With SAT season upon us, many of my students have been asking me whether they should use the new SAT Score Choice. The answer to that question, like those to many questions in life, is...IT DEPENDS. It depends on your profile, your year in high school, your goals, your situation, your colleges and universities. Lots of factors!

To keep it simple, different situations can be grouped into several scenarios. See if you fit one of them:

1. I'm in my last year in high school and this is my first time taking the SAT. I do not intend to take it again. It does not matter if you choose Score Choice because you will only have one set of scores to send to universities.

2. I'm in my last year in high school and this is my first time taking the SAT. I do intend to take it again. I would not recommend sending your scores to schools. If you score well on the SAT this time, you can always have those scores sent to the universities later. If you don't do well, universities will have a copy of your scores, which means if you do better the second time, they will see both scores anyway. You should select Score Choice the second time so that universities will see your best score.

3. I'm in my junior year of high school and I want to see how I would do on the SAT without much preparation. If you're taking the SAT as practice, I do not recommend sending your scores to universities. Once again, if they see these scores and your future scores, they will already know your complete scoring profile.

4. I'm in my junior year of high school and I have been preparing to take the SAT all summer. I have not taken the SAT before. In this scenario, selecting Score Choice does not matter because you only have one set of scores.

5. I'm in my junior year of high school and I have been preparing to take the SAT all summer. I have taken the SAT before and I'm sure I will score higher this time. Bingo! This student should use Score Choice. This new set of scores will be higher than the previous ones and it benefits the student to show only the highest scores.

My overall recommendations:

- Don't send scores to any universities until you completely finish the SAT testng process. You're offered four free scores but if you send scores every time, Score Choice won't matter because universities will have all your scores. Wait until you're completely finished taking the SAT, then send scores.

- Send the best scores from each category (Math, Reading, Writing), NOT NECESSARILY the best overall score. Many universities select the best test scores from each category and put them together for your new admissions composite score. If you select to send only one set of test scores, you may be hurting your chances of getting in.

Still haven't taken the SAT with January deadlines looming? Email The Dubai Tutor to find out how you can prepare for the December SAT in a small group.

We've finally come to the end of the series of the top test prep time wasters. In other words, things you don't want to do when preparing for your test. Here are the top 2:

Top Test Prep Time Waster #2: Focusing Only on Weaknesses

"If you think a weakness can be turned into a strength, I hate to tell you this, but that's another weakness." Jack Handy, Saturday Night Live

Trying to improve your weaknesses is necessary to get a good score on any standardized tests. Unfortunately, focusing only on weaknesses is more likely to limit your score improvement and not get the score you need. When you work hard only on math, for example, you math score improves but your verbal score remains roughly the same. Over time, you will have a lot of improvement in math but your verbal score may begin to decrease because you are not practicing verbal or are slowly forgetting score improving concepts. I began alternating math and verbal classes in my courses because students often performed well on practice tests only in the subject I had just taught. To maximize your score, vary your preparation and don't forget what you've learned!

And here is...Top Test Prep Time Waster #1: Taking but NOT Reviewing Practice Tests

Taking practice tests helps build your test-taking stamina and ease test day anxiety. Stable emotions on test day translate to higher scores.

You can get much more benefit, though, from the practice tests you take. If you review your mistakes on practice tests, you can from them and boost your score. Here's how you should review:

1. Don't review immediately. Take a day to relax after you take the test. You mind needs time to rejuvenate so that when you review the previous day's test, you reap the maximum benefit.
2. Correct your test with the short answers only. For example, if you marked B, find out what the correct answer was (ex. A.).
3. Figure out why your answer was wrong and why the correct answer is right. Often, this involves reworking the entire question. Be sure to use process of elimination to identify why answers are incorrect and find support for the correct answer in the reading passage, listening exercise, or concept review.
4. If you are unable to figure out the correct answer on your own, read through the correct answer explanation. Rework the problem using the explanation as a guide. Rather than just hoping to understand the explanation, continue to work through the problem yourself until you understand the concept. True understanding means you can apply what you have learned to a similar problem.

Don't waste your time preparing for the exam the wrong way. Email the Dubai Tutor and get started studying today!

If you've read my post titled "WARNING: Studying Vocabulary is a Waste of Time," you know I'm against excessive study of vocabulary words and lists just before a standardized test like the SAT or GMAT for several reasons:

1. There are more than 750,000 words in the English language according to AskOxford.com.
2. Vocabulary is not directly tested on the SAT, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL.
3. You have more important things to do with your time, such as understanding the different components of the tests and practicing.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. If you fall into one of the following categories, you should take a look at some vocabulary lists:

* You're taking the GRE. The analogy and antonym questions on the GRE, about one-half of the verbal section, are direct tests of vocabulary. If you do not have a wide vocabulary, it is very difficult to do well on the verbal section of the GRE. In addition to studying word lists, learn about Greek and Latin word roots as well as prefixes and suffixes.

