<p>I’m taking my last SAT this November and I need to know the best way to prep. I want to improve by at least 100 points but I’m not sure if I should take a prep class or not. I have an 1850 so far, and I really would like to hit a 1950 or better. However, I’m not sure if studying on my own will get me that 100+ increase, should I take a class? Or just take more practice tests on my own? I’m not a good standardized test taker, and I have a lot of test taking anxiety so I really need something that will improve my score. PLEASE ANSWER!! :)</p>
<p>Self-study. Because of where you’re at, a tutor will not be able to help that much.</p>
<p>Try this for a daily study routine:</p>
<p>-Start the day off with one practice section (vary subject everyday) - 25 minutes
-Review incorrect answers - 35 minutes
-Daily vocab practice - 15-20 minutes (an app like Mindsnacks is really nice for this, otherwise, one lesson/chapter of Direct Hits/SAT Vocab Cartoons works)
-1 untimed section (same subject as timed section earlier in the day) - 45-60 minutes
-Full-length PSAT/SAT every 2 weeks on Saturday morning (so as to stimulate test conditions) - don’t do anything else for the rest of the day on these days; you can spend Sunday reviewing mistakes (and then not do anything else for the rest of the day on Sunday). The frequency at which you do these full-lengths can vary, based on your necessity.</p>
<p>Here are some other resources that I have gathered from my own personal experience and from skimming College Confidential:</p>
<p>CR:
-Vocab: Direct Hits (book), SAT Vocab Cartoons (book), Quizlet (online), Mindsnacks (found on the Apple App store), Test Your English Vocabulary (Android app - just drills you on vocab with 10 question quizzes; great for on-the-go practice rather than studying)
-Passage Practice: Untimed Blue Book tests, Erica Meltzer’s CR Guide (book)</p>
<p>Math:
-Khan Academy (online), PWN the SAT Math (book), Dr. Chung’s (book - mainly geared for high scorers to get up from 650ish to high 700s), Untimed Blue Book tests</p>
<p>Writing:
-Erica Meltzer’s Grammar Guide
-For the essay: your own list of canned examples organized by people, literature and history, with themes/attributes for each</p>
<p>That looks like a very helpful schedule but I’m scared that self studying wont help me improve? I self studied for both of my exams and I only improved 80 points… Other than the blue book (i did most of the tests in that book) is there another book that has good practice tests/ answer explanations?</p>
<p>If you have already exhausted much of the Blue Book, I would recommend that you focus more on gaining the content knowledge, by using one or more of these books, starting with your weakest section first. For the untimed practice, try reworking some of the CR/Math sections that you have already done. Have a younger sibling or adult erase any answers/work already done in the book. You could always Google SAT/PSAT practice tests from past years (the College Board releases one official test every year) if you need additional practice from College Board material.</p>
<p>And, while I don’t quite condone the use of non-CB tests, you could check out a Kaplan/Princeton Review book from your local library (I wouldn’t recommend buying them) just to do some extra questions.</p>
<p>Before my June exam I did a full section (full math/ CR/ Writing) almost every night and then I would grade them. I don’t really have that much time to take full practice tests bc I have swim practice but I will definitely try. </p>
<p>Also, I was just wondering why I should do untimed practice sections? Or should I do a balance of both because timing is an issue with me sometimes…</p>
<p>Untimed practice helps you zone out less on CR (if that’s an issue), while helping you build accuracy. Plus, it gives good practice without forcing you to set apart 25 minutes of quiet time to do a section. This is particularly beneficial when you have several after school activities. What I used to do is go to the library after after-school activities (it’s literally 2 minutes walking distance from my school), and pick up a Kaplan/PR test to do a practice section (mainly CR since that was my weakness). It was quiet and far from stressful.</p>
<p>If timing is an issue, do a balance of both (as suggested in the study routine). This depends on how much time you have everyday.</p>
<p>Okay I’ll definitely try to balance the two! Time management is something i have to work on with school and sports ahah but thank you so much for responding this is extremely helpful! :)</p>
<p>Well, what I think, the best way, its just doing previously CollegeBoard SAT. You can find around 50 tests, if you will searching for them in web. Another tests are crap, except maybe Princeton Review, but still not so accurate. If you need link for downloading, just write me a private message, because its inappropriate to show here</p>