HOW I GOT 800 on the SAT English Section in JUST 3 DAYS

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their effective strategy for achieving an 800 score on the SAT reading and writing section in just three days. Starting with a baseline practice test, they reviewed mistakes and applied focused improvements with each subsequent test. Utilizing Khan Academy's SAT prep modules and course challenges, they fine-tuned their grammar and reading skills. Despite the tight timeline, consistent practice, review, and a calm approach on test day led to a 1550 total SAT score. The creator emphasizes starting earlier (ideally two months before) but highlights that a strategic, focused effort can still yield impressive results in a short time.

Takeaways

• 😀 Take the first practice test to assess your baseline score and identify areas of weakness.
• 😀 Take time to thoroughly review your practice test, focusing not only on wrong answers but also on answers you were unsure about.
• 😀 Avoid the common mistake of taking multiple practice tests without reviewing them. Analyze each test to improve your score.
• 😀 The key to improvement is repetition: after reviewing your mistakes, take another practice test using the lessons learned.
• 😀 Don't get discouraged if your score doesn’t improve dramatically on the first few tests. Consistency leads to progress.
• 😀 Khan Academy's SAT prep modules are an invaluable resource, offering unique course challenges that simulate real test conditions.
• 😀 Each course challenge on Khan Academy provides fresh questions, which helps avoid repetition and encourages continual learning.
• 😀 Review mistakes after every course challenge on Khan Academy to understand why you got a question wrong and learn from it.
• 😀 Be sure to review grammar rules in Khan Academy, as mastering grammar can have a significant impact on the SAT English score.
• 😀 On the day before the SAT, rest and eat normally. A calm and well-prepared mindset is key to doing your best on test day.
• 😀 Starting your SAT prep earlier is ideal, but if you have limited time, follow this focused, systematic approach for best results.

Q & A

How did you approach preparing for the SAT reading and writing section in just 3 days?

I started by taking a practice test to assess my current level, which gave me a base score of 710. I then reviewed my mistakes in-depth, focusing on both the wrong answers and those I was unsure about, before taking additional practice tests to improve my score incrementally.

Why is it important to review mistakes after taking a practice test?

Reviewing mistakes helps you understand where you went wrong and why certain answers are correct. It allows you to learn from each test, reinforcing key strategies and concepts that can lead to score improvement.

What common mistake do many students make when preparing for the SAT?

Many students take multiple practice tests in a short period without reviewing their mistakes, which limits their ability to improve. It's important to review each test thoroughly to identify areas of weakness and address them before moving to the next test.

How did you use Khan Academy's SAT preparation resources?

I used Khan Academy's SAT prep, specifically the course challenges, which offered real SAT questions. The platform helped me review and understand my mistakes by providing detailed explanations. I also took multiple course challenges to strengthen my knowledge and improve my score.

What was the significance of the course challenge feature on Khan Academy?

The course challenge feature was significant because it provided practice tests that were not repeated, allowing for continuous learning. It also allowed me to review mistakes in real-time by clicking on hints, which helped me understand why certain answers were correct.

How did you feel about your chances of scoring 800 on the SAT after using Khan Academy?

After consistently scoring well on the course challenges and reviewing my mistakes, I was confident I could score at least 780, and possibly 800, on the actual SAT. I had improved my skills significantly through targeted practice.

What did you do the morning of the SAT to ensure a good performance?

On the morning of the SAT, I reviewed some basic grammar rules during the car ride and had a normal breakfast, avoiding any energy drinks or special foods. I made sure to stay calm and focused, which contributed to my performance.

Why did you recommend starting SAT preparation earlier than 3 days before the test?

I wouldn't recommend starting SAT prep just three days before the test because it requires significant time and effort. Ideally, you should begin preparing at least 2 months before to allow for consistent study and better retention of material.

What is the risk of cramming SAT prep into a short period like 3 days?

Cramming SAT prep into a short period may lead to burnout and limited retention of key concepts. It also reduces the time available for thorough review and strategy building, which are essential for achieving a high score.

How did you manage to improve your SAT score from 710 to 750 over the course of 4 practice tests?

I focused on reviewing each practice test thoroughly, identifying patterns in my mistakes, and correcting them before each subsequent test. This process helped me make steady progress, even though I faced setbacks like scoring lower on one test (750 compared to 760).