SAT Resources

I am often asked, “What are the best resources to help a student prepare for the SAT?” The primary resources that my students use are The Official SAT Study Guide, published by the College Board and Up Your Score published by Workman’s Press. The Official SAT Study Guide, also known as the blue book contains many valuable lessons including 8 practice tests. The blue book is published by the actual company that administers the SAT exam. The questions are the most accurate representation of the actual test questions. In contrast to the practical bluebook, Up Your Score is a book written by actual students who have aced their SAT’s and have since gone on to Ivy League Colleges. This book is more of a strategic guide. It provides the student with valuable insight into the tricks and traps the test makers set to confuse students.

After an ambitious student has extracted all the knowledge from these two books, I recommend the following multimedia reference materials: For writing and grammar please look at Woe is I by Patricia T. O’Connor. This book contains many valuable rules of grammar often ignored by high school curriculum. The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White is another classic book of grammar and usage that will serve as a valuable tool for students throughout college. Finally, a free podcast from Grammar Girl provides a 3 to 5 minute weekly audio lesson on topics which can be immediately used by students to improve their writing skills.

For additional math and reading problems I recommend Gruber’s Complete Preparation for the SAT by Gary R. Gruber, PhD. This book contains many hints, tips, practice quizzes and lessons on almost any topic covered by the SAT. Don’t be overwhelmed by the size of the book. A student need only use this resource to focus on particular parts of the test he or she is having trouble with. For example, Gruber’s has a wonderful section on math word problems, an area which many students often find challenging.

The College Board makes available an online course from its website www.collegeboard.com. This valuable course offers lessons, quizzes and additional full length practice tests. Book owners are given a $10.00 discount and there is an essay scoring service offered free of charge. The website also provides detailed answers and explanations to all questions in the bluebook free of charge.

How to Use Your PSAT Results

The PSAT results are in. Now what to do? First find out if your score is high enough to qualify for a national merit scholarship. Consult with your guidance counselor and find out the cutoff score. Second, go over all the wrong answers to see if there is a pattern. For example do you consistently get the same type of question wrong? If so, sit down with your tutor and map out a study plan to improve upon all your weak areas. Finally, use your PSAT scores to set realistic goals for the SAT. Set the bar high enough above your PSAT score but do not be unrealistic. Write down your specific goals on a piece of paper and look at that paper from time to time. You will be amazed at how close you can come to your goals with a little hard work.