[Student Interview] I Raised My SAT Score by Up to 180 Points with Practice Tests!

June 26, 2024

Real Student Reviews on Achieving Target SAT Scores

Rapid Score Improvement with Practice Tests Similar to the Real SAT!

  • Last year and this year, I took the SAT and initially scored 1460.
  • After 11 sessions (2 hours each, totaling 22 hours) of upgraded practice tests (R.Test and WellEd SAT Mock Tests), I achieved a score of 1510.

Given that the digital SAT is relatively new, finding quality practice tests was quite challenging. The practice tests provided by Upgrade not only offered a substantial amount of content but also had a slightly higher difficulty level than the actual exam. This helped me prepare for any potential surprises on test day. Additionally, the practice tests included SAT score curves, making them more effective for predicting actual scores compared to other mock tests.

The tutoring sessions were highly satisfactory. The tutor quickly incorporated my requests into the study schedule and provided detailed explanations for each question I had. They even used their personal time to ensure accurate answers for ambiguous questions.

Moreover, Upgrade provided ample resources, set schedules through reminders and calendars, and offered flexible course durations, which was very helpful.

The practice tests from Upgrade closely resembled actual SAT questions in all sections. In the Reading section, the difficulty of finding evidence was higher than the actual SAT, making the practice very effective. The actual SAT requires a general understanding for straightforward questions and logical reasoning for more challenging ones. Upgrade’s practice tests helped me develop these skills while also improving my careful reading abilities, which reduced my error rate.

For the Writing section, the tests included a wide range of problems, from unfamiliar to tricky ones, allowing for easy and quick review and mastery. In the Math section, I received significant help in correcting common mistakes and understanding complex calculations and statistics questions.

Overall, I was very satisfied with the Upgrade SAT program. Unlike typical academies with one instructor and multiple students, Upgrade offers one-on-one sessions without a significant price difference, making it a recommendable platform. Good luck to all test-takers!

Rapid Score Improvement with Practice Tests Similar to the Real SAT!

  • After one month of focused study with Upgrade, my score improved from 1340 to 1520.

One of the biggest advantages of Upgrade classes is the ability to choose a tutor that fits your needs. I initially requested a tutor who could accurately identify and address my weaknesses, and through my sessions, I discovered my common mistakes and why I struggled with certain question types. My tutor also prepared additional problems in my weaker areas, allowing for effective and targeted improvement.

I had tried mock tests from other academies, but they were often too difficult or more similar to the Paper SAT. Upgrade’s practice tests, however, were most similar in difficulty and type to those provided by Bluebook, which helped improve my focus and time management during the actual SAT.

I was so satisfied with the Upgrade sessions that I highly recommend it to my friends. The ability to choose a tutor suited to your needs is an attractive feature that I initially considered a common advantage but now see as a critical factor in score improvement. Moreover, the well-organized system ensured no last-minute cancellations or schedule changes, making the classes stable and reliable.

Overcoming the Drawbacks of Self-Studying for the SAT with Tutoring

  • 1st Attempt: 1420 / 2nd Attempt: 1470 → Final Score: 1550

I had been preparing for the SAT by myself. From my experience, self-studying has significant drawbacks: limited available resources, lack of timed practice, and leniency towards mistakes. This led to a consistent score in the 1400s.

I was skeptical when I first signed up for Upgrade’s classes, unsure about the effectiveness of online tutoring. However, after attending a free trial class and realizing the benefits, I was convinced. Here’s my experience with Upgrade.

The tutoring sessions helped me identify and correct overlooked weaknesses. I started maintaining an error log and timed my practice sessions like real tests.

The SAT high-scoring tutor shared invaluable tips, from time management to test day routines, covering everything from A to Z. The extensive practice questions and tips from the experienced tutor significantly contributed to my high score.

If you’re self-studying and hitting a wall, I recommend trying a free class before making a decision – you won’t regret it.

The most effective path to a prestigious colleges!

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