* You have more than 8 weeks to study the SAT, GMAT, etc. If you have a lot of time to study for your test, it won't hurt to memorize about 10 words a week. However, be sure to focus your preparation on the test and NOT on vocabulary.

If you should study vocabulary as part of your test preparation, here are some resources to get you started:

* How to Expand Your Vocabulary: Great tutorial that includes tips on memorizing words, word lists, and summary of roots and prefixes.
* GRE Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes List: This website will help you decode the antonym and analogy questions on the GRE.
* SAT Word List: Only about 90 words included but if you learn these, you should be able to figure out the definitions of words like them.
* SAT Word Parts List: Learn the word parts as well as word definitions to boost your vocabulary.
* Extensive Vocabulary List: Print and make into flashcards for the SAT, GMAT, or GRE.
* Online TOEFL Vocabulary Tests: Use these 120 online tests to help build your vocabulary. Click the links in the Select Word by Meaning and Select Meaning by Word to begin. Be sure to make flashcards from any questions you get wrong.

The strategies I stress to all of my students is that is more important to know how to get the general meaning of the word in the context of the sentence and how to answer the question even if you cannot figure out what 1 word means. These strategies will help you much more than memorizing the definitions of words.

What's a bigger waste of time than procrastinating? Cramming. It seems counterintuitive: how can studying be a waste of time? It's not THAT you study, it's HOW you study.

Why doesn't cramming work?
Teachers have long hated cramming because students who cram do not retain the material long-term. However, long-term retention is not important for college prep exams. For example, if you get a good score on the SAT, you're only going to take it once and probably won't need the information again.

You should hate cramming for another reason: you can't really apply what you reviewed to the test. Why not? Cramming is essentially memorizing a large amount of information shortly before an exam. That's a good idea if the information is asked exactly as it was presented or in a similar form. On the SAT, GMAT, and the other tests, you won't be asked the same questions, see the same math problems, or read the same passages. These tests rely on your ability to analyze questions and think critically for which, unfortunately, there is no easily memorizable concept.

How you should study

1. Set a manageable study schedule and stick to it. Even one hour a day helps.
2. Focus on understanding HOW to do the problem, not just finishing the problem. Quality rather than quantity is important when sharpening your analytical and critical thinking skills.
3. Correct problems you got wrong by reworking them or going back to reading passages to understand why your answer is wrong and why the correct answer is right.
4. Take a look at one of my previous posts to learn How to Use Practice Tests (the Correct Way).
5. Form a study group with friends. A study group will not only be a good place to exchange ideas, it will help you keep your studying on track.
6. Work with the Dubai Tutor so you will be held accountable. We will set a schedule for our sessions that we will stick to. We'll go over homework and make sure you maximize you're studying.

Don't let this happen to you...say no to Red Bull and No Doze!

With the last SAT before May coming up and GMAT pressure building, it's important that you maximize your time and energy. Do things that will yield big results. To help you focus, the next 5 blog posts will focus on the top 5 time wasters when preparing for the SAT, GMAT, or just about any admissions test.

Top Test Prep Time Waster #5: Procrastination.

Okay this one is obvious but the longer you wait to start studying, the less time you have to adequately prepare. I recommend that students prepare at least 6 weeks for the GMAT and SAT, and as long as 8 weeks for tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.

Symptoms
Procrastination can take many forms, even if it seems like you are working, perhaps you aren't working on the tasks you should be working on. Here are some signs you are procrastinating:

* You check email a lot.
* You buy a lot of test prep books but don't use any of them.
* You're obsessed with surfing the web to find out as much about the test you're taking as possible.
* You're obsessed with surfing the web to find as many "helpful" resources as possible but you don't really use them.
* You schedule your exam for more than 3 months from now (the exception is SAT).
* You suddenly have absolutely no time in your schedule to study even though there are no big deadlines at work or school.
* You contact or visit more than 3 test prep centers around Dubai but still can't make up your mind (the Dubai Tutor is all you need!).
* You decide that it's more important to work on your applications than study for the admissions test (umm...your score is one of the things they ask for on the application!).

Treatment
Fortunately, there are cures for procrastination. Depending on the strength of your procrastination, I recommend using one or all of these ideas to get your test prep moving.
1. Create a study plan. Decide how much time you can commit to studying (even 1 hour a day helps) and stick to it. One hour a day done consistently is much better then an 8 hour binge on Saturday.

2. Start small. Pick one section of the test to begin with, buy a book, and try to cover one or two topics each time. Don't forget to end each study session with drilling (doing a set number of problems in a certain amount of time).

3. Email the Dubai Tutor. Nothing saves time and motivates like signing up for a small group class or getting private instruction with a tutor. Email me and we will work together to create a reasonable study plan to get your preparation going!

