eirstryde

Taking the SAT twice in a few months.
Anyone mind providing some tips on preparation/ highly suggested recent books / common mistakes not to be made / etc?
Very nervous about it, so I hope you guys can ease my fears. Thanks!

emzagemza

read some vocab word lists off the internet or that are in your bookstore

emzagemza

I mean and also brush up on like algebra 2 math because that is also on it

MuffinFTW

A good way of preparing:
Buy the Bluebook, take a timed practice test to see how well you do.
Possibly buy a book that'll help with whatever subject you're doing bad in.

Writing:
Read Silverturtle's Guide (posted on this website)
Read Sparknote's Guide
There's also online videos that could help like Reasonprep on YouTube

Critical Reading:
Probably want to buy Direct Hits to study vocabulary if you need it
I'm naturally good at critical reading, so I can't help you much here
Just read a lot, practice, and I'm sure many guides on this site can help with CR. Just look at the stickied thread posted on this sub-forum

Math:
This is pretty much similar to writing; just use/find resources like YouTube videos, guides on CC, and there's specific books to help with math as well.

Study at whatever pace that'll help you achieve your goal. Most importantly, keep taking practice tests, analyze your mistakes, and repeat!

windowpainting16

The thing that helped me the most was just taking a lot of practice tests. I started out around 1970 but wanted to raise my score to >2200. With more practice tests, you learn exactly what types of questions get asked the strategies for solving them. The SAT is only daunting until you realize that with careful strategies these questions are way easier than you'd get on a test in any high school honors or AP course. You CAN do it.

suddenlysilly

First take a diagnostic test to see where you stand. Then, start your prep. Every weekend take a practice test and see how you are improving.

Best books for SAT - Top 3 SAT Preparation Guides | SAT Exam

xiggi

There is ONE sticky on top of this forum, and there might be a very good reason why there is only one.

Everyone, read this before posting: Best of SAT Prep Forum and FAQs

Perhaps, the advice of "everyone read before posting" is not that bad after all.

ThePhoenixForce

Just get the Barrons Book. Do it all, leave nothing out, pretty much over prepares you for a huge score! About 2000+ usually.

emxxxm

read more and do more. You can do barron, but when you are reaching the test day, normally a week before, throw barron away, do bluebook or officaltest online because they are official anyway.

ThePhoenixForce

@emxxxm, don't throw Barron's away, the tests are harder, but much more preparation. Bluebook is good, Barrons is better.

WhatAGoodLife

The best book I found to be was collegeboard's Blue Book to take practice tests from since collegeboard is the maker of the SAT and thus, the same tricks and format of question will reappear on your real SAT. Also, I highly recommend using Directs Hits Volume I and II to study vocab for the CR sections. For tips, try to work our the tricks of the test and the best way to do that is to just take practice tests again and again! Tedious, but so helpful! (I know from experience-- my score went from a 1900 to a 2100 using the blue book and direct hits, as well as testmasters online classes).
Good luck!