posted June 02, 2012 11:42 PM            

Tricky part is, these tests aren't like state tests and school tests, so it can be quite hard to prepare for them I think.

I wish there could be a way to get out of sending a maths score! It's probably the hardest, most trying thing I have ever had to do in school. And it seems ridiculous to me almost, that this test sets up your entire school future for post-secondary EDU. It almost comforts me seeing that according to one site, the average SAT score for Brown University was about a 650 for each. But my math score is really screwing me up. Usually I can get almost a 700 on my writing and my reading... but never my math.

So yeah, there's my SAT Lament. I don't usually post here but I felt like reaching out to those of you dealing with these annoying tests right now. Feel free to share or vent, or add suggestions on how to study best for a section.

posted June 02, 2012 11:55 PM            

TIPS/TRICKS

-If you struggle a lot with Reading, such as being an ESL student or not strong in the area, it's very unlikely you will be able to raise your score past a 700. I would aim for even a 500. This is just above average and if you are quite strong in maths and/or, you could easily impress by getting a near 800 on one section and maybe a 700 on the other, raising your score to nearly a 2000 if you did your best!

-It's a terrible idea not to fill in answers in the sheet as you go. If your proctor suddenly surprises you with a '2 min. warning' you will have NO time to go back and check a few answers at least, only time to bubble everything IN on the sheet. Leave about 5-6 minutes to check and bubble any extra. But bubble as you go to avoid wasting time.

-Do not waste more than 1 minute on each question... especially for poor Reading people out there. It's really good to underline and practice at HOME locating where line #___ is. I had a hard time doing this when I took my PSAT. For all you first time testers on the PSAT out there, prepare yourself at home with a booklet practice test. Barrons is really good.

-On Writing, one really important thing that usually comes up in finding and correcting an error is NOT choosing 'no error' more than 1-3 times, 3 at the most most likely, and also knowing your basic grammar. But it also goes beyond that. You need to recognize the tones of writing in passages since they usually ask about such things. It's good to start brushing up on vocab if you are not an avid reader AT LEAST 2 months prior to the test. And hey, better yet, BECOME A READER!!!!! This helps tremendously with the SAT. I've been a life long obsessive reader and I did not have to study much at all on vocab as a result. I know most vocab save one or two outrageously difficult questions, all from reading a lot of fiction and non-fiction.

-PRACTICE THE ESSAY. I, even as an experienced writer, struggled a lot with this. Worst of all they made us do it immediately, the first thing. Don't know if that's common or not but I hated writing as my first task. But sadly this might happen to you, so make sure to think VERY quickly, do not spend more than 3 minutes brain storming, and start writing as fast as you can - but concisely. Do NOT write without a quick bullet list to organize the thoughts racing in your head. Keep it to the point but make sure to use some good vocab words and descriptive sentences. Another reason to read more - it helps for the essay too.

-Bring a digital watch that you have practiced using at home, easy to program and RESTART. This is such a good idea. I used one today and I reset it to 6:00 AM each time I began a new section, so when it hit 6:20 I knew when time was almost up. NOT good to look at the wall clock, it can get so confusing trying to calculate the minutes left. :/

-Don't eat a huge breakfast!! OK I am totally going against the SAT site's advice to compare yourself to an 'athlete' before testing day. True, 7-8 hours rest minimum is good but you should not eat a big breakfast on SAT testing day. Eat a healthy but light meal, something filling enough to give you energy and then bring a light food along with you like a power bar... do not eat toast, eggs, waffles and orange juice, you'll probably want to hurl, lol. I've taken this from regular testing experiences too. Not good to load up on too much food. I usually eat toast and a yogurt with almonds. Bringing water is good too.

-Print out all the fun stuff you need to take with you, whether it's the admissions ticket or a temporary ID or whatever you need, in a folder. Do NOT allow yourself to forget this folder at the end though. Keep careful track of everything. The folder will help keep stuff organized and you will avoid leaving loose papers all over.