33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I used the older version back in 1997., May 31, 2005
This review is from: Up Your Score: The Underground Guide to the SAT (Paperback)
Please note that I have not used the updated 2005-6 version. My review is based on its predecessor, which I used in 1997.
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Up Your Score ("UYS") raised my score roughly 200 points. I took a few practice tests, didn't like my score, so I borrowed the Princeton Review book ("PR") from the library. PR raised my score about 50-100 points total, but I still wasn't happy with the scores I was getting...in the low 1200's.
Then I read UYS. It taught me the way to think about the test, and how to approach it. It gave me confidence in my abilities and helped me comprehend thoroughly elimination strategies, vocabulary memorization tactics, and the general thought processes necessary to get inside the head of the ETS and select the answer they want. It enabled me to control the test, instead of letting it control me.
When answering a question, you read, understand, analyze, process, and respond. UYS helps you become more effective and efficient at each step in that process. (PR does this too, but not as well. I will say this for PR...it fills in the few gaps left by UYS.)
In addition, UYS is so enjoyable to read that everything you read will stick with you. If I could only recommend one book, it would be this one.
What it did not do: teach me math or English skills, or teach me vocabulary. It did not explain what the test is, but rather HOW the test is.
When all was said and done I got 690 verbal, 780 math.
My recommended study schedule:
1. Read the free booklet from the ETS.
2. Take one practice test to get your baseline score. (This is helpful later on to understand your intrinsic strengths/weaknesses and to see your progress, which will further motivate you.)
3. Read "Up Your Score"
4. Take 2-3 practice tests.
5. Read Princeton Review's SAT. Focus on the sections that are your weak points.
6. Take 2-3 practice tests.
7. Memorize the vocab in each of those two books (make flashcards).
8. Continue taking practice tests until 36 hours before the exam. Get a good night's sleep for the TWO nights prior. Do something relaxing and fun. Be confident. Don't talk to your friends because they will psych you out even if they mean well.
I would suggest spacing this schedule over 2 weeks/full weekends. Develop a ritual before you start every practice exam, such as aligning your pencils. Then, when you do the ritual the day of the test, it will clear and center your mind, and relax you so you will perform optimally.
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33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
For Motivation, November 9, 2004
This review is from: Up Your Score: The Underground Guide to the SAT (Paperback)
If you are reading this review, you don't need this book. You already have what it offers-motivation. If you care enough about the SAT to read reviews of the best practice books, you will do well; trust me. This book is for students who need a push to prepare. While not a bad book for its purpose, it spends too much time motivating, and not enough time teaching. There are relatively few practice exercises, and the answers are too basic for motivated students. Instead, I recommend buying Cracking the New SAT 2005 from the Princeton Review. It has three complete tests, and the main text provides excellent strategies for attacking questions in math, verbal and writing. With time and practice, you will definitely do very well on the SAT.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
BEWARE!!!!, January 30, 2006
This review is from: Up Your Score: The Underground Guide to the SAT (Paperback)
This is a cute book, easy and fun to read and study with, however....BEWARE! Page 308 gives you information that is wrong! It states that it is OK to make a bold line thru the oval and the test will be OK. It is not OK!!! My test score showed only 4 correct answers and now I have been waiting 9 wks for my test to be handscored. It cost an additional $50 to have your test handscored. I have notified Workman Publishing but I doubt any corrections will be made. MAKE SURE TO BUBBLE IN THE WHOLE BUBBLE! I wonder what other wrong information is in this book?
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