You Need this Book...

I really cannot say enough about this resource. I've spent time with many SAT books and this one, by far, offers more prep and practice than any other. The "Skills" areas shown below in the Table of Contents include pages of multiple worksheets! Edition 2011 is on the shelf.

20 bucks well spent.



Overview

McGraw-Hill's SAT will help you prepare for the big exam with its valuable features and interactive test-taking practice online!

McGraw-Hill's SAT is now equipped with new additions to better meet your needs. The guide teaches critical thinking skills designed to help you solve any SAT problem. And it provides test-taking practice with questions just like those on the real SAT.

• New! Two complete interactive practice tests online (in addition to the 4 tests in the book).
• New: Eight-page Welcome section including “How to Use This Book,” “SAT Study Plan,” “Getting the Most from the Online Tests,” and more.
• 4 full-length practice SATs with fully explained answers.
• Detailed 10-week study plan.
• Pull-out "Smart Cards” for easy subject review.

Table of contents

Chapter 1. Conquer the SAT;
Chapter 2. Diagnostic SAT;
Chapter 3. Building Vocabulary;
Chapter 4. Critical Reading Skills;
Chapter 5. Sentence Completion Skills;
Chapter 6. What SAT Math Really Tests;
Chapter 7. Essential Pre-Algebra Skills;
Chapter 8. Essential Algebra I Skills;
Chapter 9. Special Math Problems;
Chapter 10. Essential Geometry Skills;
Chapter 11. Essential Algebra II Skills;
Chapter 12. Writing a Great Essay;
Chapter 13. Essay Writing Practice;
Chapter 14. SAT Writing Questions;
Chapter 15. Essential Grammar Skills;
Chapter 16. 4 Practice Tests;
Online: 2 Practice Tests

Request the Question-Answer-Service for the SAT!!

One luxury of learning is receiving your test questions, your answers and what you missed after you have taken any test.

Generally, on three test dates of the year, students can request the SAT Question and Answer Service (QAS) for $18.  You may request the service up to five months after you have tested. Only students who request the service by filling out the online app have this privilege. Usually, the dates offered for the service are in October, January and May. Check the College Board website to find out the dates for the upcoming school year:

http://sat.collegeboard.com/search/sitesearch?searchType=satsite&nh=20&qt=qa

Consider this a necessary study tool for your 2nd or 3rd time taking the SAT!

I would recommend planning, at least the first attempt at the SAT, around  one of these test dates.

so many bright students overcome test anxiety...

So many bright, determined, students have sat beside me during our first few tutoring sessions ready to approach their next test with a new perspective and invigorated start. Their eyes have glossed over during my list of questions concerning test taking: How do you feel when you are passed the review sheet? How do you study? Where? Do you study with a group or solo? Do you honestly feel you are well-prepared? How do you feel when the blank test is before you? Do you take your time or rush? Do you leave time to check over your answers? What are your median test scores? Then there are my “corny to teens” questions, like….Do you eat a good breakfast the day of the test? Do you have a light snack prior to the test- fruit or water? Do you meditate? Do you experience mental distractions/mind chatter during the test? What do you do with those thoughts? Mostly the aforementioned questions are met with a LOL. The fact is that all of these points matter a great deal, and many more. By the end of a few weeks, with persistence, following my advice, and hard work, THE SESSION occurs and often hits me off guard….the student walks in, makes eye contact with me and cannot fight back the beaming smile. She or he usually has the test in hand already and places it down in front of me….”Surprise!”

Although I could never make promises, I use this example to demonstrate that even though a student has a pattern of test taking, this does not mean it cannot be unlearned and re-taught. It takes work. It takes time. It takes trouble shooting, studying, trial and error, confidence boosting, studying, hand holding, and a solid connection. It will not happen overnight. But there are undoubtedly differences that begin to occur the first few weeks.

The angle that some students just do not take tests well cannot be the end. The entire early life is based on tests, at least until college graduation….unfortunately. If a student struggles with test taking, or anything else, the most effective long-term solution to benefit their self esteem and overall progress is to help them overcome the anxiety. It is a huge act of service to assist them toward being capable and independently so. They become peer mentors, helping other students with the same challenges once faced. Who better to facilitate growth beyond a challenge than someone else that has conquered that challenge? Cheers!