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Announcement 79.5K Views 190 Replies 17 points Most recent by drusba SAT and ACT Tests & Test Preparation79.5K 190
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Replies to: I can help with helping you improve your SAT/ACT scores!
That's quite a big jump. About 200 ish points. You guys should aim at 1500+ first. As for improvement, I would try to first secure an 800 in math since it seems that you both are strong at math. This will raise that score quite a bit. Afterwards, try tackling grammar section first, because it easier than the reading part. I would recommend using Erica Metzler's books and the khan academy practice program.
More info:
I took my first SAT in October and didn't get my target score (need to improve by at least 120-150). Before October SAT test I did all 8 CollegeBoard official tests - now I am trying to get full practice tests that are closest to the real one. BTW - in CB full practice tests, I scored an average of 100 points more than the real one - is it normal, I am concerned if I missed more than usual in the real tests. I am generally a good test taker (dont get too freak out and get scores that are reasonably close to my expectation).
The first time, I did them in the summer - on the paper (for marking answers - most times did it on bubble paper like real tests; but couple times just marked the answer on the question paper). After each test, went over the test/answers - but now that I look back, I may have missed the detailed analysis of EBRW part of the test (EBRW is my weak link - I score well in Math pretty consistently in practices and repeated that in real test as well). Repeating the same test again - especially ERBW sections and see how I do now is a good idea. I will try that.
I am retaking in March and want to do at least couple full tests - wanted them to be as close to the real ones and hence the question. After redoing the practice tests as you suggested, I may try couple tests from some of the SAT books (any suggestions for the good ERBW sections in any particular books/online resources are welcome). Thanks again.
As you well know, the EBRW is composed of two sections: Section 1 Reading (65 min) and Section 2 Grammar/Writing (35 min, I think). Even though Reading is much longer, both sections are of equal weight -- worth up to 400 points each. Most of my students find it easier to gain improvements on the Grammar/Writing section than on the Reading section. The best resource for Grammar/Writing is the SAT Grammar Guide by Erica Meltzer. The Guide is well-organized and provides a fantastic outline of all the grammar / writing rules. I strongly recommend you purchase this book and read it cover to cover and do all the practice questions in that book. Erica Meltzer also sells an SAT Grammar Workbook. The workbook basically provides practice tests for the grammar/writing section. I haven't reviewed the Workbook in detail, but Erica Meltzer is known to be the very best expert on the EBRW section of the SAT and so I suspect her workbook is better than any other SAT practice test for Section 2.
Erica Meltzer is also (especially) expert on the Reading section, and she has a review book for SAT Reading (The Critical Reader). I don't necessarily recommend it to all my students, because it is dense and detailed; it is not a quick read. I am not aware of a Workbook or practice tests for the Reading section by Erica Meltzer. You might want to check her website (I think it's www.criticalreader.com or something like that). Perhaps you can ask her what the best practice tests for Section 1 reading -- if anyone knows, she does! A few very quick hints I can give you for reading are:
(a) bubble your answers after each passage, not after each question. It will save time and allow you to keep your focus on the readings. (For grammar/writing and math you should bubble at the end of every two pages, right before you flip the page.) Obviously, when you're down to the last few minutes of the test you should be bubbling after every question.
(b) talk positive talk to your inner self. Seriously, tell yourself, "Woohoo, this should be fantastic! I can't wait to learn more about this topic! It's going to be SOOOO interesting!!!" If you instead say (like most students), "Ugggh, here comes the dreaded historical passage, I HATE these" you are undermining your ability to process the info. The surprising thing is that even if you are lying to yourself and you know it, the positive words make a HUGE difference!
(c) the correct answer must be completely correct and it will be backed up with support in the reading. Especially once you've eliminated 1 or 2 obviously wrong answers (and you should always cross off an answer choice in your book when you eliminate it), don't ask yourself "Is A the correct answer?" If you do, your mind will try to find ways to justify that A could be the correct answer. Instead, ask "Why might A be wrong?" If you can find even one flaw with A, it will not be the correct answer. And by the way, the correct answer might be extremely uninteresting. If it's totally boring but technically completely true, it's the correct answer.
(d) use your pencil often. This goes for the entire test. Underline. Put notes in the margins. Cross off answers you eliminate. Circle the correct answer. Put a big question mark next to the question if you're unsure. Put a big circle around the question number if you skip it. And speaking of skipping, don't let yourself get bogged down on a tough question. You can guess, put a question mark next to it and move on.
Again, good luck!
thank you
Sorry for the late response. I would definitely recommend trying out the Khan Academy training course online. After taking a diagnosis test, the system will create a specialized program that will specifically target the areas that you need help on. In addition, I always recommend reading Erica Metzler's grammar and critical reading books.
By the way, did you get a 36 on your first try? Either way that's seriously insane, I can't even imagine getting a 34 it seems so far away
As for improving your ACT score, I would say try using some of the College Panda books. Those were the ones I used when I was prepping. If you believe that the ACT is pretty difficult, I would also recommend giving the SAT a try and see if you get a better score. If you score above a 1450 on the SAT, I would say put your efforts towards the SAT instead.
Do you think it’s possible to bring up you ACT score in about 3 weeks? (February 9th exam) It’s my first time taking the ACT and I don’t know how to study it. I’ve been doing one section a day from the official practice tests.. but do you have any other tips?
Where did you find the Khan Academy diagnosis test with the specialized programs? All we can find are the videos and practice exams? Wondering how to do the 40 questions a day? Confused, new to Kahn...
Thank you!
Let me know if I can help answer any other questions!