How to effectively study for the SAT?
I’m currently in an SAT Prep course at my school twice a week that runs all the way till the end of April. However, even with that I feel like that isn’t enough since my PSAT scores were really low :-\
During the end of the summer my Aunt bought me the Barron’s SAT book (2009) yet, I haven’t cracked it open until recently … So, I have a few questions to ask:
1.) How do/did you study for the vocabulary?
My SAT book supplies me with an entire word list that contains more than a 1,000 words and I don’t know where to start. It provides me with flashcards, but how am I supposed to memorize all those words in preparation for the May SAT this spring? I’ve told myself that maybe if I memorize 10 words a day, I’d complete the list. However, with my AP exam coming up, my project due soon, the project I’m currently working on now, and my term paper due in weeks, plus other homework on top, it’s difficult to fit it in my schedule. So, how did you study/memorize the Vocab?
2.) The critical reading section is a bit difficult to me. I’ve always wondered which strategy is best when it comes to reading the passages given to you. Do you glance at the questions beforehand and then start reading the passage? Do you skim the paragraph so you can have more time to answer the questions? Do you read the entire thing the whole way through thoroughly and then answer the questions? There’s many different ways to tackle the situation, but which way is more helpful?
3.) This isn’t a question pertaining to the SATs really, but you know how colleges and universities like people who are unique and are able to stand out from the crowd? Well, what if you’re planning to go into pharmacy/medical field but you have a talent in art? If you’re able to use your talent and let’s say you win some big Art contest, would that be considered unique to the college, even though it has nothing to do with health/med?
I’m not exactly sure what unique qualities colleges are looking for :-\ I feel like I’m a plain Jane in this world … Especially in this day and age where competition is always rising.
Thanks Ty ![]()
Yeah, I read a few pages before of the SAT book, but not enough. And yes, I know people should join groups and do community service (I already do at the moment) but I mean besides all that. There will be tons of kids out there who have done all of the above, but there are those few lucky ones that stand out far more than the rest. I’m wondering what that may be. Thanks for your advice! Top 5 is amazing ![]()

