Homeschooled! Need SAT advice!?

Question

I'm going to take the SAT at a local public school in a few hours. Because of my being blind, I couldn't take it on Saturday with everyone else and have to take it at the school over the course of two days. Today is the first. I've taken the SAT before when I was in 7th grade as part of the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) and I think I did an average job. I didn't prepare at all and I scored 1120 out of 1600. This time I did prepare, but i'm a little nervous. Now there's the writing section and while I've always done well on essays, I'm worried I won't be able to finish in time, or I'll just freeze up when I'm told what the prompt is. This is getting me more nervous than I need to be and I don't want to blow the entire test because of something so tiny. Can anyone give me some tips or advice to help me do well on the test today and tomorrow?

Answer 1

The SAT writing section grades upon whether you answer the prompt or not.  I have seen essays where the student only wrote 1 paragraph but was able to get a 11 or 12 because they answered the prompt and didn't go off on a tangent.  Although grammar and spelling are not huge factors, they are taken into consideration, so use words you know how to spell.

Stay focused on the prompt and support your answer,  If it asks for you to give a real life example, do it to the best of your ability.  I do not know the technical name of the essay form, but it is not necessary to do the thesis, 3 supporting facts, followed by 3 supporting paragraphs, then restate the thesis and conclude.  Don't do that if you can avoid it, it is a classic "easy" way to write and they can spot that.

Make an outline in the margin of your paper if you can.  The outline shows them where you intended to go (in case you don't finish) and may help you in the long run.  I have even seen people who started writing the essay, realized they weren't going to finish and then made an outline.  The graders will look for a good thesis, followed by an outstanding supporting body and a good conclusion.  If you have time, go to this website http://www.collegeboard.com/student/test...

read the essays there and the score given to them and you will see what I mean.  I used to work for a place that offered SAT prep, but I have to be careful what I say and how I say it because I had to sign a confidentiality clause when I started working.

Answer 2

RELAX

Make sure to rest a bit before the test, and eat some complex carbohydrates such as granola or whole grain bread with some protein.

The brain uses sugar, but don't eat simple sugar, eat complex carbs to have a slow but steady supply of brain food.

Bring along some tic-tacs.  You should have access to some water.  You may want a little snack for your break time.

HINTS

If you can eliminate even one answer, guess.

If you can't eliminate any answer, don't guess.

If you eliminate one answer and are guessing, always try to choose the same answer.  For example, if you eliminate one and you are just guessing, just choose "A" (or the nearest one to A) every time and you are more likely to randomly increase your score.

Think of a couple of good books and a couple of historical events that you can easily draw from, such as Shakespeare, the Bible, or The Diary of Anne Frank for books, and The Revolutionary War, World War II, or some other period of history you are very familiar with.  When you get your prompt, spend the first few minutes OUTLINING what you will say, and see how you can fit your knowledge of literature and history into your answer somehow.

YOU WILL DO JUST FINE

good luck

Answer 3

You got an 1120 in 7th grade?  Sounds like you have nothing to worry about.  It has been a while since I took the SAT, but I believe that is well above average for a high school senior.

Here's something that might help you relax.  You will probably do fine, but even if you totally blow it, you can take the test again, and only your highest score will count.  I have asked college admissions counselors about this, and they said that they don't care what other scores you had - they only consider your highest score.  So best case scenario - you get a great score and get accepted at the college of your choice; worst case scenario - this test is just a practice run, and you come back later with a better knowledge of the test and get a great score then.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I'm getting to this question a bit late... from your update do you mean that you have had to reschedule?

Who decided to unilateral change your testing conditions?  That is outrageous!

Anyway, regarding the writing - just pretend like it is Y!A.  I've seen you crank out some great stuff here.  You'll do fine!

Answer 5

Go to sleep early tonight.  Get up tommorow have breakfast and relax.  When you get to the test, before you look at anything close your eyes and take 10 breaths.  Then begin the test one question at a time.  alot of people get test anxiety.  Just relax and you will do great.  The schools look more at what you hav done gradewise in HS than the SAT.  As long as you have a solid background you will be fine.