SAT For Homeschoolers!

Being a homeschool student myself, and one who has recently taken the SAT, I decided to share some tips and helpful information for those considering taking it. 

-Studying

I would highly recommend for you to get one of those huge SAT study books. They do a great job of preparing you for the types of  (essay practice, math, reading and writing) problems to be seen on the test.   Because those College Board or Kaplan study books are so expensive, ranging in the twenties, I would recommend for you to go to your thrift store and find one there. I was able to by a Kaplan 2012 edition for only $2.00!

While thrifting, I also found Kaplan SAT flashcards for $2.00 aswell. 

I found this youtube channel to be very helpful for me with my math prep.

This is a great website to use for studying your vocabulary. A lot of the words that showed up on the test were used in the website! 

The College Board app is also a great resource to use. A daily question in either the writing, reading, or math section is given to test your knowledge in each category. 

Since everything is timed I felt rather rushed and unprepared mentally for that. I would definitely advise you to take a practice test with the corresponding time so that you can have an accurate feel on test day.

-PRAY

Prayer is such a powerful tool. I had a lot of people cover the test in prayer so I knew that God was with me  during it. 

-Take the test with someone else. I was able to go with a friend and that was really a blessing and a nerve soother. Even though we weren't in the same room because they separate you based on your last name, it was reassuring to know she was there taking the test too! 

-Testing

Do not bring a mechanical NO. #2 pencil those are not allowed, but rather the standard sharpen your pencil NO. #2 type! I found that out on the test day and had to borrow one from the teacher. The pencil she gave me barely had a point and that really added to my nerves. 

Forget all those outlining and penmanship classes you took previously when doing the essay. Time really flew by for me during the essay part. I was informed that to get somewhat of a good grade you have to minimally write a page but preferably two. So choose your argument and write like the wind!!!! 

Though they tell you to bring a snack, I don't think it very necessary. I brought a smoothie and did not even drink it, because I was not hungry and I did not want to use the bathroom.

Really try to skip using the bathroom. (I know its a long test.) While using the bathroom there was a huge line and I came back not even five minutes later and was a bit late for the next test section.

These were the study materials I used and things I learned while taking the test. I hope it was beneficial for someone who is in the process of taking there SAT exam. If you have any further questions send me an email or leave a comment below.  

Book Review- Behind the Wall

Behind the Wall is a three in one novel including: Candy Bombers, Beetle Bunker, and Smuggler's Treasure which effectively portrays life behind the Berlin Wall. Taken from the point of teenagers it proves to be a lot more relatable for the intended young reader. The author masterfully shows the danger, death, and need for survival that was a part of everyone's (young and old) everyday life in Germany. 

The author does not try to assuage the situation with rose colored pictures of life for those living in east Germany. With each book he keeps them short sweet and straight to the point. He makes it appoint to write the cold hard truth in an easy to comprehend manner for all ages not just the intended middle readers group. 

I definitely enjoyed reading this series and would recommend it as great starting point for young people to learn about the Berlin Wall as it covers its building up and demolition.

I give Behind the Wall a 5 out out of 5 for its excellent job at teaching young people a very important part of History in an easy and engaging manner.

I received a complimentary copy from BookSneeze in exchange for this independent and unbiased review. 

Book Review- Meant to be Mine

Have you ever wanted to read the story after the I do? Well this is the story for you, but instead of a happily ever after scenario you get broken vows, a secret baby, and two very hurting people. Meant to be Mine's story plot is not your typical texas romance, but holds its own on the unique department.

The things that I did not particularly enjoy were the fact that gambling and having a girl friend while being married to another woman was looked upon as ok for a Christian. For the sake of testimony the author should have just left out that they were believing christians but rather fallen christians. The godly influence Meg and Bo provided in the story was very uplifting.

The romance that was rekindled between Ty and Celia was sweet and progressive not at all rushed. The road to rebuilding each other's trust was a bumpy, spiritual, and funny one. The incessant petty arguments, though very witty at times, proved quite tiring after awhile. 

Addie proved quite different from the usual 6 year old with her mature and sensitive nature. She is most memorable for her beloved pink cowgirl boots. The author seemed to forget about Addie towards the end, so I would have loved for her to reappear more often, since Ty and Celia wouldn't be trying to work anything out if it weren't for her. She had the cutest daddy and daughter relationship with Ty. 

We all know the gist of what the outcome is going to be for most books, so I felt that after some time the book dragged on to a slow stream; however, the sweet and sacrificial ending definitely made up for it! 

I give Meant to be Mine a 3.5 out of 5 (the lack of christian righteousness was a big draw back.)

I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House in exchange for this independent and unbiased review. 

Book Review-For Such a Time as This

Centuries have come and gone and yet we see history repeating itself. Instead of Queen Esther trying to save her people from certain decimation by the hand of evil Haman, we are witnessing the same murderous plot against the Jews yet during the Holocaust. For Such a Time is a 1944 holocaust retelling of the story of Queen Esther saving her people.

Hadassah Benjamin is saved from a firing squad only to be pressed into serving the enemy, a highly esteemed SS-Kommandant doing clerical work. Through her work and connections with a person in authority she quickly sets to work in trying small ways to make a difference for her people. She takes risks and learns to trust in God fearing no one not even death,"If I perish, I perish."

Though using Esther's story is a bit overplayed in the market, Kate Breslin was able to use that same story and weave it into her own unique tale. Her research was clearly evident as you could sadly, yet vividly picture life for the Jews during the holocaust. Her characters were also very well developed. Hadassah a.k.a

Stella was a hurt woman who throughout the book finds her way back to God. Though romance did occur between her and Aric it wasn't a love at first sight thing, but she took a more cautious deliberate approach. How different yet refreshing to see a Nazi SS Kommandant portrayed with human being kindheartedness. He understood the wrong occurring around him and willingly sacrificed his life for others.

I greatly enjoyed For Such a Time and if you love an emotional fictional yet historically rich WW2 novel this one is for you! 

I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House, in exchange for this independent and unbiased review. 

Video: What's on my I-touch?

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