Advice for a highschooler.

[Ionian Knights]

Yeah, I got a 2200 on that crap S.A.T', you're correct. There's no studying for those, although some colleges do admit without looking at grades in general, JUST S.A.T's which is awful. Like my friend who got into Drexter on a full ride scholarship just because his S.A.T scores were so high, he got D's his Senior year in almost every class..

There's most definitely studying for the SATs, especially for people particularly weak in one subject.

And I say that as someone who got a 2220 or 2240 (can't remember which) and a 33 or 34 on the ACT.

The way of 'studying' for the SAT/ACT is to challenge yourself.

I'm saying you can't just look up the stuff and study like a normal test.

You actually have to know your shit.

Not saying your wrong, but you also spent a year of learning. That does add into the boost of points.

I would say you really got a gain of 100ish points from 'studying'

That being said, nice job on the scores!

[Caninope]

The way of 'studying' for the SAT/ACT is to challenge yourself.

I'm saying you can't just look up the stuff and study like a normal test.

You actually have to know your shit.

Not saying your wrong, but you also spent a year of learning. That does add into the boost of points.

I would say you really got a gain of 100ish points from 'studying'

No, not at all. The SAT, like all things, can be gamed. In fact, I found the SAT substantially easier to study for than most of my tests, because as it turns out, my low scores were hindered by a lack of grammar knowledge (compounded not only by a lack of proper teaching in elementary school but also by the highly "ungrammatical" American South dialect). None of my classes at the time prepared me for the grammar I would face on the SAT (except for a dedicated SAT prep course I ended up taking). The real way I studied was just buying this thing, reading through it, and doing all the practice tests.

That was far easier than the AP scores I took, and certainly anyone could do that. The chemistry SAT II? That took actually knowing your shit, that required actually having took AP chemistry.

EDIT: That's why I dislike the SAT I. I did well on it, but I didn't particularly get better at English than I was previously; much of the grammar that the SAT asked about always came across as rather awkward and clunky to begin with, and it's something I've literally never had to deal with again.

[Ionian Knights]

The way of 'studying' for the SAT/ACT is to challenge yourself.

I'm saying you can't just look up the stuff and study like a normal test.

You actually have to know your shit.

Not saying your wrong, but you also spent a year of learning. That does add into the boost of points.

I would say you really got a gain of 100ish points from 'studying'

No, not at all. The SAT, like all things, can be gamed. In fact, I found the SAT substantially easier to study for than most of my tests, because as it turns out, my low scores were hindered by a lack of grammar knowledge (compounded not only by a lack of proper teaching in elementary school but also by the highly "ungrammatical" American South dialect). None of my classes at the time prepared me for the grammar I would face on the SAT (except for a dedicated SAT prep course I ended up taking). The real way I studied was just buying this thing, reading through it, and doing all the practice tests.

That was far easier than the AP scores I took, and certainly anyone could do that. The chemistry SAT II? That took actually knowing your shit, that required actually having took AP chemistry.

My state does ACT, so all I can say is ok?

[Forsher]

Yeah, I got a 2200 on that crap S.A.T', you're correct. There's no studying for those, although some colleges do admit without looking at grades in general, JUST S.A.T's which is awful. Like my friend who got into Drexter on a full ride scholarship just because his S.A.T scores were so high, he got D's his Senior year in almost every class..

There's most definitely studying for the SATs, especially for people particularly weak in one subject.

And I say that as someone who got a 2220 or 2240 (can't remember which) and a 33 or 34 on the ACT.

EDIT: That's actually my problem with the SAT I, it can be gamed by looking at past tests.

How so? I mean other than breaking into the headquarters of the place that has the answers, shredding them and then coming up with the answers and leaving them in the toilet so the resident stoner gets a top score. (I'm pretty sure that's the correct plot, it's been years since I saw that film.)

