<p>I've prepped for the test for awhile. I've taken a bunch of practice test, all real SATs from BB or the past. But my real test score still comes out a lot lower than I expected, even a lot lower than my practice scores. Anyone else has trouble with this? I know this is only my first time taking the test, but it's still very disappointing and discouraging.</p>
<p>The one thing that you can't simulate on a practice test is to accept that it actually counts. Unless you have an electric shocker attached to you for every question you get wrong, then you'll be at a little ease taking practice tests, but you'll be very tense during the real test. The same thing happened to me as well, my scores were DEFINITELY much lower than I expected. A 670 on Math is good, but I was consitently scoring 700+ on blue book tests. When you did the practice tests, did you have a stop watch while sitting on a desk with the paper? If not, then it's not the same. I was taking some practice tests from the comfort of my bed using my homeclock as a timer, whichis no where near close to real test conditions. You've got time to prep, but teaching yourself to think outside the box ina limited amount of time is something that books can't teach you; they're innate.</p>
<p>Do you have the Princeton 11 Practice Test Review? I also took the January SAT and I must say that the test was awfully alot like the ones in the princeton book.</p>
<p>yes, this happens to me too, when i get nervous</p>
<p>there are so many of these threads, you're not alone =)</p>
<p>Sigh, it just really puts the pressure of testing in perspective.</p>
<p>anyone has any suggestion to this kind of situation? like how to prepare for test day and what not?</p>
<p>I got 750 plus on all my math practice tests (from BB), and then a 680 on the real thing.</p>
<p>I got all 700s on my CR practice tests (from BB), and then got an 800 on the real thing.</p>
<p>I got around 750s on my Writing practice tests (from BB), and then got a 750 on the real thing.</p>
<p>I must be weird.</p>
<p>Most people will tell you "you were nervous or something," but I've realized that the SAT takes a lot of luck. Getting lots of questions that would trip you up (for some reason) on a single test is entirely possible. This applies to anyone who can answer questions of all difficulties, but not ALL questions of all difficulties.</p>
<p>Don't worry about it SunPenguin, just take it again.</p>
<p>Just make sure you're in good shape on test day - get plenty of sleep so you can focus. Your practice scores are probably higher because you are less affected by nerves and more focused overall-which plays a huge difference.</p>
<p>Try to find a way to stop external thoughts of nervousness, etc from entering your head on test day. As soon as you start tearing through the sections, you'll forget that it's the actual SAT you're taking.</p>
<p>Good luck to you.</p>