How effective is studying the SAT?

Question

i got a bad grade on the SAT, i got a 1010 out of 1600. But that was without studying...how effective is it if you study?? Would my result be at least normal like a 1200 or something...or is there not much hope for me? Like every other person i want to get into a great college but with an SAT score like that, everything is stacked against me

Answer 1

Studying (especially with a course or tutor) can really help.  It definitely upped me 200 points.  Some courses even offer a guarantee that if you don't do better you can have your money back.

Don't get discouraged, even if you studying just a little bit you will most likely do better your second time around.

Answer 2

The SAT is now graded out of 2400. Studying really helps if you use an SAT prep book and if you have someone to explain things that you don't understand. SAT prep books are perfect because they let you know exactly what you need to know for the SAT so you aren't over-prepared or under-prepared. Yes being over-prepared is a bad thing. Some people study way more than they need to focusing on stuff that won't even be touched upon on the SAT. There's no point in doing that. Get a SAT study guide/prep book and use it to prepare for the SAT.Get a tutor if you can afford it and take an SAT prep class too. Even though I don't think SAT prep classes help that much, who knows, maybe you'll find a good SAT prep class that will help you more than the ones I've taken.

Answer 3

it just depends on how quick your mind is to adapt to questions,

my first time i took the sat without studying i got a 2050 out of 2400, so really the SAT test is checking if you can answer fast and simple

Answer 4

Well according to Collegeboard.com, most people only score an average of 8 points higher, or they score lower. I took a SAT kaplan class and scored a 1620 out of 2400 the second time around, with a 1500 the first time. I personally don't think the class helped much. I didn't remember anything from the class, I don't do well studying, if I don't know it I just don't know it, but every one is different, it could work for you.

Answer 5

I speak from experience, but my case is rare--studying drastically lowered my test score, but I believe that this was from increased stress.  I started cram-studying around 3 days before the test--which is usual for me and I usually get a good score.  NOT a good idea if you're taking the SATs.  If you study, study for at least a couple of weeks in advance.  Give yourself time to gain confidence and to let the material/testing strategies soak in. CRAMMING IS BAAAD and will take your lovely 1310/1600 (or 1980/2400) down to an 1120/1600 (or 1740/2400) (yes, that's for real. that's my first SAT score and my second, respectively). DO NOT CRAM--study study prepare prepare! study well and thoroughly.

Oh. P.S.  I HIGHLY recommend Gruber's Complete SAT Guide.  It's wonderful, especially if you've gotten rusty in some subjects.  It'll re-teach you everything so you can brush up on your know-how or you can just skip the reteach and take the practice tests.  It's a great tool for the SAT review.

Answer 6

The second time I took the SAT my reading score improved 400 points.  It was the only section I studied, I recommend the Princeton Review SAT guide, it helped a lot!