<p>There is a difference between doing well. and doing very well. I would agree that many would do better, and possibly well, if they followed all the suggestions. Part of that would come from simple intellectual growth - the more they read, the better the vocabulary; the more they experience certain problems, the more familiar they are with the solutions. Practice over the long term can result in solid improvement. Just consider those who take the SAT at 7th or 8th graders - their scores naturally improve as they are exposed to more of the material covered on the test.</p>
<p>A couple of things I don’t agree with:</p>
<p>1 - I don’t think these simple steps would result in very top scores. Some who already do well may be able to improve some, but even most of them are not going to get that elusive 2400.</p>
<p>2 - I don’t think that those who only start taking these steps in 10th grade can overcome really low scores. This is like dieting: change the diet short term, and you see weight loss, but don’t necessarily keep it off. Change the lifestyle, including the diet, over time, and even if the weight loss is slower, it is more permanent. If parents and kids get the message early enough, and take these steps, they can do well. But they won’t necessarily have anything to measure against.</p>