[Caninope]

No, not at all. The SAT, like all things, can be gamed. In fact, I found the SAT substantially easier to study for than most of my tests, because as it turns out, my low scores were hindered by a lack of grammar knowledge (compounded not only by a lack of proper teaching in elementary school but also by the highly "ungrammatical" American South dialect). None of my classes at the time prepared me for the grammar I would face on the SAT (except for a dedicated SAT prep course I ended up taking). The real way I studied was just buying this thing, reading through it, and doing all the practice tests.

That was far easier than the AP scores I took, and certainly anyone could do that. The chemistry SAT II? That took actually knowing your shit, that required actually having took AP chemistry.

My state does ACT, so all I can say is ok?

The ACT is also rather problematic, because it too can be studied for (I didn't study for that one, but that's not the point).

These tests most definitely can be studied for- when people say they can't be, I laugh, because all of these are super easy to game (although the SAT more so). In fact, my game theory professor this past semester would throw in a couple GMAT questions on both exams he gave and force us to give the answer. The trick was that he would never actually even give us the question- we choose the answer based on the other answers.

[Ionian Knights]

My state does ACT, so all I can say is ok?

The ACT is also rather problematic, because it too can be studied for (I didn't study for that one, but that's not the point).

These tests most definitely can be studied for- when people say they can't be, I laugh, because all of these are super easy to game (although the SAT more so). In fact, my game theory professor this past semester would throw in a couple GMAT questions on both exams he gave and force us to give the answer. The trick was that he would never actually even give us the question- we choose the answer based on the other answers.

Hey, all I know is I got a 34, and I don't need to take another blasted Standardized test in high school now.

[Caninope]

There's most definitely studying for the SATs, especially for people particularly weak in one subject.

And I say that as someone who got a 2220 or 2240 (can't remember which) and a 33 or 34 on the ACT.

EDIT: That's actually my problem with the SAT I, it can be gamed by looking at past tests.

How so? I mean other than breaking into the headquarters of the place that has the answers, shredding them and then coming up with the answers and leaving them in the toilet so the resident stoner gets a top score. (I'm pretty sure that's the correct plot, it's been years since I saw that film.)

In my case, my school offered a SAT prep course (sort of useful), and then I bought one of the official SAT prep books (pretty useful, actually).

The reason why is because the SAT is an incredibly repetitive test; they only change their bags of tricks once every few years, so if you've seen enough practice tests, it's really easy to know the current answers. Sometimes, literally the only thing the Collegeboard will change is a few words between a current year's question and one that showed up a few years ago.

[Forsher]

The way of 'studying' for the SAT/ACT is to challenge yourself.

I'm saying you can't just look up the stuff and study like a normal test.

You actually have to know your shit.

Not saying your wrong, but you also spent a year of learning. That does add into the boost of points.

I would say you really got a gain of 100ish points from 'studying'

No, not at all. The SAT, like all things, can be gamed. In fact, I found the SAT substantially easier to study for than most of my tests, because as it turns out, my low scores were hindered by a lack of grammar knowledge (compounded not only by a lack of proper teaching in elementary school but also by the highly "ungrammatical" American South dialect). None of my classes at the time prepared me for the grammar I would face on the SAT (except for a dedicated SAT prep course I ended up taking). The real way I studied was just buying this thing, reading through it, and doing all the practice tests.

That was far easier than the AP scores I took, and certainly anyone could do that. The chemistry SAT II? That took actually knowing your shit, that required actually having took AP chemistry.

EDIT: That's why I dislike the SAT I. I did well on it, but I didn't particularly get better at English than I was previously; much of the grammar that the SAT asked about always came across as rather awkward and clunky to begin with, and it's something I've literally never had to deal with again.

Well, that answers my question. And on the grammar thing I am pretty sure it's "having taken" rather than "having took" but, I think, your experience with grammar is both far too common (edit - clearly I thought I had something else to say): a dodgy education in the principles at a young age being exposed later on in life when they briefly matter.*

*This has been the experience of many of my peers in Business 101 (I think my bad marks in the mid-semester test were more related to having used half the allotted space but I cannot exclude the possibility that it is also my experience).

