TI-89 - My reflection and how it helps

This calculator works miracles. If you can afford this calculator, I highly suggest you purchase it for taking the tests because it cuts down the amount of time you use and is allowed for all math tests offered by College Board. For the SAT math portion, this calculator has two important functions. First, you can set the calculator to exact values which will give each answer as a fraction. Why does this help? On the SAT math test, the answers are normally given in fractions rather than decimals. Most regular calculators only have a decimal answer, but if you could also find a calculator that gives exact values, use it! The second reason I highly recommend the TI-89 is because it can solve functions with one variable quickly. On the calculator, there is a “Solve” function. Simply click Solve and put in the formula followed by which variable you want the answer to be in terms of. Here is what it should look like, “Solve (3x+2x^2=20, x). Make sure to place the “,” followed by the variable your using. In both the SAT I Math and SAT II Math II section, this function is both a time saver and helps to improve the speed and accuracy at which you take the test. The calculator also helps you with Calculus AB and BC, so the investment is well worth it.
Note: Other calculators can also be programmed to have a solve function. In Barron’s Math II book, they teach you how to program your graphing calculator in this manner.

My Reflection About Princeton Review for SAT I

11 Practice Tests for SAT and PSAT (Princeton)

I have gone through several of the tests in this book on my own, and have found them to be very helpful with Math and Writing. Even though I did not need much help with math, the math tips in this book help to decrease the amount of time you take in order to finish the test; therefore you can finish the test earlier to check your work. I really like how the math concepts are explained before the test since many of these types of questions appear on the actual test. Note: the last few questions on the real SAT Math portion are always tricky. Read them carefully, especially since the phrasing can mislead you into solving a question in different ways. In terms of the writing portion, the book has many practice problems which can help improve speed and accuracy when you take the actual test. It also contains helpful hints that explain why the answer makes sense.

Math Questions

On the SAT remember that the trickiest problems are near the end. I remember I missed the last one because of the phrasing rather than the math itself! Read over these last questions carefully (normally last 2 or 3) and score your best!

SAT vs ACT which is right for you?

One significant difference between the SAT and ACT is that you are not penalized for guessing on the ACT. Another difference is that the test are different in terms of layout. The SAT has a writing, reading, and math portion while the ACT has a Reading, Math, English, Writing, and Science Reasoning Test.

In terms of test taking, I find the ACT to be more straightforward while the SAT has some slightly tricky problems near the end of the test. However, the ACT's science section punishes heavily for incorrect answers similar to the SAT math.

Thou Shalt Use College Confidential

A very very useful website that you can use is College Confidential. This is a wealth of information and I recommend reading through the topics and joining. You will learn much about testing and be able to interact with people trying to get into colleges. Some of the users here are quite brilliant and have a strong foundation in academics.

Know what you're up against!

Here is some background information about several UC Schools for Fall 2009.

Admit Rate / Avg GPA / Avg SAT
Berkeley 26.6% ; 4.15 ; 2033

Davis 46.62% ; 4.00 ; 1887

Los Angeles 21.7%% ; 4.16 ; 2010

San Diego 37.3% ; 4.08 ;1964

Source:

Official UC Website

First Tip

Anyone attempting to get into UC Berkeley or UCLA should already know that it will take time, effort, and passion. Upon entering high school, I realized that if I wanted to get into the top UC schools I had to become motivated and take steps to increase my chances whether I liked them or not. If you are passionate and hardworking, your work will not only reward you with the school of your dreams, but enrich your life with knowledge and power.