Seven Secrets of Acing the SAT Test

Dr Fischgrund reveals the results of the first comprehensive survey of students who have achieved perfect 800s on both the verbal and math portions of the SAT, the nation's gold standard for college applications.  The Perfect Score Study is the first of its kind to look at the highest academic achievers in the United States.

Secret 1.  They are self-confident, self-effacing, and self-motivated. 

Secret 2.  They are intellectually curious, and excited about learning new and different things. 

Secret 3.  They read quickly and voraciously, following their interests wherever they lead.

Secret 4.  They develop a core group of passions, pursue them eagerly, and excel within them. 

Secret 5.  They're proactive; they create their own luck.

Secret 6.  They develop a social network of friends and family that gives them critical support. 

Secret 7.  Their real goal isn't to ace the SAT, but to succeed in life.

Advice from the Perfect Score Students: 

• Take good classes and do well in high school.
• Study early (one year before the exam).
• Play a musical instrument.
• Read everything you can, and write a lot.
• Go to math competitions.
• Do crossword puzzles and brain teasers.
• Never let them see you sweat.
• Recognize that hard work pays off.
• Believe, as Homer Simpson (once) said, that it's cool to be smart.
• Develop passions and pursue them.

Excerpted from Perfect 1600 Score, by Dr. Tom Fischgrund (2003)