Okay, so I am a current sophomore and have taken the PSAT and got a 1230. A lot of my classamates scored higher but that is besides the point. I am most probably taking the SAT in August and already started prep for it with my diagnostic matching my PSAT at 1230. With 3 months+ months of preparation and a commitment to studying, what are my chances of getting a 1400+? My end goal is anything about a 1500, but I could settle for a 1450+. I will also be taking the school day SAT next April if I don’t do so hot on the one in August.
Okay, so first of all a 1230 is a perfectly good PSAT score - I’m a current sophomore and I’ve seen a lot of scores in the 1000’s at my school (still decent scores!), so you’re above average. If you weren’t super familiar with the SAT at the time of the PSAT, you should see some big increases in the beginning as you get more used to it. Also, if you’re taking Algebra 2 or Geometry, your math knowledge will have improved, which will be really helpful on the SAT. (If you aren’t in Alg2, I might wait until later in your junior year to take the SAT). Math is generally easier to improve than EBRW, but both can be improved! Khan Academy is great for math, and I’ve heard that Erica Meltzer’s EBRW books are really helpful. Did you miss questions because of content weaknesses, timing, or just silly mistakes? Those types of questions should help you improve.
It’s totally possible to improve - I went up 100 points from my PSAT this fall to SAT Practice Test #1 this winter.
I am actually doing a online prep course with Princeton and I am taking Alg 2 and I didn’t study for the PSAT, I just looked at 1 strategy video on it and the only thing I got out of it was that the PSAT and SAT are scoring on your accuracy of answers NOT reading the passage, haha! But, I will be taking it in August 2018 and have aimed at a 1400 or above and if I get to my goal of about a 1500 then I’ll stop there but if not I will strive for that. I actually prefer the EBRW because it actually is easier for me.
Just keep cranking away at those practice tests. Focus on the questions you get wrong. Be sure to take practice exams (or half exams) in test-day conditions every other weekend. You have plenty of time. Hit is hard over the summer. You can do this.
Thanks! I’m now realizing that I do believe in myself, it is just that I am seeking others’ approval for it, but why can’t I just do it? Anyways, I guess I am closing out this thread by saying I can get whatever score I aspire to (prob not 1600 though) because I believe in myself and am determined to focus in the three months+ I have in front of me. Thanks to all that replied!