<p>I just took my first diagnostic test at an SAT prep class (I'm starting in summer). I got te results yesterday and I was disappointed to find out that I got a 1350. 420 for Critical Reading, 450 for Math, and 470 for Writing. That's below the national average! :[
I don't know why I'm so bad at the SAT. I always get As on school tests as well as Advance on California Standardized Tests. I am a sophomore and I have been preparing for the SAT for 2 months now. I haven't really done any practice tests, however, I've been reading the strategies provided by Princeton Review. Is there a way I can raise this 1350 up by, say, 700 points?</p>
<p>You’ve got well over a year before you have to take the tests that count. Keep practicing, and take an SAT review course (some school districts offer them). If you are getting A’s in school you should be able to qualify for AP or advanced classes. Read good books carefully and make use of your dictionary. You should be able to lift your scores plenty.</p>
<p>@Eggbert, I was just wondering, since this is my first time, I was a little bit nervous and I didn’t have enough time to finish all the problems so I was wondering if I’m missing big points here…?</p>
<p>Don’t worry about it. Like most things, you’ll get more comfortable with practice. Make sure when you take simulated tests you observe time limits. This will help you get accustomed to the time pressure. Also, it’s quite possible the test covered areas you were not yet familiar with.</p>
<p>Think hard and concentrate on the tests. The SAT is much more about reasoning than about actual knowledge.</p>
<p>I got a 2240 (CR 730, M 770, W 740) on my first Diagnostic test three days back. I am following the same books as you are. I think you must concentrate on the Princeton writing strategies and improve your vocabulary by reading newspapers and books on a regular basis (if you are an international like me). Try to note down the words that are unfamiliar to you and glance over them occasionally. I just can’t put my finger on your Math score since you are a straight-A student. You can’t have any issue with Math section, unless you consider time slot. Hope this helps. :D</p>