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Ok I am desperate. I have always been an excellent student and have always done well in all my classes, but unfortunately I cannot say the same about my PSAT score. To my disgust I received a 48 in the math section, and a 56 in the verbal section. Are there any methods that have helped others in the past that could improve my scores? (Specific books) I REALLY am upset and I’m willing to dedicate a lot of time into studying.
Thank you

By Amylase (Amylase) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 08:29 am: Edit

Don't upset. This happens to everybody at first. please do note that SAT is not school test. If you try to do it the same way do did on school tests, you are doomed to fail at it.

Try get Princeton Review's Crack SAT. This book will explain to you why SAT is not school test. Actually, it blatant criticised ETS for making those tricks.

Another book recommendation is Up Your Score


good luck

By Pookdogg (Pookdogg) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 11:31 am: Edit

Princeton Review and Barron's. Try not to use Kaplan: I really don't like them.

Most important of all: an SAT, like most things in life, is mainly psychological. If you have a good attitude going in, you will do better. Instead of feeling nervous, you should feel confident: show off what you know, don't be afraid of getting a question wrong!

When I took the SAT I (after cranking through Barrons), I had the attitude of "bring it on", not "omigod, I'm gonna die". One month and a 1590 later, I feel great! Good luck

By Coyo7e (Coyo7e) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 05:59 pm: Edit

Thanks. What are the exact names of the Princeton Review and Barron's book?
thanks again

By Raindrops (Raindrops) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 06:38 pm: Edit

Not sure about PR (never use any of its books other than the one for ACT).

Barrons - How to Prepare for the SAT I. I have the 21th edition.

By Coyo7e (Coyo7e) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 08:12 pm: Edit

^ thanks

By Number9 (Number9) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 09:22 pm: Edit

Im with you. Ive done lousy on my last two PSATs (Freshman and Soph), I scored around the same as the druggie Juniors this year.

Its really discouraging, but some people arent very good at reasoning tests...

Most people will tell you that:
Barrons is great for vocab
Gruber's is great for math

PR, Kaplan, Barrons, and Grubers are all pretty much good-all-around, though.

By Coyo7e (Coyo7e) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 09:42 pm: Edit

ok i only took the psat once and my math score was very low so i guess ill take a look at "Grubers"
==but what are the full names of these books, id appreciate it if someone would tell meh
thanks

By Wjk323 (Wjk323) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 09:51 pm: Edit

Grubers-----> 9th Edition

Barrons-----> 21st Edition

=)

By Collegefreak (Collegefreak) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 10:04 pm: Edit

Also, be sure to pick up a copy of "10 Real SATs". I found that practice is the key to success on this test. Good luck to you!!

By Joel_Set (Joel_Set) on Saturday, August 16, 2003 - 01:36 am: Edit

hey number 9.. what was ur psat scores during ur soph and junior year.. and what's ur sat score now.. if you did have significant changes.. how much did your score rise?

By Joel_Set (Joel_Set) on Saturday, August 16, 2003 - 01:36 am: Edit

bump

and how long did u prepare

By Number9 (Number9) on Saturday, August 16, 2003 - 01:41 am: Edit

Heh, I havent taken the SAT yet with proper knowledge of the test.

I only can find my sophomore PSAT results:
V-53
M-46
W-49
148 Index

I took the SAT, but I wasnt aware of this place yet, and made a bad buy on SparkNotes. Didnt really study SparkNotes all too much either. I got an 1100 (590V 510M)

Im planning to take the SAT very soon, however. So give me a couple of months, and Ill get back to ya.