[Caninope]

No, not at all. The SAT, like all things, can be gamed. In fact, I found the SAT substantially easier to study for than most of my tests, because as it turns out, my low scores were hindered by a lack of grammar knowledge (compounded not only by a lack of proper teaching in elementary school but also by the highly "ungrammatical" American South dialect). None of my classes at the time prepared me for the grammar I would face on the SAT (except for a dedicated SAT prep course I ended up taking). The real way I studied was just buying this thing, reading through it, and doing all the practice tests.

That was far easier than the AP scores I took, and certainly anyone could do that. The chemistry SAT II? That took actually knowing your shit, that required actually having took AP chemistry.

EDIT: That's why I dislike the SAT I. I did well on it, but I didn't particularly get better at English than I was previously; much of the grammar that the SAT asked about always came across as rather awkward and clunky to begin with, and it's something I've literally never had to deal with again.

Well, that answers my question. And on the grammar thing I am pretty sure it's "having taken" rather than "having took"

Well, this is embarrassing.

but, I think, your experience with grammar is both far too common. A dodgy education in the principles at a young age being exposed later on in life where it briefly matters.*

*This has been the experience of many of my peers in Business 101 (I think my bad marks in the mid-semester test were more related to having used half the allotted space but I cannot exclude the possibility that it is also my experience).

In a time when grammar and spell checks are abundant, I'm of the opinion that being able to analyze and construct an argument are far more important to people interacting with literature, writing, and various other forms of the English language academic experience than any sort of grammar.

[Wind in the Willows]

Don't be annoying.

[Alexanda]

Is it a boarding school or will you just be attending daily?

[Forsher]

Well, that answers my question. And on the grammar thing I am pretty sure it's "having taken" rather than "having took"

Well, this is embarrassing.

Even assuming my correction is, in fact, correct it's not an error that represents a barrier to communication (and, possibly, is correct within your dialect, as opposed to standard written English).

but, I think, your experience with grammar is both far too common. A dodgy education in the principles at a young age being exposed later on in life where it briefly matters.*

*This has been the experience of many of my peers in Business 101 (I think my bad marks in the mid-semester test were more related to having used half the allotted space but I cannot exclude the possibility that it is also my experience).

In a time when grammar and spell checks are abundant, I'm of the opinion that being able to analyze and construct an argument are far more important to people interacting with literature, writing, and various other forms of the English language academic experience than any sort of grammar.

Grammar checkers are far less reliable than spell checkers (although even spell checkers can be an issue given things like their and there) but there's definitely something to be said for that point of view. The thing is that it's harder to do so (especially when it comes to "unpacking" literature) without a decent understanding of how and why something is grammatically correct (or, indeed, incorrect), which is the issue. Reading, writing and speaking English natively is enough to develop a solid grasp of grammar so that errors that really do hinder communication are avoided. When one is writing a speech I do feel having a strong grammatical understanding is a big help in terms of incorporating appropriate techniques.

How so? I mean other than breaking into the headquarters of the place that has the answers, shredding them and then coming up with the answers and leaving them in the toilet so the resident stoner gets a top score. (I'm pretty sure that's the correct plot, it's been years since I saw that film.)

In my case, my school offered a SAT prep course (sort of useful), and then I bought one of the official SAT prep books (pretty useful, actually).

The reason why is because the SAT is an incredibly repetitive test; they only change their bags of tricks once every few years, so if you've seen enough practice tests, it's really easy to know the current answers. Sometimes, literally the only thing the Collegeboard will change is a few words between a current year's question and one that showed up a few years ago.

This is sort of similar to a problem that NZQA found with NCEA (in particular English essays) in that the practice questions were typically very similar to the ones that were actually used in the externals. Naturally this made studying for those rather simpler than understanding the themes, characters or setting (or whatever aspects) because all one had to do (in theory) was write/find a very good essay and remember its key points to regurgitate in the final exam (perhaps with a few adjustments to reflect the somewhat different question). In Year Twelve a lot of people were caught out because the questions were deliberately made to be quite different to those in the exemplars to avoid such tactics. This didn't trouble me too much for the novel essay but I did manage to misread the question to find a plural where there hadn't been one.

