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eBook ISBN9781101882061
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a
Acknowledgments
Authors
Brian Becker
Kathryn Menafee
Amy Minster
Elizabeth Owens
Contributors
Aaron Lindh
Bobby Hood
Cat Healey
Anthony Krupp
Chris Knuth
V. Zoe Gannon
Project Managers
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Kathryn Menafee
National Content Director, High School Programs
Jonathan Chiu
Contents
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Chapter 1
Introduction to the SAT
The pursuit of a perfect or near-perfect SAT score is an impressive goal. Achieving that goal requires a thorough command of the material and strategies specific to the SAT. To begin your quest, learn everything you can about the test. This chapter presents an overview of the SAT, advice about when to take it, and a guide to reporting your scores.
WELCOME
So you think you can score a 1450 or better? Were all for it. The Princeton Review supports all students who want to do their best. Weve written this book specifically for students who are in a position to score at the very highest levels. We believe that to achieve a perfect or near-perfect score, you have to know as much as possible about the test itself and, more importantly, know yourself.
You may know all of the basic facts about the SAT already, but even if you think you do, we encourage you to read through this chapter to be sure you know every single thing you can about the test youre going to conquer.
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE SAT
All of the content review and strategies we teach in the following lessons are based on the specific structure and format of the SAT. Before you can beat the test, you have to know how its built.
Structure
The SAT consists of three main sections: Reading, Writing & Language, and Math. The Math is broken into two sub-sections, the first of which must be completed without the use of a calculator.
There is also an optional essay section, for which you are given fifty minutes. This may seem like fewer sections than the previous SAT, but if you add it all up, youre looking at at least three hours of test-taking, and almost four if you complete the essay. Whew!
Scoring
The Reading and Writing sections are scored together on a scale from 200800, and added to the total from the two Math sections (also on a scale from 200800) for a total score between 400 to 1600. There are are also a series of sub-scores that point out how you did on specific types of questions, such as math problems that require data analysis or reading questions that focus on understanding words in context. All that really matters, however, is the overall score, which has a maximum of 1600.
Content
In , well thoroughly review the content and strategies you need for each of the three main sections. Here is a brief overview of each section.