<p>I started studying for the SAT over the summer and I got my practice score up to 2120. I’m thinking of taking the real thing in November or December. I’m self-studying and I was wondering what other high scorers had to say about common roadblocks and mistakes people make when preparing for the SAT. Here are my major problems based on what I have done. I got the Baron’s 2400 Club book and the Official SAT Guide with CD from CollegeBoard.</p>
<p>CR: The main thing here is the vocab, but I’m getting that slowly. I infer a little too much and don’t take things literally. I need to read things more clearly and with greater focus. A lot of things I miss are because I wasn’t paying good attention.
Math: I think I over-complicate things and sometimes, it’s much easier to just go with plug-and-chug. Also, pay more attention and think clearer.
Writing: I don’t make much mistakes here, but I also need to think a little clearer. </p>
<p>Basically, I think my problem is this. I dread the test, so I try to rush through it. Since I time myself, I rush because, once I’m done with a section, I don’t have to wait for the administrator to say we can more forward or something. I sometimes have 10 minutes left in some sections that I don’t exploit because I just move onto the next section. </p>
<p>I think (and my parents think) that I’m perfectly capable of getting a 2400. I just want to “hack” my studying process. How can I deal with the problem I’m having? How should I not panic and realize that there’s no reason to get so rushed? What other roadblocks and mistakes do people make when they are studying? Is it possible to get to a 2400 in the time that I have? Thanks!</p>