So last year I took a SAT prep class at my high school and after taking countless SAT practice tests I was scoring in the 1600-1700 range. When I first took my SAT in May I scored a 1710 and after much stuying in June I scored a 1690 (the sections deleted I believe effected this score). I plan on taking the SAT again next week and have been studying for it for awhile (Using another collegeboard book and practice SATs), however my scores are not getting better. In fact they are getting WORSE! My parents want me to be scoring higher and I’m at my wits end with this test and I don’t know where to turn too. Is there anything I can do?
Taking test after test isn’t gong to help you. Analyzing your results and figuring out if you are making systematic errors will be more helpful. You might want to have someone familiar with the test look over the practice tests you’ve done-most carefully at the questions you get wrong-to see if there is a pattern to them.
I have been doing that but it’s not been helping, I just go back and make mistakes where I previously was doing well…
Maybe the ACT is your strength?
adding on to @ohiopop
My ACT score was much better than SAT, so maybe try the ACT
I’ve already tried taking ACT practices tests and they were worse than my SAT. Everything else for my college applications looks great (4.0 gpa, sports, tons of extracurriculars, Eagle Scout, etc.) but I’m just not sure on what I should do with my SAT because it just seems my scores have plateaued at the low 1700’s. Ive talked to teachers and guidance counselors but none of the tips and tricks have worked. I don’t know where to go at this point and really feel demotivated that I haven’t been able to improve.
Well, the possibilities are: 1) you have a test anxiety; 2) you are not preparing the correct way; 3) your foundation is not as strong as you think, therefore, no amount of retaking will improve your schools once you have achieved your “ceiling”; 4) you could have a learning disability and require a longer test time.
Obviously there are solutions to some of these: have a life coach/psychiatrist/psychologist; get a different tutor who understands you and your learning style; or get tested for a learning disability. If none of these work, then maybe that’s really about it, and you can focus on schools that do not require standardized testing. There are some really good schools that don’t care for standardized testing that much.
Good luck to you!