Thinking about taking the SATs early. Any tips?

SolidSnake15

SolidSnake15

1,250
Well me and a buddy are both Sophomores in high school, and we're thinking about signing up to take the SATs early to get a good look at it before we take it for real. We are planning on buying 1 of the 2 books each and reading them, then switching books. I was wondering if anybody has some tips on getting a good score. I know I'm unlikely to get a good score at my current grade level (10th grade) but if I can score good now, then I will do that much better when I take it for real.

Many thanks to everyone.
 
Good idea. the SATs are the primary thing colleges will be looking at, so maximizing your score is critical. Buying books and studying them is useful - make sure to time yourself. Also, make a vocab list and drill yourself.

You can get a good score in 10th grade, you'll probably have covered all of the material you'll need to be able to ace the test. Just keep one thing in mind, the test does not measure your intelligence - it measures your preparedness for the test.

Good luck.
 
I would recommend the PSAT. And what Danoff said.

I got the same score both times I took the test too.
 
The GRE is a very similar standardized test to the SAT, except you take it after you've graduated college. The material is almost exactly the same, they just expect you to score higher.

On one section of the GRE when I took the test the first time, I scored 420 (out of 800). After two weeks of studying with a book and timing myself, I was able to retake the test and score a 775.

Understanding the test is important. Understanding the questions, and the types of answers they're looking for makes the whole thing a LOT easier. That's why I say it's about preparation and not intelligence.
 
What exactly is the SAT? Like what sort of information does it cover? I never had to take it, in Michigan we take the ACT and use that as our primary score to get into college. I found taking that multiple times was good, the first time I scored a 19, the second time I got a 22 and the third time a 24. I was told you pretty much will always do better if you take it more then once.
 
Joey D
What exactly is the SAT? Like what sort of information does it cover? I never had to take it, in Michigan we take the ACT and use that as our primary score to get into college. I found taking that multiple times was good, the first time I scored a 19, the second time I got a 22 and the third time a 24. I was told you pretty much will always do better if you take it more then once.
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It's like the ACT for the west coast I think. It is easier and without a science section. It goes math, English, math, English....essay in terms of sections. I took both tests.

The math is mostly geometry, algebra and problem solving stuff. There is a lot of vocabulary and reading comprehension. And the essay is always total BS like how you feel about your education of something like that.
 
SolidSnake15
I'm good at math and problem solving, soso with English, I'm terrible at writing essays though!
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Sounds like me. I got 660 for math and like 550 on English and a 630 or so on writing. I ended up with a kinda meh score that was enough to get me into a lot of schools.
 
I got

1990.volvo.740.11057-396x249.jpg

Math

1990.volvo.760.11059-396x249.jpg

Verbal

1990.volvo.780.11058-396x249.jpg

Written

I thought it apt because at the time I drove one of their replacements.

My secret: I took the test over and over and over.
 
Kylehnat
You scored "ugly" on all three sections? I think numeric points are usually awarded...
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:lol: :lol:

Bertone styled the latter car! Of course the Bertone bits (glasshouse) look good - the problem was the Volvo on which it was based...
 
Take the tests as often as allowed.
Go to bed early on the night before the test.
Eat breakfast day of.
Don't get too freaked out about the process.
My oldest son took the ACT several times.
 
I would recommend skipping any extra caffeine. I tried a few red bulls to wake myself up for the ACT and ended up shaking so badly I couldn't write.
 
This piece of advice is only valid if you get a really high score, say a 1300-1350 not including writing...

Don't take it again.

I think there's a lot to be said for taking the SAT once, without tutoring, and sticking with the score, especially since most SAT scores now are manufactured.
 
SolidSnake15
I'm good at math and problem solving, soso with English, I'm terrible at writing essays though!
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Get one of those SAT books and study it. Get used to writing an essay in 20 minutes as well. I'm sure you'll get some intensive essay-writing sessions in your English classes before you graduate from HS.

It's probably best to take the SAT when you've learned some Algebra II but still have geometry fresh in your mind. I took it right after I graduated from HS. By then, all of my geometry was down the toilet after 3 years of not having the class.

The math and essay killed my otherwise great score. I got a 720 in the reading-- if you read very well, don't stress out over that section.

I made two mistakes: not studying and taking the test too late. I was confident in my abilities, and I did do well (probably just over 90%ile when you average out all of the sections). However, when you start getting into the high scores, just one question can mean the difference between 85%ile and 95%ile. Catch my drift? So, just give it a shot and then try it again at your leisure.

You can always take the test again in the future, so the earlier you start, the better. Also, they only use your highest scores on each section of the tests that you take-- don't worry about losing that high-score when you decide to have another go.
 
Omnis
You can always take the test again in the future, so the earlier you start, the better. Also, they only use your highest scores on each section of the tests that you take-- don't worry about losing that high-score when you decide to have another go.
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So important. Above advice stated just take the test once 'if you get a good score like a 1300.' As stated I got a 1500 (old test - 2280 new) and I took the exam maybe four times. No two of my scores came from the same exam. In the end it paid off, too. Think of each test as practice for the next. It may be the most important exam you ever take.
 

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