Posts Tagged ‘SAT/ACT Test’

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Should You Use Test Preparation Books?

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

When it comes to preparing for college, you want to make sure that you’ve done all that you can.  This means exploring many different avenues when it comes to SAT prep.

You’ve likely spent a good deal of time researching colleges, looking into how to find scholarships and pre college summer programs, and you’ve also likely given a good deal of thought to preparing for the SAT.  At the top of the list of ways to prepare for this test are SAT preparation books.  However, where SAT test preparation books are concerned, it important that you take a few factors into consideration.

The first factor that you should take into consideration is that there are a lot, a whole lot, of SAT test preparation books.  As a result, many people are overwhelmed and just throw in the towel when it comes to SAT prep books.  Others simply find the big names in test preparation and pick one of their books.

When it comes to using preparing for the SAT, you want the best tools possible.  It should be no big surprise that some are better than others.  One fact about SAT prep books that you don’t hear very often is that some of them, including one’s published by big names in the field, are poor or even awful.  There are some books that really won’t help you including an SAT test preparation book that is really boring or doesn’t explain the answers so you can improve.  Worst of all, some SAT prep books even have errors in them!  Obviously, this is the last thing you want!

Finding a good SAT test preparation book is an exercise in first patience and second research.  Look at what SAT test prep books are available online.  You should read reviews from others who have used the book and then taken the test.  Also keep a sharp eye out for books that are full of errors or that people just don’t like.  If one person states that a book is horrible that might not mean much, but if dozens of people are saying that a book is awful, then that is something you should listen to and strongly take into consideration.

How you like to study is another factor where SAT test preparation books are concerned.  Your style of studying and what you feel comfortable with needs to be factored into the equation.  Simply grabbing the book that everyone likes may not work for you, as this book might not mesh with your learning style or it may fail to focus on your weak points sufficiently.

In the end, it makes sense to invest some time and find a book or books that work for you personally.  Don’t be afraid to use many different books until you find ones that help you build your score on practice tests.  (And you should be taking practice tests!)  While it is true that everything is online, this is one time that a trip to your local library might be a good idea, as they may have a few SAT books that you can look at and compare.  This step will save you time, effort and money.

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Posted in PLAN test, Preparing for College, SAT/ACT Test | No Comments »

The 5 Pros And Cons of Study Groups

Monday, December 26th, 2011

Forming a study group for the SAT has some big pros, but it also has a few cons as well.  SAT preparation can be complicated and it’s a major step in your life.  Pretending that it isn’t a big deal might be tempting, but it really isn’t in your best interest.  If you take a “whatever” attitude towards studying for the SAT, you are doing harm to your friends as well, as you may influence their study habits and behavior.

It is vitally important that you realize with total clarity that despite what anyone ever told you, you are not competing against your classmates and friends on the SAT exam.  This kind of thinking is primitive, foolish and highly misguided.  Millions of students take the SAT exam every single year!  The thought that you are competing against your friends is silly and you shouldn’t fall for it.  If someone tells you that it’s a “dog eat dog” world and that this applies to the SAT, well, they just don’t know what they are talking about.  Remember that so many students take this test that any actual competition between you and your classmates is beyond trivial.

Once you realize that there is no real, actual competition between you and your friends and classmates, the option of cooperation opens up.  Why study alone if you have friends that are better at given subjects than you are?  By cooperating with one another, it is possible to not just break down the SAT exam, but to also pull on one another’s strengths and help with one another’s weaknesses as well.

Study Group Pros

1) Learn more as you can break down the test and study materials and split them up.
2) Pull on one another’s strengths
3) Get help with your weaknesses
4) Learn to see the test and test questions in different ways
5) Pull on collective resources, such as study guides and so on.

Study Group Cons

Unfortunately there are some cons to forming a study group for the SAT.  Let’s take a look a few of these cons.

