far not the best out there. For math, most often the issue is silly mistakes. Make a habit of closely reading each question and writing out all of your work so that you can make sure you don't slip up under pressure. If you don't understand all of the concepts asked, SAT math workbooks are quite useful. I like to suggest McGraw Hill's, but others exist as well (don't use Dr. Chung's because the questions provided are well beyond the scope of SAT math and you'll thus feel really depressed thinking you'll never do well on the actual SATs). Once you successfully raise your score in math and writing (which should not take terribly long), transition your focus to be mainly on critical reading by practicing with lots of CR sections from tests. In addition, throughout your summer, read lots and lots of canonical literature and respected journals/newspapers. Try to critically analyze to understand the essence of the passages, the meaning behind symbols, and etc. Every week, take at least one SAT test. The BB ones are undoubtedly the best source, and you can definitely find other CB released tests online if you run out.
From my experiences, writing is the easiest to improve, then math, and then critical reading. Don't stress out about it though; set baby-step goals for yourself each day and achieve them instead of worrying over your currently low score. Good luck and feel free to PM me with any questions!
| 
