SAT's – What is the best way to take the next step up to the elite level?
I have halfway decent SAT scores, take a look:
March 07: CR 640, Math 680, Writing 640 (1960)
May 07: CR 680, Math 660, Writing 690 (2030)
I am happy about the 70 pt increase, with no real studying/extra prep. My scores are sufficient to get into most of the schools on my list, but I want to make the grade for UPenn, so I can major in business in college.
The real dillemma is should I take time to independently study, or should i dish out the 900 dollars to take a summer prep course? I feel like a prep course (princeton review or kaplan) would guide me better towards my goal of breaking 2100. If I studied on my own, it wouldn’t feel thorough, and i feel i’d get less out of it, in relation to the time i’d spend studying. I want my scores to break the elite plain, when I retake the test for the last time in Oct. What are your experiences with either, and which is better overall?
BTW, I play 3 sports (cap’n for 1), and am a member of NHS, and have a 3.8 ish GP
4 Responses
Future FBI
18 Feb 2010
karenl0204
18 Feb 2010
it really sounds like you are a really smart guy and I think you should keep on studying , I think you can save the 900 dollars and do it you’re self, good luck with you’re life it sounds like you will go far in life =]
sleepsheepnyc
18 Feb 2010
I would suggest taking the prep course. It doesn’t really matter whether you do Kaplan or Princeton Review, their methods are very similar, so pick the most convenient one.
The problem is that the SAT doesn’t accurately reflect your intelligence, so studying the material will not increase your score, even though it might make you smarter. The advantages of the prep courses is that they teach you about the methodology of the test, and that is what you need to get a higher score.
Good luck!
jupitertitaneuro
18 Feb 2010
I got 2 perfect scores in math and reading, but my writing score was only 720, for a total of 2320. I only read this SAT guide, and that is how I got such high scores:
http://www.guideparadise.com/index.php?option=com_guides&task=buy&id=10
I recommend this guide to anyone seeking to get a higher score to get into a first choice college.
I have taken an SAT Prep course and it helped me alot, but I took the SAT when a perfect score was 1600. I am not sure what they changed, but from my experience of taking standardized tests vocabulary is key. The prep coursed do help you in pointing out short cuts to solving those stupid math questions. Those short cuts do save you alot of time. I also recommend taking alot of practice tests. Take them somewhere other than the comfort of your house. Take them at a local college library. College libraries are alot quieter that public libraries. Good luck.
Remember, schools take other things into account when reviewing your application. The fact that you were in three sports, NHS and held a GPA of a 3.8 is very impressive and should get their attention. I believe that with your scores now and your extracurricular activities you should have a good shot getting into UPenn. Your personal statement and essay is also very important. Some advise when writing your personal essay focus solely on who you are and how your experiences and hardships made you who you are today. That is all I have to say and I wish you the best of luck on getting into UPenn. UPenn is a great school. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.