1) There will be differing levels of seriousness among your friends.
2) There is a risk that your study sessions could deviate into socializing instead of working.
3) Not everyone will pull his or her weight equally.
4) Egos may get in the way and interfere with overall progress.
5) People may not stick with the study group long enough to get the desired results and to justify the time it took to start the group in the first place.

Whether or not you should form a SAT study group depends greatly on the quality of people that you can pull into the group.  Even if you get great people in your group, you may still find that the group dynamic doesn’t work.  In the end, you have to play this one by ear and see how it develops.  However, if your SAT study group is successful, you could really benefit a great deal.

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Ten Creature Comforts to Make Your SAT Exam Day Easier

Saturday, December 24th, 2011

All that goes into the transition process from college to high school can be a little overwhelming.  If you are thinking that the process as a whole is pretty complex, well, you’re totally right, as that is definitely the case.  Yet, one important thing you should never lose track of during this process is the importance of holding onto your commonsense and applying it to as many situation as possible.

You’ve spent a great deal of time preparing for this exam and have researched many issues from direct federal student loans to why study aboard and even college student credit cards.  The purpose of most of your studying and research is to be well prepared for college and for the pivotal SAT exam.  The so-called “little things” can make a big difference in life.

Making certain that you are comfortable for your SAT exam is of vital importance.  Let’s take a look at the small steps you can take to make sure you are ready to go for test day!  Here are ten steps you can take that while help you feel better, more relaxed and more confident on your SAT exam day.

1) Wear comfortable clothing.  The day of your SAT exam is absolutely not the day to worry about how you look or flirting with people you think are cute.  This test is a very big deal.  Wearing comfortable clothing will allow you to focus on the task at hand, namely getting a great score.  This test factor is such a big deal.  If you don’t have comfortable clothing, buy some!

2) Wear comfortable shoes.  Having comfortable shoes on is so important that it deserves to be distinguished from wearing comfortable clothing.

3) Another important creature comfort is making sure you give yourself enough time to not just eat a quality meal before the exam but have time to digest it as well.  It is difficult for your brain to work effectively until your food is properly digested.

4) Make sure you have access to healthy food and snacks on exam day.

5) Make sure that you are well hydrated.

6) If you need medication of any sort, make sure you have it on hand.

7) Don’t be afraid to be a little superstitious.  If you feel that you have a lucky charm, a lucky pencil, a lucky baseball cap or a lucky whatever, now is the time!  Anything that gives you confidence and calms you down is a smart move!

8 ) Some creature comforts involving avoiding certain things that cause you stress.  In the period before your exam, avoid stress if at all possible.

9) Just as you should avoid stress before your SAT exam, you should avoid distractions.  This is one time that you might want to leave your smart phone in your bag or backpack.

10) Chauffeur me!  Driving can be stressful.  If you can get a ride to and from your exam that is a great idea too.

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Using Nutrition to Improve Your Test Scores

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Around the nation, tremendous pressure has been placed on schools to boost their standardized test scores. Yet, little, if any, attention is given to nutrition. People who willingly admit and understand that cars perform differently and better when given the proper fuel somehow believe that this phenomenon doesn’t apply to the human brain.

Getting the best nutrition possible, especially when you are a child or a young adult, is amazingly important for what your brain can accomplish.  After all, don’t bodybuilders boost their levels of protein in order to grow larger muscles? You need the right nutrition to achieve optimal educational performance.

You can’t eat tons of processed foods, fast foods, foods loaded with chemicals, sugar, artificial flavors and preservatives and expect to feel your best, look your best, or be as mentally sharp as you could otherwise be. No matter what you may have heard, your diet does impact how you look and how you perform in life!

With all of these facts taken into consideration, it is possible for you to boost your test score through the right nutrition, just like a body builder boosts his or her amount of muscle mass. Here is a key point to remember- your brain is amazing in many ways and, in fact, it is a singularly unique organ in your body. Why? Unlike the rest of your body, your brain, if taken care of and given the right foods, can continue to build new connections throughout life.  Your brain can keep developing even in old age if you adopt the proper lifestyle and food choices early in life.

