Should I take a SAT course or not?
August 23rd, 2009 | 
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Hi and welcome to my blog,
I opened this blog to help anyone who is preparing for his SAT.
I remember myself when I started - I was so lost and in such a panic.
Luckily I got this great SAT guide that helped me a lot . So study hard and good luck!
I recently took the PSAT and didn’t get top-tier results but mostly average. I have heard that just because someone gets a high SAT score doesn’t mean they’re smart nor does it mean that they will get into a college of their choice for sure. So should I take a SAT course to improve the areas which I am weak in and get better at test-taking OR should I just buy an SAT book and do the work independently? Answers with explanations help! Thanks in advance!
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Yes.
Whoever told you that the SAT score doesn’t mean you’re smart isn’t 100% correct. While some people have a knack for standardized testing, it’s still a measure of intelligence based on the general curriculum in America. While it may not be the end-all be-all in terms of determining whether or not you should be admitted into a school, it is STANDARDIZED and allows them to gauge the applicant amongst their peers. Everything else is always going to be individual…clubs, participation, accomplishments and achievements. There are a lot of things that go into making the decision, but only one thing can be looked at in the same way, since basically everyone else is taking the same test.
Do yourself the favor and take the class if you can, or get the book. If the class is available to you and you can afford it, then I’d say to do that before just trying to study on your own.
yes
no. read an SAT prep book if you do anything. SAT prep courses basically consist of an "instructor" giving you exercises to do, and then grading them. You are paying them some ridiculous fee to do something you can do yourself. It is a complete waste of time and money.
It really comes down to how you learn. If you can buckle down and study on your own that may be best because you can do it anytime at your own pace. But if you get side tracked easily, taking a structured course it probably a better idea.
I did not buy anything for my SAT’s, so you shouldnt have to buy a book, or take a course. There are plenty of areas on the internet to help you prepare for it. Good Luck.
yes because although you may have not done well on the psat, you should take the course because improving your SAT score can ensure you college money which you will need.And most colleges DO look at the 2 sections of the SAT.
I have to be honest, I didn’t bother to take the SATs. I went to community college until I had enough transfer credits to get into university as a transfer student at the sophomore level, and since transfers are primarily in the grades it was a piece of cake to get into a good college….
just a thought.
… On a side note, I started community college before I graduated High School and did get a 4.0 and dean’s list ranking, so it really was easy to transfer in to a good college.
You are correct in saying that the SAT does not mean anything when it comes you your own abilities as a person nor does it guarantee admission into a university. What it does serve as is a quantifying tool that PREDICTS possible success as a university student.
In regards to your concern, go for the independent study. But this requires that you be VERY disciplined. So work at it. Get yourself the Official SAT prep book ( the one from the college board makers of the SAT ) and a SAT practice test book from Kaplan or Princeton review. Those are good and I work with those.
Just take as many of those practice tests as you can and you will begin to see patterns emerge in the methodology of the test. You will learn and develop a feel for how you should work out the problems.