Hello all,
I will be taking the SAT Math II Exam this coming Saturday, and I just got a 680 on the Barron’s Diagnostic Test. (I’m freaking out a little bit). I know I am starting my prep a bit late, but there are reasons for that. Nevertheless, there were some stuff that I didn’t remember (probability, etc) so I omitted about 10 questions. If I go back and relearn these sections, will I be able to score that perfect 800? And usually, how generous is the curve? What raw score would “guarantee” a 800? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated
Thanks!!
From what I’ve heard, the Barron tests are quite a bit harder than the actual test; I’ve seen a number of threads on here where people scored 650+ on practice tests and then got an 800. But I’m also curious to hear the other responses (and maybe some will be less optimistic), since I just took the diagnostic test as well.
I’m also an apprehensive test taker (and also just started studying 2 days ago, don’t worry haha procrastination power). I agree with what Martial1 said; general consensus is Barron’s is a bit more difficult. However, I wouldn’t count on any Barron’s sub-700 score to get an 800. (With 680, it’s possible, even probable, but if you really want to “guarantee” a perfect, I’d try and get that up to a 700.) Since you’re probably just a bit rusty on topics (after all, the content aligns closely with school courses), a review of topics you missed will work wonders for your score, no doubt. I think you’re pretty safe. Just do a quick look-over and it should come flooding back. Let me just add, however, as a diagnostic score, 680 is great! I truly believe you will get an 800 with a little bit of prep.
It’s also probably a good idea to take practice tests other than Barron’s. Naturally the most accurate tests are from College Board’s math 1/2 book. If you already have that, awesome! But if you don’t, it’s a bit late to order online; I suggest you check the local libraries to see if they have a copy. (What I do for everything, just because I’m cheap and not about to give even more money to CB :)) )
For raw score, generally a 44 is the curve for an 800. I think if you consistently have raw of 46-7, you’re guaranteed an 800. (The 2 CB tests in their official book have curves of 44 and 43, if that’s any indication.)
That being said, anything 750+ is a great score that reflects a strong math background. Don’t be too worried about a perfect score. Seriously, confidence alone will boost your score quite a bit, so take some time to relax and enjoy life, before you’re stuck taking the actual test for a nerve-racking hour.
Good luck!
-A fellow tester
@PeregrineFlute Thanks for the great input! I really needed to hear this for reassurance. I hope we both get 800s!!
@PeregrineFlute which CB book have 2 tests, the book my son did got 1 test of all subjects. He is doing good on barron’s test, planning to take 1 final test on this Thursday, can you suggest the book with the test very near to the real test. Thanks.
The Official SAT Subject Tests in Mathematics Levels 1 & 2 has two tests for each subject. (There is also book for world and US history.) Unfortunately, one of the two practice exams for each subject is the same exam printed in the larger Official guide.
@clichescreenname I hope so too! (Here’s hoping all the math cramming this week didn’t push out all the chem info from last week @-) )
Yes, HodgesSchool named the correct book. I will add that if you have the Barron’s book, you are more than equipped for the test material; the official book just gives an accurate representation of what your score will be. But, I stress, the content is covered thoroughly by Barron’s, and test questions mimic official questions, although often with an extra layer of depth.
For others’ reference, I scored 800 on both the official SAT tests, and my highest Barron’s score was a 730. (I took a total of 4 practice tests (2 Barron’s 2 official) all today [<-- don’t procrastinate kids] and on Barron’s I got 730 and 710). The official tests were far easier, and I finished with over 20 extra minutes on one test. As I said above, Barron’s just adds more complexity to the problems, testing understanding, so if you know Barron’s you’ll nail official.
To anyone still studying, make sure you get some sleep! The past 4 Barron’s tests before today, I was consistently in the 600s and could not break 700. Besides that, on at least 3 tests I didn’t even finish the test. But yesterday I had a good workout (physical) and got a solid 9 hours of sleep, and my performance dramatically improved for today. Not only does maintaining healthy habits improve your immediate performance, it helps you absorb information/focus better, and just overall is so vital to doing your best. Alright, I’ll stop nagging, but I mean what I say.
T-minus 2 days
I’m procrastudying here as well. Do colleges see al of our subject test scores whether we like it or not?
Add 100 to your Barron’s score and that should be where your actually score should approximately lie.