So what should you be eating? A lot of the foods you should be eating are familiar ones, such as fruits and vegetables. Also you should opt for organic whenever possible. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and compounds that fight disease. The anti-cancer compounds found in fruits and veggies are no laughing matter and are the subject of serious medical and university studies. These foods will help you feel better, be more alert and have the nutrition you need to improve both your studying habits and your test score.

Essential fatty acids are also important for your brain health. Essential fatty acids are found in foods like walnuts and fish. Particularly good types of fish are wild Alaskan salmon and sardines. If you don’t like fish, there are fish oil tablets that will serve you just as well. The main point is to make sure that your brain is getting the nutrition that it needs for optimal performance.

By eating fruits, vegetables and nuts every single day, you will feel better, look better and likely boost your SAT score. Adopting an improved diet as far out as possible from your test date will be worth the time and effort.

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Three Things You Avoid Leading Up to the SAT

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

The SAT is a big deal.  It will play a major role in determining what colleges and universities ultimately accept your application.  There are many things that you can “blow off” in life (and sometimes doing so not a bad idea in order to maintain your sanity), but blowing off the SAT is a really bad idea from beginning to end.  In this article we will look at some of the things you shouldn’t do before you take the SAT.

You may be able to do any of the things on our list and have everything turn out just find, but doing so means that you are depending upon good old-fashioned luck.  And depending on luck for success is rarely your best bet.  A good score on the SAT, like so much in life, depends greatly upon preparation.  Adopting the right strategies and tools for the job, such as test prep tutoring and college admissions counseling, can make a big difference.

Number One-Don’t Stay Up Late

Staying up late the night before the SAT is to be blunt a little crazy.  This test is long, demanding and it requires you to think clearly.  Don’t study or do anything other than relax the night before the SAT.  Showing up to take the SAT well rested could be one of the smartest moves you make in the entire SAT exam process.

Number Two-Don’t be a Social Butterfly

If a good SAT score is truly important to you, then you might have to trim down your social calendar.  It is a brutal truth, but many of your current friends you won’t see or think about in two years… let alone five years or ten years.  Whatever good times they have for you really can wait until you have studied for the SAT.  You won’t regret the time you spend on test prep tutoring and SAT practice test online exams.  Hanging out with some people you won’t see ever again after high-school instead of studying for the SAT is a different story…

Number Three-Don’t Indulge in Too Much of a Good Thing

Leading up to the SAT, it is important to you avoid eating foods that could make you ill.  Also don’t try anything like working out too vigorously.  Anything that could leave you feeling weak or simply not at your best will impact your score and not in a good way!

We’ve covered three big “don’ts,” and there are definitely more that will fit your own life and your own situation.  The real point here is to focus on your goal and that means sacrificing some of the things that you might want to do in the short run so that you will have success on the SAT.  Missing out on a good time is never easy, but neither is looking at a disappointing test score! When it comes to a test like the SAT that has such a profound impact on future educational options, it is best to play it safe.

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5 Brain Boosters Before Taking the SAT

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

If you are like most students, you are looking for ways to improve your SAT score. This is only natural, as this is one serious test. It can have some pretty serious implications and ramifications for your future. No pressure, right? In this article, we will look at some of the ways you can boost your brain in the weeks leading up to your SAT exam. We will also look at tips that can help you the day of your exam as well!

1. Chocolate! (Yes, Chocolate)

High quality chocolate, not the candy bar stuff, but high quality dark chocolate is loaded with compounds that are good for your brain. Studies have shown that chocolate can help you focus and may even help you improve your test scores. Chocolate also releases endorphins, which can boost your mood. Odds are you will want your mood to be boosted on test day!

2. The Caffeine Boost

People react differently to caffeine, as it is a stimulant. Most people don’t realize that caffeine is a natural insecticide created by plants to protect them against insects. It’s true! With that stated, however, caffeine does have many amazing properties, and one of them is it can boost your attention. This effect can be particularly pronounced when you don’t drink coffee or tea very often.

