I got a 1980 on my first attempt at the SAT and although it’s a good score I want too get a 2150 on my second attempt.
For my first SAT the only prep I really did was the sparknotes prep and practice tests with the big blue book.
CR: 640
M: 690
W: 650
(My Scores)
I did considerably lower in math then what I did on my practices but my CR and W we’re higher then my practices but I have trouble with the vocab most often.
Any tips on how I should prepare myself the next time around? Any good books you would recommend or websites?
I went from a 1760 to a 2300 in a matter of 4 months (530 CR to 730 CR, 670 M to 770 M, 560 W to 800 W). What I would recommend:
Reading:
- For each paragraph, write the main idea. Engage your self in the reading. When you read the questions, come up with your own answer and then look at the answer choices. Play devil’s advocate and eliminate wrong answers–these are answers that are not supported by the passages. If it doesn’t appear in the text, it is NOT the answer.
- Memorize roots of words (like con, viv, ad etc). Also it doesn’t hurt to learn SAT words.
Math:
- Use strategies like backsolving or plugging in numbers. It isn’t really a math section–it’s a logic section. The whole test can be done without a calculator. Using a calculator, however, makes it easier. Graph questions you don’t understand.
Writing:
- Look for errors in subject-verb agreement, listing (example: he eats, plays and to sleep. no, it’s he eats, plays and sleeps). Watch out for idioms (example: it’s not “preference to” it’s “preference for”). Run ons and improper usage of punctuation are also key.
Essay:
Intro should be two sentences introducing thesis and 2 examples. Each body (2 bodies) should be based on an example, which can be made up. Always refer back to the thesis; use complex words and watch for grammar. If you can do this and fill up 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 pages, you’ll be in the 10-11 range. Try to use big vocabulary words whenever you can.
You don’t need a conclusion. If you do have time to do one (I would just recommend rereading your essay if you have extra time and fixing grammar mistakes), make it 2 good sentences.
@DaedricSaiyan Thanks a lot for this, this is honestly a very good ressource too use to prep!
@DaedricSaiyan for the essay though I was told too write 3 paragraphs and a conclusion, is that unnecessary? did you get a 12 with only 2 paragraphs?
I got an 11 with 2 paragraphs and a short intro (2 sentences). There really is no difference between an 11-12 (with the 11 I was able to get 2 wrong on the multiple choice and still get an 800, I assume it would’ve been the same with a 12). I’d say the conclusion is unnecessary and you don’t need a long intro. Just a good thesis and keep relating your examples back to the thesis.
@DaedricSaiyan Did you achieve that score just by repeating practice tests or did you use other resources like books?
@DaedricSaiyan same question as neoking, did u use any other resources and if yes, which ones?
@neoking @ShowerDrift I used the blue book only. Basically I did all the practice tests in there (didn’t circle answers or put work in the book but used scrap paper to record answers). That way I could repeat practice tests. Some people may say this method may end up with them familiarizing themselves with the answers, but honestly there’s like 100 sections each with 20+ question, so I doubt alot of people are going to memorize all the answers this way. I also took a prep class that used the blue book.
As for vocabulary, I looked up SAT lists online and learned new vocab and also learned suffix and prefixes. Reading somewhat challenging books also helps with vocab.
@DaedricSaiyan would you recommend taking a prep class?
A prep class doesn’t hurt. I’d only recommend prep classes that use the blue book, as the other books aren’t entirely correct on question types. Basically, the blue book is just 10 SATs; it’s the most helpful asset you can have. A prep class that utilizes it basically teaches you how to tackle a real SAT.