Essentially, laziness on the part of the examiners typically reduces the usefulness of an exam as a test of understanding rather than memorisation.

[The Klishi Islands]

I'm going into high school next year with a girlfriend. Seeing as most of the advice on this thread has been "don't have a girlfriend" or "get a girlfriend so breakups will be easier," I'm kinda like

[Revanchism]

I'm going into high school next year with a girlfriend. Seeing as most of the advice on this thread has been "don't have a girlfriend" or "get a girlfriend so breakups will be easier," I'm kinda like

Ignore the "advice" of people on NSG.
Same goes for you, OP.

[Ashmoria]

Get a 4.0, make first chair in band, play a sport, and get a max SAT score.

On the topic of ACt/SAT scores.

There is no such thing as 'studying' for those tests.

You take the hard classes beforehand, and build up your knowledge pool. I'd recommend taking the test before you have to take it... (if your state requires it) and hope for a lucky test.

You get a decent score, it's all smooth sailing.

(got a 34 on the ACT)

if youre good at standardized tests you don't need a class. if you suck at standardized tests you can improve your score by taking classes.

[The Klishi Islands]

I'm going into high school next year with a girlfriend. Seeing as most of the advice on this thread has been "don't have a girlfriend" or "get a girlfriend so breakups will be easier," I'm kinda like

Ignore the "advice" of people on NSG.
Same goes for you, OP.

But if I'm supposed to ignore the advice of people on NSG... And you're on NSG... Then who do I believe?

Yeah, that's the conclusion I came to.

[Ionian Knights]

Ignore the "advice" of people on NSG.
Same goes for you, OP.

But if I'm supposed to ignore the advice of people on NSG... And you're on NSG... Then who do I believe?

Yeah, that's the conclusion I came to.

I can give you some decent advice, since I know a couple couples(lol) that have held a relationship from 7th grade to senior yr and beyond...

first off, is this a brand new relationship?

On the topic of ACt/SAT scores.

There is no such thing as 'studying' for those tests.

You take the hard classes beforehand, and build up your knowledge pool. I'd recommend taking the test before you have to take it... (if your state requires it) and hope for a lucky test.

You get a decent score, it's all smooth sailing.

(got a 34 on the ACT)

if youre good at standardized tests you don't need a class. if you suck at standardized tests you can improve your score by taking classes.

Eh, My school teaches to the test, so... yeah...

[The Klishi Islands]

But if I'm supposed to ignore the advice of people on NSG... And you're on NSG... Then who do I believe?

Yeah, that's the conclusion I came to.

I can give you some decent advice, since I know a couple couples(lol) that have held a relationship from 7th grade to senior yr and beyond...

first off, is this a brand new relationship?

Yeah, we are coming up on two months. Also, it's not a middle school relationship (just holding hands, etc) it's an actual relationship with dating and such.

[Ionian Knights]

I can give you some decent advice, since I know a couple couples(lol) that have held a relationship from 7th grade to senior yr and beyond...

first off, is this a brand new relationship?

Yeah, we are coming up on two months. Also, it's not a middle school relationship (just holding hands, etc) it's an actual relationship with dating and such.

So nothing too serious? dating is not serious... serious is... serious.

Well, the thing is... I've noticed that the couples I've seen usually are luck enough to have similarly timed classes or are able to have lunch together. They're able to spend time during school. They also aren't the type to make out in public... Nothing wrong with a gf during high school, but make sure she and you the priorities of high school... ie: education. If you guys can work around the homework,clubs, and sports, and still have time to see each other without missing out time with friends(clubs and sports should solve that), you're golden.

Also, sex/drugs/alcohol... just don't even touch them. Everyone I've seen who does goes into the same bunch of bleh... and just stay at mediocre. you want to have a great relationship, not a mediocre one.

