90 Day SAT Preparation Series

Welcome to Preeminent Test Prep!

Instructor Background

• 1590 SAT score achieved in September 2020.
• Aimed to create a comprehensive 90-day SAT prep course.
• Background includes:
  • Scored 1180 in PSAT (freshman year) and highest SAT of 1590 senior year.
  • Attended a small to mid-sized public high school.
  • Did not utilize paid SAT prep resources.

Importance of SAT Preparation

Reasons to Study for the SAT:

1. College Acceptance:

   • Higher SAT scores improve chances for admission, including honors colleges.
   • Example: Michigan State's honors college.

2. Scholarships:

   • Many merit-based scholarships depend on SAT scores.
   • Eligibility for scholarships from large companies for dependents (e.g. General Motors).
   • Potential for thousands of dollars in scholarship money.

Personal SAT Journey

• Lowest PSAT: 1180 (freshman year).
• Progressed to 1590 in senior year with dedicated study.
• Rough study timeline:
  • Minimal studying in freshman and sophomore years; scores gradually increased.
  • Deep study began junior year, culminating in several practice tests.

Recommendations for Future Students:

• Studying for the PSAT:
  • Important for National Merit scholarships; suggest studying for at least 3 months prior.

Study Strategy

Key Preparation Techniques:

1. Focus on Practice Tests:

   • Recommended to take about 10-16 practice tests.
   • Analyze errors to understand why answers were incorrect and correct.

2. Effective Study Methods:

   • Learn and understand grammar rules for the writing section.
   • Utilize math tips, tricks, and algebra patterns for efficiency.
   • Implement reading strategies to identify correct answers quickly.

3. Resource Utilization:

   • Khan Academy for free SAT-compatible practice questions.
   • YouTube for challenging problem-solving techniques.
   • College Board's SAT app for tracking practice test performance.

Course Structure and Schedule

90 Day Course Outline:

1. Weeks 1-2: Basic concepts and rules for math and grammar.
2. Weeks 3-6: Practice problems involving learned concepts; focus on grammar rules.
3. Weeks 7-9: Emphasis on pacing and timing techniques for each test section.
4. Weeks 10-11: Advanced question types; refining strategies to boost efficiency.
5. Weeks 12-13: Review and practice to maintain sharpness leading up to the SAT.

Scoring Insights

• SAT sections:
  • Math (with calculator): 32.76% of score.
  • Math (without calculator): 17% of score.
  • Writing and reading: each worth 400 points.
• Study focus should reflect these scoring weights.

Recommendations for SAT Preparation

• Healthy Lifestyle:

  • Maintain a nutritious diet and stay hydrated for better focus.

• Practice Test Appropriately:

  • Take practice tests under real test conditions (timed and in an appropriate setting).

• Mindset Matters:

  • Trust your preparation and build confidence.

Required Materials:

• Number two pencils, notebooks, calculator (preferably TI-83 or TI-84), water, and a journal.
• A watch (analog) for time management during the exam.

Conclusion

• Stay organized, register early for the SAT, and track your progress carefully.
• Look forward to daily lessons and practice for the next 90 days!

Next Steps

• Day 2 video will commence math and writing preparation from scratch.

Thank you for joining this SAT prep journey!