How hard is it to score high (780+) on the SAT II: Literature exam?

Archive SAT Subject Test Preparation
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<p>Hey guys. I was a SCEA applicant to Yale and was deferred. It’s not the end of the world, but I am working very hard to improve my application for the RD round. The weakest point of my applicant, BY FAR, was the blemishing 590 Literature score I received as a junior, before I had even taken a Literature-geared English class. I should have cancelled the score but sadly did not, and Yale requires all scores. I think that improving my score will not only solidify my application numerically, but also will show my active pursuit to improve my application and thus my dedication to Yale.</p>

<p>I am now in AP English Literature and Composition, and hold a high A in the class. On released AP multiple-choice passages, I’m scoring about 70% correct. Last year, on the AP English Lang/Comp exam, I made a 5. My ACT English from April was a 34, and my Reading a 33. Unfortunately, my SAT CR score from March (groan) was a 620. Yikes! I am willing to study hard for the Lit exam in January. I have a month, but I think I have improved immensely since December of my junior year when I received that abysmal 590.</p>

<p>So, what should I do now? What books should I use, and what are the best strategies to score high, like in the 780-800 range? Those with experience scoring this high on this exam: how did you do it? What did you use and how did you study/prep?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

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<p>It seems to be one of the most difficult Subject Tests to study for, if for no other reason that there is essentially no way to standardize or simplify its content. There really is no way to get better at it beyond, well, getting a lot better at reading. Then again, a significant amount of scoring seems to owe to luck; I don’t consider myself that good at English but I got a 730 on Lit. Maybe you’ll do better next time. I would recommend practicing, though, if only to get your head in the game.</p>

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<p>I used Kaplan. The key is to do as many practice tests as possible. Timing and getting used to the questions is the main part. I studied for about two weeks and got an 800.</p>

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<p>Thanks. I will get on that!</p>