'Upgrade,' a specialized one-on-one tutoring service for overseas college admissions, offers tutoring sessions with graduates from prestigious universities worldwide, providing lessons in SAT, AP, IB, and various subjects without time and space constraints.
Two of Upgrade's star tutors, Charizard and Jason, have achieved 1550+ scores on the SAT through subject-specific strategies and systematic planning. Let's delve into their secrets for achieving high SAT scores through this interview.
Upgrade: Hello, tutors! Could you both introduce yourselves briefly and share what motivated you to take on the SAT?
Charizard: Hi, I’m Charizard. I initially attended Seoul National University’s Bio-System Materials Engineering program but later transferred to the Pre-med program at Catholic Kwandong University. I currently teach both Paper SAT and Digital SAT. Our school followed the IB curriculum, so we typically took the TOEFL instead of the SAT. However, I noticed that seniors who got into Seoul National University often had high scores in IB, TOEFL, and SAT. Seeing that those without strong SAT scores struggled with admissions despite high IB or TOEFL scores, I decided to prepare for the SAT.
Jason: Hello, I’m Jason, currently studying at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Although I completed the IB program in high school, I decided to prepare for the SAT to differentiate myself from other students. Despite not having studied abroad, I completed the IB Diploma Program (DP) in Korea.
Upgrade: When did you take the SAT, and how many times did you take it? How long did you prepare?
Charizard: I first took the SAT in October of my 11th grade and took my final SAT in December of my 12th grade. I took the test five times and prepared for about a year and a half, starting in the summer before 11th grade until December of my 12th grade. It felt like I was always preparing for the SAT.
Jason: The SAT plays a crucial role in the college admissions process. I took it multiple times, aiming for the best possible score. I first took it in 11th grade to familiarize myself with the format and content rather than aiming for a high score. I practiced with mock tests from the College Board, focusing on understanding the test format, each section’s requirements, and time management.
In 12th grade, I seriously started preparing for the SAT, targeting specific scores based on the requirements of my desired colleges. Overall, I prepared for over a year.
Upgrade: Could you share your study plans for the SAT, including examples of how you studied during vacations or school terms?
Charizard: Starting from the summer of 11th grade, I focused on vocabulary during vacations, in addition to homework and school assignments. During the school year, I consistently studied vocabulary alongside schoolwork. I prepared by practicing reading passages, studying for the writing section, and solving math problems. Two weeks before the test, I shifted my focus to taking mock tests and reviewing my mistakes.
Jason: I initially attended an academy for basic SAT understanding, then switched to private tutoring for personalized guidance and feedback, especially for SAT Reading and Writing. My tutor created custom study materials and focused on my weak areas in grammar.
I also learned effective problem-solving approaches and time management strategies, which boosted my confidence for the actual test. Finding a suitable tutor was crucial for me.
Upgrade: Could you recommend specific study methods, materials, websites, or apps for each SAT subject?
Charizard: Here are the materials and websites I used:
Jason: For vocabulary, I preferred noting unfamiliar words from SAT practice tests and focusing on those. Word Smart is also a good resource.
Upgrade: You both currently teach Digital SAT at Upgrade. What differences do you notice between studying for the Paper SAT and the Digital SAT, and what points do you emphasize to your students?
Charizard: I emphasize vocabulary study and class review. With the transition to Digital SAT, the emphasis on vocabulary has increased. I allocate more time to studying vocabulary together, assign vocabulary homework and tests, and share vocabulary books for self-study.
I also stress the importance of reviewing class materials, understanding my problem-solving methods, and analyzing mistakes to avoid them in the future.
Jason: There are two main points. First, with the integration of Reading and Writing and the shorter passages in the Digital SAT, the difficulty of these sections has decreased. Students might think this makes the test easier, but they need to remember that everyone faces the same challenge, so they must not relax and should strive to get every question right.
Second, with the allowance of calculators for all math problems, the difficulty has increased. The Digital SAT tests your understanding of math concepts rather than simple calculations. It feels more like a test of your actual math knowledge.
Upgrade: Upgrade offers a specialized program for students struggling with SAT prep. Could you share your thoughts on the advantages of the Digital SAT program from a tutor’s perspective?
Charizard: The Digital SAT program by Upgrade offers a comprehensive platform and r.test for mock exams and practice problems, which is excellent for uninterrupted long sessions. The r.test problems are accurate and familiar to students who have taken the actual exam, preventing surprises on test day. Many students found Upgrade’s Digital SAT program beneficial, especially those who had difficulty preparing on their own due to the limited availability of study materials and diverse problem types. The program helps students understand and tackle various problem types effectively.
Jason: The mock tests closely resemble the official College Board practice tests and provide an objective score through algorithms, giving a clear picture of the student’s current level. This is a significant advantage as it eliminates guesswork. The 15 sets of unique practice problems offer ample practice without repetition.
Combining the Digital SAT mock tests with personalized one-on-one tutoring sessions three times a week can complete a comprehensive study plan in about five weeks, making it highly time-efficient. The ability to see the time spent on each question helps tutors identify and address students' weaknesses effectively.
Upgrade: Thank you for the interview. Your insights will surely help many students struggling with their SAT scores. Do you have any final tips for achieving high SAT scores?
Charizard: My key to a high score was consistent vocabulary study and thorough problem type analysis. Identify and categorize every type of question on the SAT and develop solving methods for each. As you study, you’ll naturally grasp the test-makers’ intentions. I found organizing and mastering problem types in Reading, Writing, and Math very helpful. While practicing and reviewing problems and reading extensively are essential, my unique tip is to focus on vocabulary study and problem type analysis.
Jason: For a good Math score, mastering concepts like linear and quadratic equations is crucial since they make up a significant portion of the questions.
For Writing, choose the most natural-sounding option, and for Reading, identify the part of the passage the question is focused on and reinterpret it in your own words.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask your tutor for help. They are there to assist you, and you have every right to request what you need. If you struggle or need support, always ask!
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