Looking for advice: Should I really take an SAT class?

[Takubell426]

Hi,

I am a high school junior whoo recently took the March SAT and got 2210 (700 CR 760 M 750 W). I was disappointed because I was hoping for 2300 or higher, and many people I know in my school got higher scores; this lowered my self-confidence quite a bit . I scored in the 2250-2310 range in all the practice tests (about 12?) that I took. I am going to retake the test in June, and if my scores are still unsatifsfactory, I will take it again in October. Although my parents suggested that I take a prep class, I refuse to do so because I believe that prep classes are stupid and that I need to prove myself that I can do this on my own.

Should I really take an SAT class? Do you all think it would help significantly? And, how can I raise my CR score (the area that I need most improvement on) by at least 30 more points? I appreciate any kind of feedback.

[NickBrown]

I think you should but use review sites like the ones linked at www.thesatblog.com and im sure others here will post more links

[Takubell426]

Thanks!

[Chococat]

Hello there,

SAT Prep Course can be very helpful sometimes. Although some students do naturally well on the SAT, most of the students do need a proper guidance. There are many free workshops out there that you can look at. The only downfall on freebies is that it is not fully established to really help you to increase your SAT score.
If you are serious about increasing your score, investing some time and money on SAT prep courses . There are many good prep companies like TestMasters , Princeton Review , Higher Knowledge , and PowerScore . SAT prep courses usually last from 4 weeks to 10 weeks, and they are usually designed to teach you all the techniques you need to know before the test. Take my advice. Seek a professional guidance. SAT test comes only once in a life time, and you surely don't want to mess it up.

P.S.: If you are planning to take the LSAT course after college, take TestMasters. I heard that they are really good.

[Knguyen142]

Jesus! Do you know how good of a score you got? What college are you planning on going to? Ivy Leaguer for sure probably. Going to these sites makes me feel less intellectual, as everyone is getting 21-2200+. I only got a 1990, albeit on two days of preparation and limited practice exams (didn't even finish a whole one).

But I think if you got a 2210 off of no external guidance, you should continue your solitary studying. Prep classes, although I have never been enrolled in, pretty much teach you the same information as that of the prep books (probably in more detail, however). Sure, they most likely will raise your SAT scores, but in all honesty, your score is not that desperate as to resort to such measures. The classes in my area generally cost $600-1500, which I believe is ridiculous as the Tutor is making an unreasonable salary. Not to mention the hassle of attending every week as opposed to merely opening your textbook and flipping through pages. On the other hand, it does help motivate, as if I were enrolled I would have a much easier time preparing (knowing that my family was forking over money). On my own, I reviewed a week prior to the test date (but that has been my system for all tests). But unlike me, you seem to be pretty well motivated (12 practice tests!?) so reading different sources of strategies might improve your score. As you can tell, I am not a big fan of prep institutions as they give advantages to those that are more financially inclined, but although my family has no disposition against signing me up, I'd hate to waste money. Also, like you, I wish to prove myself and my capabilities of independence as opposed to relying on other education for a test that supposedly measures one's logical and reasoning analysis.

[Xxwarxpertxx]

i agree with knguyen. u must be some smart ass studying only by urself to get 2200+, u should do IV leagues. but taking prep classes do help. though either way you will eventually reach 2300, prep classes may be faster.

[Takubell426]

knguyen ur words warmed me. I totally agree with u on everything and though I didnt score 2300+ the second time (2250 - 730 CR 780 M 740 W) I do not plan to take any more tests. Thank you all for your kind advice!

[Benstein123]

I took a course with Kaplan for $899 and didn't improve my score at all. I highly recommend using TutorFox.com's SAT guide. I improved over 250 pts...