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Did any of you take the princeton review honors course? Its $1499 but it promises above a 1400... right now my sat score IS 1400 but i figured that this could help me out anyway. Do any of you know if this course really helps? Btw, I got a 740 in english and a 660 in math which I was upset about becasue im in Calc and I do REAL good in math. Any advice would be great

By Xiggi (Xiggi) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 01:50 pm: Edit

You can find a lot of posts on this precise subject by using the search feature.

I did not take the course and would have NO intention to take it. It is a very personal matter. I am sure that it is great for some and worthless for others. In your case, I believe that it would not help you very much.

Why? You got a great score in VERBAL. Increasing your score in math can be accomplished easily by taking additional PRACTICE tests. Check the available resources and spend your money on extra those tests. Soon enough, you will be able identify the "difficult" and "tricky" problems and develop your strategies to answer those problems rapidly. I am pretty sure that the focus of the honors program will be quite similar. The only difference will be about 1400 dollars.

Now, if money is no object and if you like a more structured environment, you may decide to go for it. However, I honestly believe that you can get the same results on your own and feel better about the whole process.

Good luck

By Madison (Madison) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 09:29 pm: Edit

Hey - I am new to posting to the message boards, but I have been reading the boards for a while now. Shortii, I have the same problem as you. I am going to be a senior next year and I am taking Calc IV at a local university. However, the first time I took the SAT I only got a 690 in math..and I was pretty pissed off bc I figured I would do fairly well, seeing as though I was advanced. but, if this helps you out, I realized that basically my problem was that I didn't remember basic math skills such as insignificant things as finding areas of sectors, etc. So, I went to Borders and got 10 REAL SATS and basically did three math sections the week before the June SAT and reviewed basic geometry and algebra and maanged to raise my score to a 750...

In other words, I dont think that you should be discouraged by your math score (which is still really good) - but just remember that geometry and algebra were so long ago that you need to refresh those skills. I promise this really will help you out.

By O71394658 (O71394658) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 09:52 pm: Edit

What worthless garbage. If you (actually your parents) need to pay that much money to keep you motivated....

By Jason817 (Jason817) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 09:58 pm: Edit

in your case, i'd say it is a waste. Your verbal score is fine and you shouldnt take a course to improve math because that can be done with practice as Xiggi said.

By Luc (Luc) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 10:00 pm: Edit

hey shortii im taking the course right now and i really dont think the course would help you that much especially because yoo've already taken it and done alright, but if yoo want to improve yoor math i thnk yoo should just do madison recommended and it should help a lot.

By Shortii22 (Shortii22) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 07:02 am: Edit

thanks guys! ill definately just read over the books instead...1400 is alot of money

By Xiggi (Xiggi) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 11:48 am: Edit

Shortii22~

I just want to make sure that you did not misinterpret my comments. IMO, "reading over the books" will not be sufficient to replace the $1500 course. The greatest benefit of the organized courses is to force you to take preactice tests and apply the strategies they teach you. You can find most -if not all- of the strategies by reading the various books written on the SAT. You know the list, Kaplan, Gruber, PR, Barron's!

You'll need to take AS MANY practice tests as possible and try to take them in tests conditions. In the beginning, you can work a few sections separately and build your confidence and speed. Make sure to check your answers and look for solutions in websites like www.studyhall.com, if you encounter problems that don't make sense. Since your score was excellent in verbal, you can focus on the math section.

I would also encourage you to also take 1-2 FULL tests before the exam and mimic the exact testing conditions. It will not only give you a good check but also reinforce the verbal.

I cannot stress enough the value of practicing with the old tests Good luck!

By Me1 (Me1) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 02:51 pm: Edit

Hey I scored in the 1400s on my PSAT, but wanted to take the course to get in the 1500s on the SAT. I was told that my score was too high & was not able to take the course.

By Madison (Madison) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 07:28 pm: Edit

Do not take the review course. Obviously you have the skills to achieve a high score on the SAT. The best advice to give someone in your situation is to PRACTICE. As Xiggi said, it is extremely important to sit down and mimic test-taking environments. As many people know, the SAT is a measure of how good your test-taking skills so, so when you actually sit down and practice you will be well prepared for the real test. I'm sure you will do well - your PSAT is great.

By Lostgirl (Lostgirl) on Friday, July 04, 2003 - 02:47 pm: Edit

Well, $1400 here(in Nepal) would be equal to my college fees for 54 years and even a whole months full time job doesnot yeild $43 for the sat fees.
so i find it really stupid to spend that much for something you are yourself well capable of. i got 1430 without buying or paying for anything. like everybody else is saying here.. Its motivation.. has to come from deep within you and once you get that zest i yourself 1400s a piece of cake. Besides, have faith and trust in yourself NOT Princeton Review coz its you who is taking the test afterall not PR. blah.. blah..blah..