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SAT I is divided into two main areas: Reading (Section 1), Grammar (Section 2), and Math (Sections 3 & 4). Sections 1 & 2 are scored out of 800 points each, as are Sections 3 & 4, making a total score of 1,600 points. A score above 1,350 places an examinee in the top 10% of all test-takers. Korean students tend to show the most weakness in the Reading and Grammar Sections.
The SAT Reading section encompasses literature, science, society, and history, accounting for four genres with a total of 52 questions. Students who struggle with reading need to explore various methods of improvement. A common mistake is attempting to solve questions by simply reading without comprehension, which is highly inadvisable.
The Grammar Section is composed of four passages containing a total of 44 questions. These range from basic grammar questions to those requiring logical flow and the identification of appropriate sentences within passages. Students who lack grammatical foundations often solve problems by relying on auditory cues rather than dissecting sentences, which is also discouraged.
First, enhancing reading comprehension is crucial. Instead of repeatedly solving familiar questions, students should cut out difficult passages, paste them into notebooks, and read them to become accustomed to sentence structures and contexts. Sketching simple scenarios beside the text may enhance understanding and is likely to have noticeable effects. Second, implementing reading strategies is vital. Reading every new passage from start to finish can waste time, so developing a strategy on what to read first is necessary.
First, students must strengthen their grammatical foundation. Upon close examination, SAT grammar questions often address simple grammatical concepts. Solving problems based on fundamental grammar makes the task less daunting. Second, it is important to focus on understanding the flow of sentences. Although referred to as a grammar section, many questions require understanding sentence flow. For instance, deciding whether to use "However" or "Moreover" when comparing previous and current sentences demands consistent practice in grasping the overall structure.
Ultimately, identifying one's weaknesses across the four SAT sections is a crucial starting point. More than merely solving endless questions, investing time in self-assessment is necessary. While preparing for the SAT can be demanding in terms of time and study, seeking expert advice from college admissions specialists is recommended.
By Eric Jo
College Admissions Specialist, EMI
(201)944-9320