Happy studying!

The December SAT is coming up and many students, mine included, are anxious about their "performance." Obviously, being prepared for the test is the best way to reduce test taking anxiety. Here are some last minute tips that also may help you perform your best on test day.

1. Go to bed early the night before, eat breakfast if you normally do, and arrive at the testing center early. Waking up late or arriving late will significantly increase your stress levels before the test. You want go to the test center as calmly as possible.

2. Be confident in your skills. If you have worked with the Dubai Tutor or prepared appropriately, be confident in that preparation. You know how to get the answer, it's just about putting the pieces of the puzzle together correctly.

3. Visualize a successful test day the night before. Take 5 to 10 minutes and simply imagine the next day. Think about everything you will do and see yourself doing well on the test before you take it. Great athletes visualize big games and so should you.

4. Practice deep breathing. Breath in deeply for 5 seconds and then exhale for 5 seconds at least 3 times. Deep breathing has been shown in medical studies to increase blood flow to the brain and lower your blood pressure. Basically, deep breathing can help make you smarter and calmer.

5. Take a timeout during the test if you need one. Put your pencil down and completely relax for a few short minutes if you get stuck or frustrated on the test. "Reboot" yourself and then attack the test.

6. Use the long breaks and short stretch breaks wisely. Leave the room and walk for a few minutes during the long breaks. Actually stretch during the stretch break (you may look like a nerd stretching but this can really help).

7. Always remember that you can take the SAT again. Taking the SAT up to 3 times is okay to many schools and don't forget that they take the BEST scores from all your attempts.

8. Forget about the SAT. Despite the importance we place on the SAT, other parts of your application also matter. Your overall grade point average, grades during your last two years of school, and extracurricular activities weigh heavily. Don't worry about whether you think the SAT is important; remember that you can to university despite a low SAT score.

If you don't do as well as you would like on the SAT, email the Dubai Tutor and let's talk about how you can prepare for the next test!

What are the SAT (II) Subject Tests?
The SAT Subject Tests are a group of tests designed to test you on your knowledge of different subjects. They used to be called the SAT II Tests because the original SAT was called the SAT I. Now they are referred to as the SAT Subject Tests. Unlike the SAT, they are only 1 hour long (each) and do not have essays.

There are 17 different SAT Subject Tests:

* Literature
* U.S. History
* World History
* Mathematics Level 1 (Math IC)
* Mathematics Level 2 (Math IIC)
* Biology
* Chemistry
* Physics
* 9 Language tests (Chinese, German, French, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Spanish)

Which SAT Subject Test do I need to take?
The school you are applying to should specify which SAT Subject Test you need to take. Math IIC is a common test requirement for schools in the U.S. and Canada. Several local schools, including the University of Sharjah, give credit or course exemptions for high scores on the Math IIC test. Some schools require you to take the Math I or IIC tests as well as a science subject test of your choosing. So, decide which colleges and universities you want to apply to and then double check their requirements before registering for a test.

Who makes them?
The SAT Subject Tests are made by ETS, the same people that make the SAT (I) and administered by the College Board. The registration process for an SAT Subject Test is just like that of the SAT and the tests run on the same schedule.

What's on the SAT Subject Tests?
Unlike the SAT, which tests critical thinking and analytical abilities, the SAT Subject Tests are supposed to be tests of what you should have actually learned in high school. As knowledge based test, the SAT Subject Tests care more about what you know (content) rather than how good you are at tips and tricks. The content of each test is based on the particular subject. For example, the U.S. History Subject Test will test you on various aspects of U.S. history from the pre-Columbian period (before European settlement of the U.S.) to the present.

The number of questions on the test depends on the test. The Chemistry Subject Test has 85 questions, for example, while the Literature Subject Test only has 60. Check out the College Board's website for more information on your specific test and sample questions.

How are they scored?
All of the subject tests are scored from 200 to 800.

What is a good score?
As with the SAT, a good score depends on the requirements of the college or university you want to attend. In general, though, 600 is a good score.

How do I prepare the SAT Subject Tests?
The best way to prepare for the SAT Subject Tests is to review your lessons in school for that particular subject and do lots of practice tests. Book World by Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall has many SAT Subject Test guides from which you can choose. Since it's a content based test, there is not really a guide that offers a better "technique." You just need a good review and plenty of practice problem. Local education institutes can also help prepare you for the SAT Subject Tests. If you need help with the Literature, Math (IC and IIC), U.S. History, World History, or Chemistry, email the Dubai Tutor.

When I was in college and studying hard for a big test, I often had a recurring dream that I woke up late on test day...and missed the test! Studying for a test but forgetting to register by the deadline is a lot like my recurring dream. Before you start preparing, be sure to register for the test!

