What Should I Start With?

squatchmo
Mon, 24 Dec 2012 09:49:54 +0000

If you can repeat that Math score, then you obviously don’t need to spend much time preparing for Math. The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar is about all you need for the multiple choice section of the Writing section. The author also just published an 8 test workbook. My son used the Ultimate Guide and went from a 58 PSAT writing score sophmore year to missing only 3 to 4 questions on BB practice test. I would not waste time on the Barron’s because Meltzer’s materials will suffice. For the essay, try also searching for a CC post on How to score a 12 essay in 10 days. Research your examples, make sure to fill up all space, and provide some detailed support in your paragraphs and you will very likely score at least a 10 essay.

For CR, you have a much harder task. Direct Hits is definitely the best vocabulary prep. I think reading challenging material will also help (articles and op-eds from the Economist, NYT, WSJ, etc.). But your best practice time will be spent taking the BB test and any others from College Board (past PSAT’s/SAT’s/Online Course). This will help you learn the rest patterns and tricks. Focus on the type of problems you miss and figure out why. For Writing questions, Meltzer’s guide will show you which rule you need work on for missed BB questions, but there is no such resource for CR that I know of. My son found Tudor Ted’s to be an OK guide for explanations of wrong answers, but it’s better to try and figure it out on your own first.