<p>Hi,</p>
<p>As a student, I was lucky. I often did the very things that my parents begged me not do (procrastinated, took messy notes, waited to speak to my teachers because I proudly believed I could manage even the most difficult questions on my own if I spent enough time, etc.) Somehow, I struggled through. Now, as I teach others, part of me wishes I could do the time-travel thing and fix my most blatant mistakes (but most of me is just happy to be on to this part of my life.)</p>
<p>I have been tutoring for 15+ years, much of that test prep. Over this time, I have observed that the best way to improve student’s SAT scores (especially SAT math scores but this works for most (probably all) standardized tests and most (probably all) subject areas is to make sure a student not only understands the subject area, but also to see as many test questions as possible.</p>
<p>The SAT makes it easy because they tend to repeat their questions. However, although ideally, a student may have time to take 10, 20, even 30 tests (depending on their budget and book buying) most people want an easy and effective way to raise their scores dramatically without putting in an equally dramatic amount of effort.</p>
<p>I know, you know, we all know, there is no magical solution. (i would love to be proven wrong about this.) However, just because there is no super easy solution allowing for all play and no work (or in the case of real life students giving time to get to other equally important tasks) does not mean there isn’t a better way.</p>
<p>Therefore, I am opening up this discussion thread to talk about the most efficient ways. I am sure my students would love it if I could pass on some shortcuts.</p>
<p>I firmly believe in using real questions when a company makes past tests available. I know there is a site that helps you to maximize your time and effort and raises Math scores by allowing you to input your answers from the book, or from The College Board’s free test and focus in on studying concepts you have missed. It certainly makes my life and my students’ lives easier. What do you think of sites like that? What other methods/techniques/study aids do you recommend?</p>