CATES Blog

What SAT test prep book should I buy? How do I know I am choosing the right one?

Many people find the SAT process daunting at every step of the way and the selection of study materials is no exception.  At most mega bookstores there is an entire section devoted to Study Aids.  How would anyone know what SAT test prep book to choose between the countless volumes published by Kaplan, Princeton Review, McGraw-Hill, Barons, and Petersons just to name a few.

The short answer is, there is no wrong answer. Each SAT prep book has value, tests students on vital SAT material, and will help a student understand the SAT test better.  In certain ways, SAT Test Prep books are like clothes, and everybody has a different perfect fit.  You can’t go “wrong” choosing anything as long as your feel like you are learning and being challenged.

Read more

When should I take the SAT exam?  How many times should I take it?

The SAT exam is offered several times each year: in January, March, May, June, October, November and December.  There’s no limit to how many times you can take the SAT (though there’s an additional fee each time you do).

So if you can take the SAT over and over and over again, until you get the score that you want, there’s no need to study, right?  Wrong.  Without taking the time to prepare for the SAT, you won’t understand how to take the test.  You won’t know the vocabulary covered in the Critical Reading Section or the rules of grammar you’re expected to know for the Writing Section.  You won’t know how to write an SAT essay, or what material is covered on the SAT Math.  There’s no substitute for making the effort to prepare effectively.

Read more

What are the major steps of the preparing for and taking the SAT exam?

First things first.  In October of your junior year, you’re going to take the PSAT in school, however if you want to start your work earlier, take a free diagnostic PSAT at CATES Tutoring.  Because the PSAT exam, like the SAT exam, is administered by the College Board, it should give you a pretty good idea of how well you can expect to do on an actual SAT exam.  Unlike the SAT, however, the PSAT won’t be sent to colleges (though a high PSAT score could help you secure a National Merit Scholarship).

Even if you’re happy with your PSAT score, you want to take at least three full SAT practice tests before sitting for the actual SAT.  (CATES Tutoring offers practice SAT exams almost every weekend.)  You’ll also want to meet with a tutor, who can help clarify material you find confusing, and help you develop a personalized study plan.  Junior year of high school is one of the most overwhelming times of your life, and having a tutor who knows the ropes and tricks of test prep will help you maximize the time you have, and get the SAT score you want.

Read more

How can I use my summer to prepare effectively for my SAT or ACT exam?

The importance of getting a head start on standardized test prep can’t be overstated.  While it’s important to give yourself a break over the summer, to clear the clutter of your school year, by July 5^th, it’s a good idea to get back to studying for the ACT or SAT.

If you start over the summer, until waiting until the school year begins, you’ll be able to focus on your SAT or ACT test prep without the distraction of schoolwork, and you’ll be much more comfortable with the SAT or ACT test by the time you finally take it in the fall, winter, or spring.  You’ll be able to fully absord the standardized test-taking techniques you need to master, before the craziness of the school year starts up again.

Read more

Is it important to use the summer to prepare for the SAT and ACT Tests?

The importance of getting a head start on standardized test prep can’t be overstated.  While it’s important to give yourself a break over the summer, to clear the clutter of your school year, by July 5^th, it’s a good idea to get back to studying for the ACT or SAT.

If you start over the summer, until waiting until the school year begins, you’ll be able to focus on your SAT test prep without the distraction of schoolwork, and you’ll be much more comfortable with the SAT or ACT test by the time you finally take it in the fall, winter, or spring.  You’ll be able to fully absord the standardized test-taking techniques you need to master, before the craziness of the school year starts up again.

Read more