If you want to prepare for the all important SAT, you might want to take a practice SAT test. The SAT test is one of the rites of passage for the High School student. Most colleges require SAT scores with applications, and they will look at them. Did you know that colleges receive your scores every time you take the SAT? This test is not to be taken on a whim to see how you'll do cold. Even if you improve your scores the next time you take it (after preparing the way you should have the first time), the colleges will receive both sets of scores and may average them. So your best score could be averaged together with your worst score, and that will be the score your college of choice is considering when looking at your eligibility. If that doesn't discourage you from taking the test cold, consider this:
The Test Costs Money
Taking the test without preparing is like throwing your money away. Most students who have taken the test without preparing are unhappy with their scores. They end up retaking the test after doing the preparation. So they've paid for the test at least twice to have learned a lesson they could have learned free. How could they learn this lesson free? It's simple. Read on.
Take Free Practice Tests
Free practice tests are available in books, on websites, on the SAT test site, at the library, and probably at your High School. They are all close to what the actual test will be - covering the same levels of questions over the same sets of skills. You should practice with these, under timed conditions as it will be during the actual test. Then, grade your score (feeling glad you didn't score as you did on the actual test), and you'll know which areas in which you need to focus your preparing.
Consider a Course
You don't have to teach yourself; there are plenty of SAT prep courses available. You could do a free course online, purchase software that has the same information as the Kaplan classroom course or book or hire a tutor to help you find and work on your weakest areas. Know your learning style, motivation, focus and best method of learning. Research your options based on this and then check the quality by checking with the BBB website so you know you are getting what you pay for.
Consider that Consumer Reports high school junior testers reported that the free resources available at www.Number2.com were just as effective as the Kaplan online test prep course, which costs $399.
Prepare Yourself Fully
Get rest the night before, and eat a healthy breakfast the day of the test. Bring a bottle of water and stand and stretch during test taking breaks to clear your mind, release stress, and get the blood flowing. All of these basic steps, after doing your best study and preparation, can also contribute to you doing your best on the actual SAT test.
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