A Guide To Writing

All high school students have to go through the SAT test. If you are hoping to go to Harvard, you will need to get a pretty high score.

In this article, I will tell you about two very important points regarding SAT advice and preparation.

For one thing, you probably wonder just exactly how high your score has to be to get into Stanford or other schools like it.

Second: What is the best and wisest way to prepare for the SAT. How can I avoid wasting time and money?

1. Naturally your goal is getting a high score. How high is high?

I always recommend an SAT score of 2100. Try to get 700 on each section in order to be considered acceptable to an Ivy League school. If you get less than 700 on anything, it will bring your application into question.

As an admissions officer, I can tell you that we almost always accept students who have a score of 2100 or more. The only time we would not is if there are serious academic weaknesses. For example, very weak transcripts might cause us to reject an applicant with a high SAT score.

2. Document your improvements. If you make a low score the first time you take the SAT, try again. Be sure to document your score each time, and of course, work hard to improve it each time.

Discover more SAT and SAT II secrets here!

3. Of the two, ACT and SAT, preference is given to SAT.

Even though the ACT is a very good and very challenging test, if admissions officers must choose between two candidates who are equally qualified, they will look to see what kind of qualifications test the student took. The student who took the SAT will be chosen above the one who took the ACT every time.

As you prepare, you should keep your focus on two priorities: Early start and sample tests.

1. While you are still in 7th grade, take the SAT for the Duke TIP. Be sure you take the PSAT at least one time before taking the NMSQT. By doing this, you can practice without taking a chance.

2. Be careful of becoming involved in prep programs and SAT courses that make exaggerated claims. When I was in high school, I took the Kaplan course. I really only remember some very creative flashcards that helped improve my vocabulary by a little bit. My parents paid $1000 for that program. My advice to you is to sit in on a few sample courses before you make a commitment to any.

3. Visit your local bookstore to purchase workbooks of sample tests. From Barron’s to Princeton review, you can get them all. The more experience with the different kinds of tests you have, the better. Familiarity with the various kinds of questions asked will help you to earn your high score.

Click here to learn the best high school extracurricular activities to get into Harvard!