Hey everyone! I am a tenth grader, and I wanted to get my sats over with in my sophomore year, so the only main tests I would have to worry about in junior year is the psat for national merit, and my AP tests. I took a practice test, and I scored a low 1310, with a 700 in math, and 610 in reading+writing. I didn’t write the essay yet, I did no studying whatsoever for this test, and I couldn’t focus half the time. I also finished each section with about 15 minutes to spare for each, and I didn’t bother to check. So if I did study and focus and check, what will my chances of getting a 1600 on the sat come January 21 be?
I do know that a 1600 is a high goal for a 10th grader, but I want to get into Stanford, and I want to focus on my extracurriculars and grades in junior year rather than worry about the sat.
I took the SAT this last Saturday. I am also a tenth grader. I recommend you bide your time, practice, and just take the hit one weekend next year.
While I totally sympathize with just wanting it done, you’ll be way more prepared- no-checks, no focus, etc. aside. Besides, a 1600 can only do you so much good…
Besides, this experience has shown me that (if nothing else) taking the SAT is surprisingly nonchalant. It’s just one Saturday afternoon.
What are your chances of getting 1600? Nobody knows except you. Actually focus. Do more practice tests. After you’ve done all 6, do them again and find more practice tests to do. Instead of asking us your chances of getting an 1600, go work on raising those chances.
For all of us who are not geniuses, getting a 1600 takes blood sweat and tears. To view it in perspective, one person on here said “oh it wasn’t that bad, I just took a 3 hr practice test everyday for a month before the test, while correcting and reviewing my mistakes”.
I took the SAT last Saturday as well, and let’s say that I regret only doing 9 practice tests. I know of one question that I seem to have made a mistake. Which will likely cost me 10-20 points off the writing section. Like you, 1600 was (maybe still is) a goal of mine. So if you are willing to stick to this lofty goal, be prepared to work for it confidently. Good job getting started in 10th grade. Get that 1600 man!
The thing with taking practice tests this early is chances are you havent peaked yet so your score may not be as high as if you were a junior and by the time you get to junior year you will have burned through all the available practice tests. I recommend you do what i did: Start preparing a little during winter break and then around March start studying seriously and take the June SAT. If you are not happy with you score keep studyign during the summer and take it after winter break. That way you can focus all of your break on SAT and not have to worry about other homework.
Hispanic / Black / Native American: High 1400
White: Low 1500
Asian: Low 1500 to Mid 1500
Now I don’t know the old to new conversions, but generally Asians have to score 200 points better than Blacks (on the old scale). It’s a trend, not solid fact.
Remember also that the SAT is a 3 hour window into your academic background, while your grades, GPA, and course rigor show 3 years. The SAT is only a number that helps the college look better. There is no definite minimum requirement to be considered (and accepted) for Stanford.
^Unless you can throw a football 80 yards or your artwork is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or you helped invent the newest flu vaccine, I’m pretty sure SAT 900 or 1000 is not getting you into Stanford.
Yes, the SAT is a “3 hour window into your academic background,” but it’s still a really big window.
I agree with Marvin’s prediction!
Don’t put a deadline on getting a top score, or you’ll drive yourself crazy. With you current scores, you’re probably going to take the test several more times, and if you burn yourself out now, you’ll actually dim your chances of getting a 1600.
The other important factor to remember is that getting a 1600/National Merit/etc. is not at all a predictor of success either in college or in life. Also, there are many other great universities other than Stanford where you can get a top-notch education that will prepare you for a future career. Take a deep breath. It’s good to have a goal, but getting a 1600 (or a 36 ACT) takes lots of skill… and some luck as well.
“I am a tenth grader, and I wanted to get my sats over with in my sophomore year, so the only main tests I would have to worry about in junior year is the psat for national merit, and my AP tests.”
While this is a not bad and proactive strategy, you should add at least another SAT exam in Fall of Junior year (maybe October, right before the PSAT). That way you can study again over that previous summer and more importantly read a variety of classics novels and non fiction which will help you on the CR portion of the SAT.
Reading a variety of classic novels and non-fiction will make you a better reader. It will also make you a better writer and more worldly, etc. It will even help you on standardized tests. However, it is far from the most efficient way to improve standardized test scores.
“However, it is far from the most efficient way to improve standardized test scores.”
Of course it’s not. I recommended reading more as a complement to SAT studying, not a substitute! In addition it has the added benefits that you highlighted.
it’s extremely difficult to score a 1600. don’t expect to get it even if you aim for it, but that being said, that doesn’t mean to not give up on it. just don’t be disappointed if you don’t get it.
@londondad - first you say how important it is to rad classic novels and non-fiction and then act as though its obvious that its not an efficient way to prep for the SAT. Seems a little disingenuous to me.
For others, if you are planning on talking the SAT soon and want to maximize your score and/or target a perfect score - focus on efficient prep! Learn the material, take official practice tests and review those tests extremely thoroughly. Keep your eyes open for patterns and try to actually learn the test from the perspective of the test writer if possible,
@CHD2013 Disingenuous? If you had read the OP’s initial comment, he/she is only a sophomore and is looking to design a long term strategy for standardised tests. Therefore reading classic novels and other great books (Jane Austen, Hawthorne, Sinclair, Rand, etc) over the next 15 months is win/win.
Also, for the OP, taking all of your SAT/ACTs sophomore year is a really bad idea. That was my initial point.
^I read the initial comment and stand by my observation. More importantly, I’m glad that we agree that reading classic novels is both an excellent use of time generally and an inefficient means of improving one’s SAT scores.