[The Klishi Islands]

Yeah, we are coming up on two months. Also, it's not a middle school relationship (just holding hands, etc) it's an actual relationship with dating and such.

So nothing too serious? dating is not serious... serious is... serious.

Well, the thing is... I've noticed that the couples I've seen usually are luck enough to have similarly timed classes or are able to have lunch together. They're able to spend time during school. They also aren't the type to make out in public... Nothing wrong with a gf during high school, but make sure she and you the priorities of high school... ie: education. If you guys can work around the homework,clubs, and sports, and still have time to see each other without missing out time with friends(clubs and sports should solve that), you're golden.

Also, sex/drugs/alcohol... just don't even touch them. Everyone I've seen who does goes into the same bunch of bleh... and just stay at mediocre. you want to have a great relationship, not a mediocre one.

-we should be able to lunch together, and we are both hoping for synced up classes (we get our schedules electronically in a couple days )

-we are both very studious, we should be fine academics-wise. We actually are hoping to have extra-curricular stuff with each other.

-I abhor drugs, and I've declined alcohol every time my parents have offered me a sip of wine at dinner. I'm really not worried about that aspect.

[Ionian Knights]

So nothing too serious? dating is not serious... serious is... serious.

Well, the thing is... I've noticed that the couples I've seen usually are luck enough to have similarly timed classes or are able to have lunch together. They're able to spend time during school. They also aren't the type to make out in public... Nothing wrong with a gf during high school, but make sure she and you the priorities of high school... ie: education. If you guys can work around the homework,clubs, and sports, and still have time to see each other without missing out time with friends(clubs and sports should solve that), you're golden.

Also, sex/drugs/alcohol... just don't even touch them. Everyone I've seen who does goes into the same bunch of bleh... and just stay at mediocre. you want to have a great relationship, not a mediocre one.

-we should be able to lunch together, and we are both hoping for synced up classes (we get our schedules electronically in a couple days )

-we are both very studious, we should be fine academics-wise. We actually are hoping to have extra-curricular stuff with each other.

-I abhor drugs, and I've declined alcohol every time my parents have offered me a sip of wine at dinner. I'm really not worried about that aspect.

similar interests, and as long is things don't get rushed... (One couple has never gone past making out.. and they're fine), you're golden.

Good luck in high school. You'll either love it or hate it.

Just to comment:

/is a Senior this coming yr.

[The Serbian Empire]

I'm entering highschool soon, and I was wondering what advice NS had for me. I'd appreciate the help.

As soon as you can, get a part-time job. An education is useless without work experience these days.

Although the problem is work experience is pretty much useless if it's not in the field you want to be in later.

[Ionian Knights]

As soon as you can, get a part-time job. An education is useless without work experience these days.

Although the problem is work experience is pretty much useless if it's not in the field you want to be in later.

Ie: Landscaping when you want to go into history...

but dammit, $9 an hour for my first job isn't too bad...

[The Klishi Islands]

-we should be able to lunch together, and we are both hoping for synced up classes (we get our schedules electronically in a couple days )

-we are both very studious, we should be fine academics-wise. We actually are hoping to have extra-curricular stuff with each other.

-I abhor drugs, and I've declined alcohol every time my parents have offered me a sip of wine at dinner. I'm really not worried about that aspect.

similar interests, and as long is things don't get rushed... (One couple has never gone past making out.. and they're fine), you're golden.

Good luck in high school. You'll either love it or hate it.

Just to comment:

/is a Senior this coming yr.

I appreciate the advice. And I'm going for the love it option

[Ionian Knights]

similar interests, and as long is things don't get rushed... (One couple has never gone past making out.. and they're fine), you're golden.

Good luck in high school. You'll either love it or hate it.

Just to comment:

/is a Senior this coming yr.

I appreciate the advice. And I'm going for the love it option

You're a little frosh though, you don't know it yet....

btw.. if you're the incoming frosh in my school, I will hate you... mainly because your grade in my town is horrendous.