The September SAT is Saturday + Bluebook alert for Mac users 🚨
Dear MJTP students and families,
The next SAT is this Saturday, September 12. If you're wondering what to do in the remaining days before the test, here is a guide:
1. Mac and iOS users: restart Bluebook on Friday
College Board posted this alert on September 9:
We discovered a technical issue that could affect the upcoming SAT for students with macOS and iOS devices. You can still test successfully if you follow these instructions: Mac and iOS users must restart their Bluebook app a day before test day.
That means Friday. Open Bluebook, close it completely, and reopen it. Don't leave this for Saturday morning.
The earlier device requirements still apply:
- Chromebook: Bluebook must run in Verified Mode. Open Bluebook, click Test Your Device, and confirm you see a checkmark next to Verified Mode. If you don't, contact your school or use a different device.
- Windows: Your device must be running Windows 11 24H2 or newer. Windows 10 will not work.
- Not sure? Check the full list of approved devices on the Bluebook website.
2. Review the latest vocab quizzes
In August, 9 of the 22 words students reported from the test were already on our list. That's about a 40% repeat rate. The database now covers more than 25 administrations, and the same words keep coming back.
Spend some time this week with the most recent vocab quizzes and the trends page. Make sure you know the Elite Three (idiosyncratic, eschew, ubiquitous) and work through the Power Twelve at the very least. If you only have twenty minutes, that's where you should target your time.
3. Review your mistake log on Gauntlet!
Take time to go through some of the tougher questions, recalling why you missed them. Keep in mind our strategies:
- ISEE for predictions
- PROVE-IT for eliminations
- If...then... for Inferences, Details, and Command of Evidence
- Don't assume hard and fast "social media" hacks for grammar will work all the time!! I've already debunked these here.
- Double check the facts on Student Notes questions, and don't take them for granted.
4. Get exercise before the test
I know I say it before each test, but it's the truth. It's a cheat code. Get your body going, your blood flowing, and your brain working. Don't roll into the testing center sleepy. Be ready. Be alert. Show up like a boss.
Catching up with former students
I've heard from a few of my former families this week, and it's been one of the best parts of the month. We now have students enrolling early at Johns Hopkins, one of my students is at NYU this year, and another student started at Stanford this month.
I'm proud of every one of them, and all of you!
Keep grinding.
— Mr. John
