DFW Test Prep More Than A Teacher Announces The Misconceptions About Studying For the SAT

DALLAS - Oct. 22, 2014 - PRLog -- Dallas Test Prep More Than A Teacher explains that few experiences are more frustrating than the college admissions process, and students are often unsure what grades and standardized test scores will guarantee admittance to their first choice schools. Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the process is the dreaded SAT, a test specifically designed to trick students. There are many misconceptions surrounding the SAT, many propagated by test prep companies who claim to have ‘cracked’ the test. Even the prep material put out by the College Board - the makers of the test - can be misleading.

One common fallacy concerning the SAT is with regards to vocabulary. Many companies (and books, websites, etc) will try and push vocabulary as a time-tested and essential way of improving a student’s score.  While this may have been true in previous versions of the test, it's no longer the case.  In reality, the vocabulary section of the SAT is an extremely small portion of a student’s overall score, and focusing on it is one of the least effective ways to improve results. Students spend agonizing hours reviewing and memorizing obscure words and roots, only to find that their test doesn’t actually touch on anything they have covered. As a rule, it’s better to work on big picture skills like Reading Comprehension or Mathematics if a student wants to see large score increases.

There are also misconceptions on how to approach test prep itself. Most SAT prep companies claim that the only way to see large increases on the test is through intensive preparation (typically every day) that begins months or even years prior to the exam date. In actuality, most students would be better served through short term preparation, often starting no more than a few weeks prior to the test. Short-term prep that focuses on simple, meaningful strategies, such as breaking problems down into categories, is more likely to be used (and used effectively) than prep that requires years to complete. SAT prep isn’t an extracurricular activity that can be listed on college applications, so there is no reason to fall prey to the ‘more is better’ philosophy.