SAT for American Universities/Colleges

[NeverendingAbyss]

Hello!
This is a weird place to discuss it, but why not!
I'm preparing for the December 6 SAT and I need some advice from those who took it. I took the first SAT in June, but the scores were pretty low. In order for me to increase my chances of going to a legitimate University, I need to raise my score.
For those who took the SAT-

How did you prepare?
Are prep classes worth it?
What was your score and how did you obtain it?
SAT books-- any recommendations?
Any tips or websites that helped?

Remember, this is the new SAT. It's just math, critical reading, and writing. Please, let me know!

Thanks,
NEA

[icecab21]

What kind of goals are you going for? What do you consider as a legitimate university?

For the math part, I guess just go over the problems from practice tests and sat books. One thing that I did after I got to college was get an application called zoom algebra for the ti 83. This program can do a lot of the math they want you to do by hand and works great for word problems. What the application can't do, you can program formulas into your calculator as well. Since a lot of the math section does not let you use a calculator, memorizing formulas is a good thing too.

As for the writing and verbal sections, get English books that teacher the grammar that you need, this is where I drop points. Also work on critical analysis and form and remembering details of what you have read. Work on being able to organize and give evidence for your ideas in a quick amount of time so you can review.

Look at the books and compare them with the books from freshmen/ higher college classes on universities that you want to get into. I’m sure a grasp on the college textbook material will at least help

A study group is always a good thing as long as the groups studies and in ways that you feel are productive. It’s really about finding what works for you and about finding learning methods that will help you reach your goals. Find ways that make it interesting so that you are not just cramming. Let this help you in life and contribute to your interests and self-growth.

The better you are at reviewing yourself, the better. I don’t review myself here and it turns out very silly sometimes and arguably all the time.

[NeonVomit]

What kind of goals are you going for? What do you consider as a legitimate university?

I'm guessing any State University is a good 'legitimate' place.

I know nothing of SATs, but good luck!

[Stratowarius]

I'm sure you can do whatever you want Neverending. You are my protege and you are INVISIBLE when you want to be. Come out from your place under the bed , eat your fishleveroil and start breathing normally. I am so proud of you.

[NeverendingAbyss]

Well I got the Princeton Review SAT and the Official SAT study guide. I'm also going to apply for the Official Online Course by Collegeboard.
I don't know if prep classes are worth it. They're expensive and I read a few articles that it depends on someone's ability to learn.
I just want to go to a University that is well recognized. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to go to Harvard or Yale. You can get a degree anywhere you study without spending THOUSANDS of dollars.
My hopes would be in a State university or a local university. Somewhere around the Washington Metro Area.
Thanks, guys!

[icecab21]

Talking and forming a good relationship with a counselor will help. Grades and extra curricular activities also help. Take a solid school schedule and running start if your area has such a program. Build a network of friends and references. You could find out how the colleges you are looking at weigh as some will put more importance on an essay or interview.

As for prep classes, it really depends on your learning style and on getting a match. If you can work with online forums, that is a cheaper option where you can have access to feedback. One thing you can do is go through the book and create a list of how confident you are with each problem type and then spend time on your problem areas and address those in a forum with someone who is confident with that type of problem. If you can find someone with opposite strengths as you that can be good practice as you can teach each other and benefit from that. After learning the skills you can then teach those to others to help cement the process.

[browneyedgirl]

Good luck, NEA! Those tests are long, and boring but so necessary, and just do the best you can, then more!

I took the ACT test and it was required for the University I attended. Did quite well in the Science and Social Studies tests, just average in Math and English.

As for prep, study hardest for the Math part because there is LOTS of algebra on it, at least on the ACT.
I think the SAT tests are longer and more extensive than the ACT tests.
I may catch Hell for saying this but actually there is no way to study for a test like this. What you know is what you know. Brush up on algebra, geometry, and in English, the mechanics and rules of what creates good English usage.

If you made good grades in High School and paid attention in class, I am sure you will do well, NEA!

Btw, NEA, are you shooting for a scholarship or just taking this test because its a requirement?

[NeverendingAbyss]

Although having a high score in the SAT can give you a chance for a scholarship, I'd rather fill for FAFSA instead, among other scholarships... The test is one of several stuff to get admitted to a University. They check your HS grades, extra-curricular activities, and standardized tests.
After I take and successfully make it through the SAT with a good score, I think I'm going for TOEFL (which is a test to calibrate someone's English who doesn't happen to be a native speaker.)
And if I have enough time, I will go for the ACT, which is getting quite popular.

Oh, and since I moved recently, I lost my chance to get MCSE Certification and IC3 License in my old network administration class. However, I contacted my teacher (a really GREAT teacher) to see if I can get some study materials to take the test. He said I can go to my old HS to pick up some study materials, so I'm happy about it.

Sigh... My Summer has been stressful, but it's ALL worth it!