Ideas to increase English SAT score?

Hi guys! I'm kinda struggling to increase my English SAT score. My practice test results have reached a plateau, and I'd really appreciate some advice. What worked best for you to bring your score up? Are there any specific books or online resources you'd recommend? Thanks so much!

Hey there! It's totally normal to hit a plateau while preparing for the SAT, but there are definitely strategies to help you push past it. Here are a few tips to improve your English SAT score:

1. Identify your weaknesses: When reviewing your practice tests, analyze your mistakes to determine the types of questions you tend to miss. After identifying the problematic areas (e.g. grammar rules, reading comprehension, or vocabulary), focus your efforts on those areas.

2. Review grammar rules: For the Writing section, it's essential to have a solid understanding of grammar rules and sentence structure. A great resource for this is the College Board's "The Official SAT Study Guide" or "The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar" by Erica L. Meltzer.

3. Practice reading comprehension: To build up your reading comprehension skills, try to read from a variety of sources, such as newspapers, magazines, and novels. As you read, challenge yourself to actively summarize the main points, understand the author's purpose, and critically analyze the content. This will help you with the Reading section.

4. Expand your vocabulary: Although the SAT doesn't focus heavily on vocabulary anymore, having a strong vocabulary will still help you with the Reading section. A helpful technique is to learn words through context—when you encounter an unfamiliar word in a text, try to use context clues to deduce its meaning. You can also use flashcards, apps like Quizlet or Anki, and websites like Vocabulary.com to help expand your vocabulary.

5. Use online resources: The College Board offers free, personalized resources through Khan Academy's SAT prep platform. This is an excellent tool, as it analyzes your practice test results and tailors your study plan accordingly.

6. Get a study plan: Consistency is key. Create a study plan that outlines when you'll study, what you'll focus on, and how you'll track your progress. Be dedicated to following the plan and make adjustments as necessary.

7. Take practice tests regularly: An essential part of improving is taking more practice tests. Time yourself to simulate the testing environment and then thoroughly review your answers. Keep track of your performance to motivate yourself and to monitor your progress.

8. Consider a tutor: If you're still struggling after trying out these strategies, it might be helpful to seek out a tutor who can provide personalized guidance to meet your specific needs.

Remember that improvement takes time. Stay consistent with your efforts, and you'll likely see your score start to rise. Good luck!