3. Puzzled by the SAT?

One good way to prepare for the SAT (other than studying, of course) is to do puzzles. Working on complex puzzles is a way to help you learn to focus on a complex task for a long period of time. Now what does that sound like?  The SAT, right?  Doing puzzles also forces you to think logically and exercises your brain in a different way that will help you come test time.  Just don’t depend on puzzles too much, as you do still have to study!

4. Exercise and the SAT

Now you might be wondering how exercise can help you with the SAT.  Some people might tell you that exercise couldn’t possibly help you the SAT, but they are wrong. Exercising reduces stress levels and gets blood flowing to your brain. “Runner’s high” isn’t a myth, but instead has been proven scientifically, as exercise, like chocolate, produces endorphins that make your feel better. Getting some exercise, even as simple as walking, will help you relax and have a more positive outlook. If you are relaxed and feel better, the odds are that you will have a better SAT score as well!

5. Meditation and the SAT

Recent meditation studies have surprised even the experts. Meditation has long been know for having the ability to calm people down, but recently science has learned that meditation can also make your brain grown new connections as well! Staying calm during the SAT is very important because if you panic, you will not achieve your optimal score. Practicing meditation weeks or months in advance, and then meditating the morning of your exam is a great idea. Don’t bother “cramming” half an hour before your exam, meditate and have some chocolate instead!

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4 Ways to Fight the SAT Prep Blues

Monday, November 28th, 2011

Anyone serious about getting into one of his or her top college or university picks is also probably pretty serious and worried about the SAT. Your parents, teachers and other friends may amplify your level of worrying, especially if those friends are also serious about getting into one of their top picks. All of this pressure can become a little too intense sometimes. Let’s take a deep breath and take a closer look at some of the things you can do to reduce the depression, anxiety and stress that comes along with taking the gigantic and serious test called the SAT.

1. Realize a Less Than Perfect Score is Not the End of the World

If you have intense and serious parents, you may have been lead to believe that the difference between living in a “cardboard box” and living in a mansion with a butler is your score on the SAT.  This is not true. Your parents and other adults, such as teachers and guidance counselors, are stressing the importance of this test to you, because, in reality, it is very important. However, it is not life and death, and a less than ideal score is not the end of you, your dreams, your hopes, your career or anything else you may have heard.

Success in life is multifaceted, complex and involves many more factors than your SAT score. For example, many people get great SAT scores but are so burnt out by the time they get into college that they drop out! Of course, you should aim for a great score and study hard to achieve that goal. But don’t believe that your “world will end,” if you don’t get a great score.  In short, life is more complicated than that!

2. Take Time to Relax, Your Mind and Body Will Thank You

Stopping to relax and do something that you enjoy will help you keep the stress of SAT prep at bay. Music, mediation and exercise have all been proven as good ways to relax and clear your mind. Finding a few minutes to relax every day will help you achieve a better score in the long run.

3. Remove the Distractions

It is easy to use communication devices constantly including your phone and computers. One problem is constantly being online also keeps your mind racing as well. Step away from all of your distractions for a few moments a day to help unwind and relax.

4. Get Outside!

Humans only live in caves when necessary. Get out of your modern cave as much as you can and get sunlight and fresh air, both of which are good for you. Indoor air is several times more polluted than outdoor air, and this means that opening up a window or two is a very good idea. Even in the winter, fresh cold air is better than no fresh air at all. Fresh air will also help you calm down and clear your mind before the “big day.”

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Free College Resources You Need to Know About

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

My College Guide has quite a lot of free college resources right here on our website: our annual college magazine available in full online (with featured articles also translated into Spanish), our regularly updated blog, and one more fantastic resource that we want to make sure that you know about: our College Admissions Guru!

Ask our College Admissions Guru your questions: it's free and anonymous!

