SAT Test PREP
DID YOU KNOW?

With so many choices for SAT preparation, remember your son or daughter has been studying for the SAT all their life. This test will find out what they will know about a lot of subjects. It will also test ability to work out the problems using knowledge and techniques that have been mastered long ago and some yesterday.

The SAT exam has 3 components: Math, Critical Reading and Writing. The ACT has 4 components: English, Mathematics, Critical Reading and Science. The SAT is focused on vocabulary where the ACT is testing grammar, punctuation and syntax. The SAT does not test you on science and trigonometry. The SAT test lasts 3 hours, 45 minutes.

The SAT will test your critical thinking, writing/reading and English skills. The ACT will test your abilities in remembering facts, utilizing information and your comprehension of the sciences. Some might say people who are logical would thrive on the ACT while those who think more freely might prefer the SAT. From your past experiences in taking tests, determine what the weak areas are and work on those. By seeking out teachers, counselors and tutors you can ask for advice on how to improve in those areas. Take sample tests, evaluate the results and keep testing and reevaluating. A review of the weaker area(s) of concern can help with the content of the SAT, such as vocabulary words or brushing up on algebra or geometry problems. Essays are judged for quality not quantity. There are so many tips for good hard hitting writing.

A student will receive two SAT scores. A combined critical reading and math score, and the total score. Each section is worth 800 points, with all three sections a total of 2,400. Most schools value performance based on the combined reading and math score that has a maximum total of 1600, so it is important to concentrate on preparing for those two sections. When students compare combined critical reading and math scores, you will also discover that the writing section score can skew a overall total score. Universities sometimes will use the writing section on either test for course placement.So, should you take a SAT online, a classroom course or chose a one-on-one tutor? It can be costly in both time and money. However, practice sessions, taking sample tests, review of weaker areas of concern and tracking of your scores during a class or one-on-one tutoring is helpful.

You can also get excellent results with a disciplined approach, a one-on-one tutor and a good SAT guide book. If you chose a one-on-one tutor, they should help you in the SAT content areas, as well as, give you strategies in how to take the test. You will need to know content, as well as, methods or processes for math problems and reading. Feedback is essential to avoid making the same errors and to know why you may have missed an understanding of a subject area.

A tutor and an SAT prep book may be the way to go. Here are some good choices for SAT preparation books below which can be ordered directly from this site.

McGraw-Hill's 12 SAT Practice Tests with PSAT, 2ed

McGraw-Hill's 12 SAT Practice Tests with PSAT provides the intensive test-taking practice that can help you sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and reduce your stress. Take these practice tests--created by two of America's most experienced and respected test-prep coaches--and you'll learn what kinds of questions are on the SAT, how the test is structured, and how to budget your time in each test section. Watch your scores improve from one practice test to the next--and get ready to do your very best on the real exam

Barron's SAT Critical Reading Workbook (Critical Reading Workbook for the Sat)

Updated to reflect the current SAT format and questions found on its most recent exams, this workbook concentrates on the SAT Critical Reading section with an extensive series of exercises. They reflect that section's two question types: sentence completion and reading comprehension. The exercises for both question types are divided into three levels of increasing difficulty, labeled from A to C, with all questions answered and explained. Students who master level C of both sections will be prepared to excel on the actual exam. The author also presents test-taking tips and an extensive vocabulary review. From the Inside Flap (back cover)
• Hundreds of exercises with questions and answers that reflect the current SAT format
• Exercises cover sentence completion and reading comprehension
• Test-taking tips plus an extensive vocabulary review
• Instructions on creating your own test-preparation flash card

Barron's SAT (Barron's Sat (Book Only)

Updated to reflect the most recent SATs, this manual offers college-bound students an explanation of all the important tactics and strategies for taking the SAT, as well as a detailed review of all test topics, a diagnostic test, and five full-length SAT practice tests with all questions answered and explained. Subject reviews cover critical reading, grammar and usage, and math, as well as detailed instruction in preparing and writing the required SAT essay. The book's additional features include an overview of the SAT, an explanation of its scoring method, and general study advice.

Essential SAT Vocabulary (flashcards) (College Test Preparation)

Vocabulary practice is critical for success on the SAT, and these vocabulary flashcards provide you with an easy, efficient and portable way to prepare for the verbal section of the exam. This box of SAT flashcards includes 500 vocabulary words, with definitions and examples of each word used in context. It also includes 50 bonus customizable flashcards, so you can enter in words that you personally need to practice the most, as well as a unique divider that helps you keep track of your progress as you learn and perfect new SAT words.

Increase Your Score in 3 Minutes a Day: SAT Essay

This lively, straight-to-the-point guide presents essential writing principles on English grammar, proven essay-writing strategies that are life-savers when you're under time restraints, and sample essays with revealing commentary on their strengths and weaknesses from a professional grader.

Gruber's Complete SAT Guide 2011, 14E

• Five Full-Length SAT Practice Tests
• An Extensive Vocabulary Builder
• Advice on Tackling the Essay Section
• Get the Skills that Unlock the Answers
• Essential Strategies for Writing, Vocabulary, Math, and Critical Reading
• And Everything Else You Need