How to crush the SAT (from 1580 scorer)

Summary

In this video transcript, Vivien, a Stanford computer science graduate and founder of acle AI, shares her SAT preparation experience and strategies. She scored a 1580 on the SAT and offers tips to help students excel in the test. Vivien emphasizes starting early, focusing on reading and writing skills through higher-level reading, and understanding the test's tricks. She also discusses the importance of practice, using a Desmos calculator, and number sense for the math section. Vivien advises taking mock exams under realistic conditions and planning to take the SAT multiple times to reduce stress and improve scores.

Takeaways

• 📚 Start Early: Vivien suggests starting SAT preparation early to reduce stress and build up skills gradually.
• 🎓 College Focus: The founder of acle AI emphasizes the SAT's importance for college admissions, especially for selective colleges.
• 📈 Improve Gradually: Engaging in regular reading and writing activities can naturally enhance SAT scores.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Understand the Game: The SAT is designed to trick test-takers; knowing how to navigate the questions is crucial.
• 👀 Focus on Key Information: In lengthy questions, only a few words matter; learning to identify them can improve accuracy.
• 📉 Skip and Return: If a question seems difficult, skip it and return after answering easier ones.
• 📚 Read at a Higher Level: To excel in the reading and writing section, read complex texts over an extended period.
• 🧮 Math Hacks: Use tools like Desmos calculators and develop number sense to tackle math sections effectively.
• 📈 Plan Ahead: Most students benefit from taking the SAT multiple times to improve their scores.
• ⏱️ Practice Under Pressure: Simulate test conditions during mock exams, including timing, to prepare for the real test.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Train Hard: Practicing mock exams in half the official time can make the actual test feel easier and less stressful.

Q & A

What is the speaker's name and what did she study in college?

The speaker's name is Vivien, and she studied computer science in college.

What was Vivien's SAT score when she took the test?

Vivien scored a 1580 on the SAT, which was out of 2400 at the time. When calculated using the new scoring system, her score remained a 1580.

What is the name of the AI tool Vivien founded?

Vivien founded an AI tool called Acel AI, which helps high school students prepare for college.

Why does Vivien believe it's important to start thinking about the SAT early?

Vivien believes that starting to think about the SAT early reduces stress and allows for a more gradual and less intense preparation process.

What was Vivien's approach to studying for the SAT during high school?

Vivien started studying for the SAT as a sophomore in high school with the help of a private college counselor. She took one math and one reading and writing section per week for about a year.

How did Vivien's reading habits contribute to her SAT preparation?

Vivien's love for reading, especially through honors English classes, helped her improve her vocabulary and understanding of grammar and sentence structures, which in turn helped her do better on the SAT.

What is one strategy Vivien suggests for dealing with long, complex questions on the SAT?

Vivien recommends reading through the question, identifying the key words, and eliminating extraneous information to focus on what's important for answering the question correctly.

Why is it difficult to cram for the reading and writing section of the SAT, according to Vivien?

Vivien explains that cramming is ineffective for the reading and writing section because it requires a long-term improvement in reading comprehension and vocabulary, which can't be achieved quickly.

What tips does Vivien give for the math section of the SAT?

Vivien suggests practicing with a Desmos calculator to get comfortable with reverse-solving multiple-choice questions and developing number sense to quickly eliminate incorrect answer choices.

How does Vivien recommend students approach taking the SAT multiple times?

Vivien advises taking the SAT more than once to familiarize oneself with the testing environment and to have the opportunity to combine the best scores from different attempts.

What practice strategy does Vivien suggest to simulate test day conditions?

Vivien recommends taking mock exams in a quiet environment, simulating the entire test experience, and paying close attention to timing to ensure all questions are answered.

How does Vivien view the SAT in terms of future life preparation?

Vivien sees the SAT as a way to set oneself up for future success, not only by potentially getting into more selective colleges but also by developing skills like time management and self-discipline that are valuable in later life.