Cillian Storm / Bonita Suraputra

From financial aid to the SAT/ACT test to the college application process: the My College College Guide Admissions Guru is an amazing college resource! If you want a personalized answer, just ask: it’s free and anonymous. While we can’t guarantee that each and every question will be answered, it definitely won’t be if you don’t submit it!

Latest Questions for the Guru
Question: I have heard that colleges prefer “depth” in extracurricular activities. But in order to attain “depth” in wrestling, I must dedicate nothing less than my full time and energy to the sport. I am afraid this might end up hurting my academics, as the workload of 5 AP classes is nothing to sneeze at. Also, I have an interest in many clubs and activities that conflict with wrestling, such as Academic Decathlon and Mock Trial. This goes along with the “depth” issue, as I am afraid that if I quit wrestling to attend these activities, colleges may look down on that. What would you recommend?

Answer: I recommend that you first maintain your academic record as well as you can and, second, that you pursue what you are passionate about and what you enjoy. High school is not only a time to prepare for college, but it is also a time to explore your interests and try different things that may tell you more about what you want to do later on. If wrestling is beginning to take away from that experience of exploring (not to mention your academic standing), then by all means try some other things instead. Don’t…continue reading Latest Questions from the Guru.

Let the College Admissions Guru help you with all your burning college questions!

Brett Tully / Brett Tully

The College Application Process
Question: What do you write in college application essays? Can you write an essay about your experiences in extra-curricular activities? Or do you list your extra-curricular activities? Also, is there a limit to how many recommendations you can get from your teachers? If not, is it better to get a lot of recommendations from your teachers? Even if the recommendations are not well-developed, it’s better to have lots, right? Thanks.

Answer: Great questions! You can really do a lot with a well-written, interesting essay.  If your grades are good but not fantastic, you could push yourself over the edge to acceptance with a great essay.  And even if your grades and scores are great, presenting yourself in a poor essay could really hurt your chances for acceptance. The best essays discuss…continue reading the college application process.

Financial Aid
Question: I have a few questions. When is the best time to find financial aid and where can I find applications for these? Also, when is the best time to tour colleges and is it required to get an interview?

Answer: You should start investigating financial aid opportunities, particularly merit-based scholarships and grants, in the second semester of your junior year. You’ll probably need to start applying in the first semester of your senior year. Of course, you should follow the specific requirements prescribed for any particular source of aid. With regard to touring colleges, there are basically two approaches to take. One way is to…continue reading Financial Aid

You've got a ton of questions about your future -- let our College Admisions Guru answer your questions -- and help you get to where you want to go!

mtischendorf

SAT/ACT Tests
Question: Thanks for taking the time to read my question! I am currently a rising senior in high school. By the time I finish high school, I will have taken 6 AP classes along with 15 honors classes. I was wondering, how many reach schools should I apply to? What other advice would you have for me to make my application more desirable to a school like Georgetown? Finally, would I be considered a legacy student at a school if my grandfather attended it?

Answer: It sounds like you’re doing all of the right things! You have a strong record and should be in the running at a number of fine schools. In response to your specific questions, the only thing I can think of that you could do to possibly improve your chance of getting into a top school is to take the SAT test again. You have a very good score, but…continue reading SAT/ACT Tests

Picking the Right School
Question: What is the point of going to a very expensive Ivy League school to get your undergraduate degree when you know that you are going to get your masters degree when you’re done? I would like to go to Dartmouth, but I have a full scholarship to the University of Florida, so maybe I should go there and go to Dartmouth for my MBA. What is your opinion?

Answer: Ivy League schools offer students great education and prestige. Many students find these schools attractive because they are selective and because a degree from such a school is impressive on a job application. Yet, there are great schools all over the country that offer a wonderful education and are easier to get into. And, as you know, public schools such as the University of Florida are more affordable. The best way to decide what school is best for you is to…continue reading Picking the Right School.

