Do I HAVE to go to an SAT prep class to do well?

Question

Or could I use an alternative method and get the same results?

I'm going into my Jr. year of HS September 4 and I haven't taken the PSAT or SAT, nor have I had any preparation for it. My mom talked to Sylvan Learning Center today about a class they have for SAT prep, but it's $1000 for one month of training? Hmmmmm... I'm PRETTY SURE I won't have time to go everyday, nor would I want to, so I don't see how $1000 is a reasonable cost being as that I KNOW there are other programs and methods that are cheaper. We have the money, it's just that, me personally, I would think it's a waste of my parents money... especially since I already want/need a lot of things to be bought for me this month (my birthdays this month, school starts in September, etc.)

What are some different methods of preparing for it or how did you prepare for it? Books? Classes? What?

And if you did take it, what was your score?

Answer 1

How important is going to a good college to you and your family? Getting in is an investment and you get what you pay for.

Go onto the College Board web site at look at the SAT ranges of the schools you would like to attend. Then invest in a SAT book and take a few practice tests. If your scores are in range, go back to playing and making birthday presents a priority. If not, decide if you want to invest time and money in getting into a good schools and having thngs you want for the rest of your life. A recent survey shows a total link to quality of college and future income, you decide.

Answer 2

I didn't study or take any classes. I took it once, got a 2020, and felt satisfied. Id recommend taking it once and then deciding from there what you want to do.

Answer 3

Don't freak out - you're only a junior, and as a rising senior, let me tell you, you're way ahead of things if you're thinking about SAT Prep.

I recommend taking the PSAT in October - its not necessarily a perfect predictor of how you'll do on the SAT, but it is good practice with standardized test-taking.  If you're really worried about what you're score will be and needing to retake the SAT, I suggest you take the SAT in December because, if your junior year is anything like mine, come spring you will be burnt out and sooooo not in the mood to take a 5-hour long test on a saturday.

I think you should take the test the first time without taking the prep course - you can just wing it (like i did) or do some studying on your own - maybe review some vocab and practice writing essays quickly.  If you're not happy, then consider taking the course and reataking the SATs (Another reason why I reccommend taking them in December - plenty of time to retake them before your senior year)

Also, if you don't do well on SATs, you can always take the ACT - some students do better on the ACT than SAT.

I did absolutely nothing to prepare for the SATs - I got a 2340.

Answer 4

You can get a couple of SAT prep books, study on your own, then take the SAT, if you don't so good on the first try, then take the prep course and retake the SAT.  

Answer 5

I didn't take SAT classes and did pretty well. I studied on my own...I think preparing on your own is actually better than taking classes -- you can focus on what you really need help with (for me it was math) and you can save a lot of money, too. I used the Official SAT Study Guide by the Collegeboard, and I think it's pretty good. So I think you should take the PSAT this year, and decide where to go from there. You have a lot of chances to take the SAT (I took in in March and June of my junior year), so don't worry....you can always improve.