A big gap between SAT® math and critical reading sections

[Cooliegirly]

I just took a Kaplan's New SAT practice test and I scored 800 on math but 500 something on critical reading. I hope to do something humanitie in college, not boring science and math. I wonder what would colleges think if did that on the actual test, which seems most likely to happen?

[Kokoling]

I would do a bunch of Critical Reading passages, take it slow, and figure out what why certain answers are such.

You'll be better at it gradually. Just remember, one wrong word, and the whole answer is wrong.

Also, don't try to look for the right answer. Look for the wrong ones, and eliminate them.

[answerer]

cooliegirly, imagine that you've taken the SAT in your language (that means all hateful and longwinded passages are written in your mother tongue).
You score a 500-550. Do you think you are a great writer??? Remember that you are applying to an American university and you want to study humanities. Therefore, your English must be adequate.
To improve, i think the best way is to memorize 3500 words in Barrons' list. You can also learn words by reading "abstruse" newspapers like NY Times, New Yorker and much more!

[Cooliegirly]

Yea, I think my problem is that I don't know enough vocabulary.

[Guest]

[Ace]

Yes... look at www.freevocabulary.com

There is a link there to d/l the words to your TI calculator for free as opposed to sites that charge $10 or more for "common hot words" lists.

[Cooliegirly]

Or you can borrow a Barron's How to Prepare for SAT I at your local library.

[Stefuncm5]