Overcoming Learning Disabilities to Succeed on the SAT: Part 3
Hi all,
As promised, here are my next two tips.
4. Don't Get Lost in the Language of your Essay
As a corollary to the last tip, don't waste your time over-correcting grammar and don't use words you're not sure how to spell. ADD can often cause you to spend far too much time fussing with the language of your essays. SAT graders are not looking for a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. They want to see the basics of structure with competent language use. Using familiar and comfortable grammar and vocabulary will not only remove distractions, it will leave more time to focus on the all-too-important structure of the essay.
5. Always Leave Time to Revise your Essay
This may seem simple to some, but a majority of students don't proof and revise their test essays. They are rife with simple mistakes in spelling and grammar which would easily have been corrected after one reread. Always be mindful of the time as you're writing your essay so you can have a few minutes to reread and check for argument cohesion. It can make the difference between an average and a great essay.
Best,
Eric
PrepMe Senior Tutor
January 30th, 2007 - 08:36
Eric – thank you for these tips. I am having my son who is in 10th grade read them too. Could you advise on when he should start preparing for the SAT? Can we get in touch with you?
January 30th, 2007 - 14:43
Janice – I’m glad you find my tips helpful. Please ask to be connected to me via the PrepMe.com Chicago office. You can call at 773.834.9767. I am happy to advise your son.
June 23rd, 2007 - 16:13
My daughter who is a junior and does fairly well in school just got her SAT scores and didn’t do very well on math or critical reasoning- she got a 510 on Math and a 530 on critical reasoning. She actually got a 10 out of 12 on her essay. She will take it again in the Fall but for the summer, I am going to set up a schedule for her to take practice tests and get some math help. Any other suggestions?