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Posted in AP Classes, College Admissions, College Applications, Extracurricular Activities, Gap Year, Homeschool, Preparing for College, SAT/ACT Test, Summer Programs, Technology | 1 Comment »

Factors of College Admission or How to Get Into Your Dream School

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

As college deadlines loom in the not too distant future, you might be asking yourself, “Can I get into college?” To answer your question, My College Guide will clue you in on the factors of college admissions! While these factors can differ a bit from college to college, having some idea of what colleges are really looking for in your academic background can go a long way to make sure you are prepared so that when you get ready to actually submit a college application: you’ll be ready!

Pull up a chair and get ready for your college interview, an important part of some colleges' admission process.

Stuck in Customs / Trey Ratcliff

SAT or ACT Test Scores – The majority of colleges will be looking at your SAT or ACT test scores, comparing your score to other applicants. If you’ve only taken the test once, know that taking the test a second time can help improve your SAT score – just from knowing what to expect! The College Board SAT test and the ACT test are very important and, if you are homeschooled, it’s also a way for colleges to measure you academically.

College Interview – Do you match up? While not  usually mandatory, the college interview is used by some colleges as a way to make sure that you are the right fit for their institution. On the upside, an interview can put a nice personal spin on what can seem a very impersonal process. You can let college admissions meet your charming, wonderful self and explain any slip-ups in your record. If it’s optional at the college(s) you are interested in, why not request one?

Community Service – Are you a valuable member of your community? Community service can help you stand apart from other college applicants – it’s not like every student volunteers their time and energy, but for the most part, many students do take the SAT, have a decent GPA, and class ranking. Not only is it a great way to get accepted into college and help out your community, but it could even net you a great scholarship!

College Essay – This seemingly innocent little open-ended question can be a hard one to answer. The truth is, college admissions can place a good amount of emphasis on what you have to say – and how you say it! Use this space as a way to explain why your grades fell your Sophomore year or how you successfully handled a difficult situation. If colleges are on the fence about whether or not to let you in, your college essay may give them a nudge in the right direction.

Leadership Roles – Are you a future leader? Did you skim through high school or did you leave a mark?Universities want independent, motivated students. They will be actively seeking students with leadership roles on their college application. Holding positions in high school clubs or as a class officer can show admissions that you are just the type of person they are looking for.

"D" is for Diversity! Colleges want a varied student body from around the country...and the world.

clevercupcakes / Clever Cupcakes

Letters of Recommendation – Colleges like to get a second opinion – and the college letter of recommendation is an easy way for them to learn more about you through the eyes of someone else. Whether your college of choice lets you choose who writes your recommendation or there’s someone specific, colleges will takes these letters under consideration so if the choice is up to you, choose carefully!

Diversity – Your race, the state you live in, your gender, and national origin can play a part in college admission. Colleges like to say that they have students not only from around the country, but from around the world, too. Increasing their student body while diversifying it can help pave the way for you if you happen to possess the traits of the missing pieces.

Challenging Courses – While it’s okay to have a fluff class every now and again to boost your GPA, colleges really want to see something more challenging than a constant run of classes like Film Studies or Fibers on your course schedule. Honors classes and AP classes go a long way to prove to college admissions that you take your education seriously – just don’t take on more than you can handle. These classes dole out more work to start with and receiving poor marks in a few of them because you packed your schedule too full with difficult classes won’t help you get into your dream school, either.

Legacy Status – Did your mom and/or dad attend the same college that you are interested in? Many colleges like to keep the legacy going and put special emphasis on legacy applicants! Applications will usually have a spot to check or write that you had a family member attend their college – which may help you get in! Bonus: many colleges also let you apply for a legacy scholarship!

Grades — It almost goes without saying, but your grades are one of the key factors of college admission! Colleges have a GPA range they accept for a reason: they want students who fit within specific parameters. The more competitive the college, the better your GPA had better be! If you’ve got a few years before you are officially thinking “college” make sure to use this time wisely and try to keep those grades up.

Did you earn awards, certificates, and blue ribbons? Let college admissions know about them!

