Of course the title is an exaggeration.
I have been prepping for the SAT since last summer. I have increased my score from the high 1200s to the low 1400s. My goal however is to consistently get 1450+, hopefully even 1500. However t seems as if my score has plateaued at 700-750 Math and 640-700 Verbal.
None of the tests I have taken have been official.
About a month ago I randomly decided to take a Barron’s practice ACT diagnostic test and I got a 30.
Math: 34
Reading: 32
English: 30
Science: 25
I am not surprised at my science scoring seeing how it was my first time and I had no idea on how to go about the questions.
So all in all, as a rising Junior, would you guys recommend me to shift my focus to the ACT or stay on the SA for a while?
I am hoping to finish my standardized testing before next summer and my goal is either 1450 or above SAT or 33 or above ACT.
Did you like the complete one entire section/topic before moving on like the ACT or do you like the back and forth switching between math and english like the SAT?
What colleges are you applying to and do they require reporting of all scores, do they superscore or only at look your highest sitting?
Did you have adequate time to finish both tests? Did you feel more fatigued while completing or after taking one or the other?
Are you thinking of a STEM major or liberal arts major?
I am applying to UT Dallas, I know I can get accepted but I am looking to get one of their full ride scholarships.
STEM Major
I really liked the Reading and Writing section on the ACT. Math I also did very well on but I think I lucked ot on that practice test because there was very basic geometry. Science was meh but that’s probably because I never practiced it before so I think could get good at that.
Critical Reading on SAT just KILLS me.
Writing and noncalc math I do well on and calc math is sometimes a challenge.
I finish everything on SAT on time but I could use more time for the Critical Reading.
For ACT since the critical reading section seems easier than the SAT I have enough time for that but I seem to be running out of time on science.
@highschoolguy Well if you’re running out of time on science, I can relate to that. Back when I was prepping a few months ago for science, time was always an issue. If you decide to study for ACT, which, I think you will do fine on once you prep for science, I recommend that you skim the science passages instead of reading them through. You don’t have enough time to read them, and most of the time you don’t need to.
Major science tip that boosted my score 8 points: The first time I took the test I tried to read everything! I figured out the best way to take the test is to simply go straight to the questions and then use the graphs and tables to find the answer. The only time you should read the passage is when it is the passage with hypotheses/opinions of people and you have to answer questions on them.