Here are the upcoming test dates for SAT and GMAT:

SAT and SAT II Subject Tests
December 5, 2009
January 23, 2010*
May 1, 2010
June 5, 2010**

* If you are in your senior year and want to go to college in the U.S., this is the last available SAT before the registration deadlines.
** If you are in your senior year and want to go to college in the UAE, this is the last available SAT before the registration deadlines.

GMAT (based on application rounds)
Round 2 - early January 2010
Round 3 - late March/early April 2010
Round 4 - May 2010*

* As an international student, you should apply before Round 4 so that you can successfully obtain your F-1 Student Visa by the beginning of new student orientation.

Note: If you are taking the TOEFL or IELTS, these tests are administered quite frequently throughout the year so you don't really have to worry about registration deadlines and availability.

Any questions? Email the Dubai Tutor!

From my recent classes I am convinced that most students aren't really using practice tests to their benefit. Yes, it's a 4 hour test and you want to get the beach soon. Yes, you have lots of homework, office work...Yes, insert weak excuse here. You have other things to do, this is exactly why you should be motivated to get the most out of every practice test you take. Here's how:

On a Friday, sit down and take a full-length timed practice test. Refer to my posts for FREE SAT and GMAT resources online. Do the test in one sitting with, at most, two 10 minute breaks. After you finish, put the test aside and do not do any other studying that day.

The next day, correct your test. While correcting your test sounds simple, this should take you about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of questions you get wrong. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Use the short answers to determine which questions you go right and which you got wrong.
2. Analyze the questions for your strengths and weaknesses. You should be able to group the questions by type. Which types are you consistently getting right? Which ones wrong?
3. Rework the questions you got wrong. When you rework, read the question, go back to the book (passage) or your notes, and really spend some time on the question. Think about why the answer is A, for example, if you got E.
4. Think about why the other answers are wrong. Process of elimination is your best friend when it comes to test taking, so it's important that you refine your strategy. Underline specific words in the answer choices that make them wrong, write down the reason it should be eliminated, and look for patterns that can help you get the answer right upfront.
5. Any questions you aren't able to understand, read the solutions from your book or the practice test. After you read the solution, rework the problem using the method specified.
6. If you still don't understand after reworking the problems and reading the solutions, email the Dubai Tutor.

Happy test taking!!

Out of all the tests I prepare students for, the SAT and GMAT tend to give students the most problems. Why you ask? Because these tests are not designed to test what you learned in school or skills you should have if you speak a language. The SAT and GMAT test the more elusive analytical and critical thinking skills.

Basically, the SAT and GMAT mess with your mind in two ways: through the test formats and through the questions they ask. But don't worry, you can "beat" the test and prevent mind-messing using the strategies below. For every problem, there is a solution.

Test Formats

Problem: The tests start with writing, which requires a lot of creativity and makes many students tired before the rest of the test begins. (An extra warning for GMAT: The two essays do not count in your 200-800!)
Soluton: Outlining is the key to writing quality and quantity on the SAT and GMAT. Take 3 to 5 minutes and jot down your opinion and 3 reasons to support your opinion BEFORE you start writing. Making a quick outline is guaranteed to improve the structure, flow, and readability of your essay.

Problem: The tests have experimental sections and questions that are not part of your score.
Solution: Don't worry about which questions are experimental. Do all of them as if they count.

Problem: Math sections come in the middle of reading sections and require you to change your way of thinking.
Solution: Being able to switch between math and reading is a critical skill to develop for the SAT and GMAT. Although you may prepare for the math and reading separately, you should work several practice tests to get used to switching between the two. The key is PRACTICE.

Problem: Sections that require lots of reading often come at the end of the test. You're sleepy and tired by the time you get to them.
Solution: Practice! Practice! Practice! Pretend you are a professional runner. The only way you develop the endurance to run a marathon is by running marathons. During your study for the GMAT or SAT, you should train by doing several full-length practice tests in one sitting. A full 4 hour test. If you need some tests, check out my postings on free SATs and GMATs.

Questions

Problem: The questions on the test include "trick" answers that the average person would pick. Here's an example from the 2009 College Board SAT practice test:

In the xy-coordinate plane, how many points are a distance of 4 units from the origin?
(A)   One
(B)   Two
(C)   Three
(D)   Four
(E)   More than four

The average person would probably select D. Unfortunately, the answer is E (forgot about points that are diagonally 4 units from the origin, didn't you?)

Solution: When you practice, look for "trick" answers and figure out why they are tricks. Is there something that if forgotten applied incorrectly would have given a trick answer? What if you didn't work the problem all the way to the end? Think about these tricks and you won't fall for them on test day.

Taking the SAT and GMAT is not just about reviewing content. It's also about learning strategies and practicing so that when it's time for your "marathon," you don't have to think about it. Need more help "training?" Email the Dubai Tutor.