A strong vocabulary is key to a high reading comprehension score.
Although raising your SAT score 600 points may seem like climbing Mount Everest, it's actually closer to scaling a medium-sized mountain. The SAT consists of three sections: Mathematics, Critical Reading and Writing. Scores for each section range from 200 to 800, for a combined total of 2400. The average SAT score runs about 1500. With intense preparation, you can raise a low score of 1430 to an impressive 2030.
Instructions
1. Expand your vocabulary to improve your critical reading and writing scores. Routinely reading high-quality material is the most effective way to achieve this. Read college-level material, newspapers and magazines such as The Harper, The Nation and Scientific. Underline or jot down any words you are unfamiliar with. Look up each word in a collegiate dictionary. Incorporate the words into your own writing and speaking to remember them better. Make sure to regularly review the words. (See Reference 2, pg 80).
2. Use SAT study books or software to prepare for all three sections. Your official SAT score report will not let you know the exact areas you need to focus on. Taking the diagnostic test offered in the prep book or software will let you know what type of questions you missed on your first SAT attempt. This is especially helpful for the mathematics section. Use the study materials to prepare in the areas you need the most work. Following along with an SAT book or software title is an advantage because it will help you create a study plan that targets your weaknesses.
3. Join a SAT study group at your school to help motivate you and keep you on track. Try to meet once a week for a few hours. Use the time to quiz each other using SAT word lists and review vocabulary. Work through math problems in the group. Explaining difficult concepts to others will also help you better understand and remember the material.
4. Enroll in a SAT preparation class. Although these classes are expansive, you are likely to learn strategies that will help you raise your SAT score by 600 points. A typical SAT prep begins with a diagnostic test and then reviews each area tested on the exam. Each of the three- to four-hour session will include direct instruction, group activities, one-on-one help and independent work. You will also be expected to invest time outside of the scheduled class periods to further study and review material.
5. Take as many practice SAT exams as possible. Be sure to take the mock exams in a setting as close as possible to the actual testing circumstances. Complete the exams in a single sitting and within the time allotted during the actual exam. Purchase a copy of the College Board's 10 Real SATs and work though as many as possible. These are exams that were actually administered to college-bound students.
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