Recently just received my SAT score of 1480. Not very happy as i was aiming for 1520+. I don’t understand how this happened. I prepped and did 4 full tests and was averaging a 1530 or so. When I go in to take the actual test I panic and question myself too much. I also spend way too much time looking over each question to make sure I did it right so I end up running out of time. I’m so stressed for future tests!! Any tips on relaxing during the exams and taking away pressure?
My parents are also extremely disappointed and won’t let me do anything until I get a better score.
Any tips would be appreciated.
Standardized tests are slightly timed, so most students will finish them. If you run out of time, you may not know the content securely or you are spending too much time on individual items. Your score is based on how many items were answered correctly without regard to the difficulty of any specific item.
Knowing that, move through the test quickly and answer, mark each item you can answer quickly and correctly. Verify that the answer is answered correctly at the item number. Don’t redo or check those item. They are done. Liking making a deposit In your bank account.
In the next step. Look at remaining items Don’t go back after you have verified the item number and your response. Your brain works even when you are engaged in answering another question. Answer them and don’t look back.
At the same time, look for items where you can eliminate two choices. Then you have an even (50-50) chance of answering correctly. Briefly think about both potential answers and decide why one is a better response. Tell yourself why one is better, no guessing. After a brief! time thinking, but mark your answer and move on. These responses could be reconsidered if time remains and you know why you want to review. If you have no idea, you skip the item or guess one choice. If time allows, check these items quickly to make sure you chose the answer you prefer.
There will be really difficult items left. Maybe your brain has given you an answer you can mark right away. There is no penalty for guessing, unless you are specifically told that. For example, having the opportunity to identify who developed the theory, I looked at the named eliminated any that included a name I knew. After eliminating that, I chose the name I liked best. No way to know if I got the point, but it was vaguely fun.
Test questions are straight forward so are not designed to trick you. Dont wonder what the question is, by answer the question asked. Read each question and answer it to yourself. Find your answer and mark it. Don’t waste time speculating. Instead look at only the realistic choices.
In sumary, the procedure involves using minimum time per item…total time divided by number of items. First wave involves answering all items that that you knew correct answer verify the answer and item number, and move on without further checking. Second wave, answer items when you can limit item choices to two. Consider your choices quickly with the decision resting on what you know about the area like names, dates, places, theories etc. Mark three items for further review if time permits and you are unsure of your choice. Change your answer only if you are really sure that you had initially marked the wrong choice. Use your brain and not some theory that the first choice.
Don’t overthink. The accuracy of items depends on research. There is absolutely no rationale for trickery or creativity! That simply doesn’t happen! If you are confused, read the item again carefully.
Your reading is a big part of the test. Be sure you can read quickly and accurately. Slow reading because you have to because of poor fluency skills or nerves such as thinking you will miss something eat up precious time. Practice skimming for getting a general idea of the text. Also, review items that test information will be in the text. You may even. Know the answer before reading the passage. Skim the text and mark into that answers questions. Look at a question and mark the correct answer. It’s up to you whether you skim for information by item number or locate the answer and correspond to the item.
Shake off nerves that slow you down. Deep breathing flexing fingers, eat a good breakfast, dress comfortably, have lots of sharpened pencils, pretty much ignoring the clock, whatever helps. If you finish early, check only answers you are sure you answered incorrectly. Otherwise, close your eyes, rest and breathe slowly and deeply.
After the test is over, force yourself not to think about it. There is absolutely no way you can change your score. Done and gone until the score report comes. Monitoring time usage, having a plan for answering questions quickly to get lots of points and ensuring that your reading skills are developed enough to read proficiency all help answering questions. Don’t let nerves, hunger, fatigue knock you off your vame.
Logistically, be sure to use your formal name, registration number, address, birthdate…It is totally amazing how many screw up identifying information.
I would recommend that you get more practice. At a certain point, everything will become second nature to you. Take advantage of the eight full practice tests in the College Board book.
IES test prep also publishes, in my opinion, the best practice materials for the reading and grammar sections.
Good luck on your future tests.
@incandescentpenguin First off, tell your parents to chill. Your score is well above average. However, if you want to improve to 1520+, here a few tips while taking the exam:
- Take a walk in the morning by YOURSELF and just think about what you want to achieve
- Bring some snacks and water for the breaks
- EAT BREAKFAST (don't wanna do a test on an empty stomach ;) )
- Just remember that this is just a test
- Skip questions you get stuck on and come back later. Chances are that you will have new insight on the question.
- Once in a while look away from your test for a few seconds to reboot your systems
These tips helped me achieve a 1570. I hope they can help you too!