How I Got A 1600 On The SAT Without Being A Genius | SAT Prep 2023

Summary

In this video, Ashton Herndon shares strategies to score a perfect SAT score without exhaustive studying. He emphasizes playing to your strengths, taking multiple tests to benefit from curve adjustments, and using practice books to build familiarity with test patterns. He recommends focusing on reliable resources like the official SAT study guide and adopting techniques like skipping tricky questions and using a guessing strategy. On test day, Ashton suggests staying calm, using a combination of ice, water, and mint gum to stay alert, and keeping a positive mindset to ensure success without the stress of excessive preparation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Take multiple SAT tests to benefit from the test curve. Different tests have varying difficulty levels, and retaking them can boost your score.
• 😀 Take a strategic approach by focusing on your strengths, not your weaknesses. Play to your strengths for more efficient studying and higher scores.
• 😀 Instead of spending a lot on tutors or fancy programs, use the official SAT study guide and practice consistently with timed sections.
• 😀 Studying daily by reviewing mistakes and using a notebook for cheat sheets helps reinforce your knowledge and improve your score.
• 😀 Don’t obsess over a perfect score on your first try. You can improve significantly with a few well-planned attempts.
• 😀 To study efficiently, practice one timed section of the test each morning and review answers to recognize recurring question types.
• 😀 The College Board’s official SAT study guide is the best resource since it includes real questions from the actual test makers.
• 😀 On test day, skip the questions you don’t know and focus on the ones you are confident about to maximize your score.
• 😀 For guessing, use a consistent letter (e.g., B) for all unanswered questions. Statistically, this improves your chances of getting some correct.
• 😀 Combat test-day fatigue by using the 'ice, water, and mint gum' combo to stay alert and energized throughout the test.
• 😀 Stay calm and confident during the test. Trust your preparation and remember that all the effort you put in will lead to better results.

Q & A

What is the main issue Ashton discusses in the video?

Ashton discusses the widespread concern over lower ACT scores and how many high school students, particularly juniors and seniors, are preparing for standardized tests. He reflects on his own experiences with SAT preparation.

What personal experience does Ashton share regarding his SAT score?

Ashton shares that despite studying hard and following advice from Ivy League-bound YouTubers, he scored a 1280 on his SAT, which was lower than the 1500 he expected. This made him realize there was more to success than just hard work.

What is the key concept behind Ashton’s SAT strategy?

Ashton emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses, suggesting that students should play to their strengths to boost their SAT scores, rather than obsessing over fixing every weakness.

What is 'riding the wave,' and how does it help with SAT preparation?

'Riding the wave' refers to taking multiple SAT tests to take advantage of varying test curves. Since each test is scored differently based on its difficulty, taking multiple tests increases the chances of getting a more favorable curve, potentially improving the score.

How many SAT tests does Ashton recommend taking, and why?

Ashton recommends signing up for at least two to three SAT tests. Taking multiple tests increases the chances of receiving a favorable curve and helps students get more familiar with the test structure.

What is the primary resource Ashton recommends for SAT study?

Ashton recommends using the official College Board SAT Study Guide because it includes actual questions from the creators of the SAT, providing a reliable and realistic practice experience.

What is the key study habit Ashton follows to improve his SAT score?

Ashton advises taking one timed section of the test each morning, reviewing mistakes, and creating a cheat sheet of errors for later study. He explains that this regular practice helped him increase his score from 1120 to 1480 in three weeks.

How can students reduce anxiety on SAT test day according to Ashton?

Ashton suggests a few tricks for calming nerves, such as focusing on answering known questions first and leaving difficult ones for later. He also advises choosing one guessing letter (e.g., 'B') for unanswered questions, and using ice water and mint gum to stay alert.

What mistake does Ashton warn students about during the SAT?

Ashton warns against blindly guessing on questions, also known as 'Christmas tree-ing' the test. Instead, he recommends selecting a consistent guessing letter for any questions that are left unanswered.

What is Ashton’s overall message about SAT preparation?

Ashton’s main message is that with the right mindset and approach, students can achieve high SAT scores without excessive studying or stress. Consistency, smart study habits, and focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses can make a significant difference.