Miss Millificent / Athena Workman

Awards and Achievements – Do you have a stack of blue ribbons and grand champion ribbons from your time spent in 4-H? Did you win special recognition at your high school for an academic achievement or snag a certificate for club involvement? Not every students wins an award, so don’t just let them sit there and collect dust, write it down! Make sure that college admissions knows about your past successes. After all, if you don’t tell them, who will?

Extracurricular Activities – Colleges are looking for activities where you were meaningfully involved, not a jam-packed, alphabetized list of random clubs and organizations you joined only to impress college admissions! In this case, think “quality” not quantity! So, pick and choose your high school extracurricular activities with care and do more with it than just sign up.

Pre-college Summer Programs – More school? In the summer? Yes and yes! Don’t just think of a pre-college summer program as school, think of it as a way to do a little traveling or community service or to dig into something you are interested in, as well as earning college credit in high school and standing out to college admissions! Anything that you can do to be proactive in your education (and pre-college summer programs certainly count!) is a step in the right college acceptance direction.

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Posted in College Admissions, College Applications, College Interview, Legacy Status, Personal Statement | 1 Comment »

SAT Test Prep: You Don’t Have to Prepare Alone

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

The SAT Reasoning Test is an important one.  Your whole high school career is leading to this one test that can really help make you or, if not exactly break, potentially put a cramp on your future plans.  Not every student learns the same way, and for some students, pouring over books and studying alone just isn’t going to cut it.  To you, we say, “SAT test prep.”

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beautyfromashes/Rachael

We decided to ask a few test prep providers, representatives from Kaplan, Knewton, and The Princeton Review for insight about the SAT Reasoning Test – what you can expect and what you should know – hey, these people are experts on all things SAT!

After speaking and emailing back and forth repeatedly, it quickly became obvious: these people are passionate about what they do.  In fact, during a call with Ed Carroll, Executive Director of Research and Development for High School Programs at The Princeton Review, he blurted, “Hey, did anyone see the 3:4:5 triangle question on Jeopardy last night? – That’s an SAT question!”

It’s a common misconception that SAT test prep is only for wealthy or lazy students – which is so not true.  Each of these providers was quick to point out the benefit of having help preparing prior to taking the SAT.  Russell Schaffer, Senior Communications Manager with Kaplan, shared “Taking the SAT without preparation is a bit like running a marathon with no training.” You build up your endurance, create a strategy, and keep working at it.  As with any great skill – you practice (a lot) and you most likely seek the advice of others who know their stuff.  Same with the SAT!

Ed Carroll of The Princeton Review compared the SAT to a crossword puzzle, a brainteaser.  While he was quick to point out that it isn’t exactly the same thing: we think it holds pretty true.  Sure, you usually aren’t timed on a crossword and that Sudoku puzzle won’t facilitate where you spend the next four years of your life, but, like Mr. Carroll pointed out: “the more you see it, the fewer surprises there are.”  — and he should know, he’s only taken just about every version of the SAT for over a decade (and you thought once or twice was bad enough!)

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mat.teo/Matteo

Marathon or Crossword: they all agree that just knowing what to expect on the SAT Reasoning Test is half the battle.  Josh Anish, the Senior Editor at Knewton, stated, “the course also features individualized practice sessions, in which Knewton tells you how you’re doing on specific test concepts and what to focus on in order to improve.”    Part of the mission for these companies is to teach you how to approach the test and how to go about solving a problem in the shortest amount of time necessary.

The SAT was built to test you on your problem solving skills – you can’t fake your way through not knowing a vocabulary word and working out how to solve that math problem will severely slow you down.  There’s a lot of questions to answer in a short time frame.  Hey, it’s called a “reasoning test” for a reason!

SAT Test Prep providers believe that having the expertise and availability of a teacher, either online, private tutoring, or in an actual classroom type of setting, can help you increase your SAT score results.  Plus – if you do really, really well – you can snag a fat scholarship to your college of choice!

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