<p>I am a rising junior and recently received my PLAN scores back hoping that they would be better than my PSAT's. They weren't (much) better.
Since I did pretty mediocre on both, I was wondering if you guys could provide me some input and direction as to which test to study for and study tips. </p>
<p>PSAT (October, 10th)
Composite: 148
CR 54, M 44, W 50</p>
<p>I had not completed a Geometry/Algebra II class when I took this, but since testing I completed a two-credit combined Algebra II/Geometry course in hopes of improving my scores. I will be completing precalc next year.</p>
<p>PLAN (April, 10th)
Composite: 22/32
ACT Projected: 23-27
E 22, M 21, R 21, S 23</p>
<p>These results are especially disheartening as I was hoping for a 2150 SAT or a 32 ACT.</p>
<p>One of my teachers said I should study for the SAT since its easier to improve your score, but I hated the PSAT.</p>
<p>Is the ACT that much different than the PLAN with timing? I didn't think the timing for the PLAN was that bad at all.</p>
<p>Which test should I study for? Any study suggestions?</p>
<p>TBH, I found the PSAT very difficult to score well on and got a significantly lower score than what my SAT was, since the curve is not nearly as good. Not having completed a Geometry or Algebra II class hurt you significantly, as that’s what a large part of the math section is based on. To study, just use the blue book for SAT and complete as many tests as you can (there are 10), studying what you are weak at in between. I found the blue book to have by far the most accurate SAT tests, and all my scores were within 100 of my actual score. As a reference, my PSAT score was 200 points off. Sorry, I can’t really comment about the PLAN since I never took it, but I did study for the ACT by using their practice book and scored very well on it. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>My ACT projection was 28-32 and I got a 34. So calm down. You’ll be fine. I didn’t do well on my PLAN and did okay on the PSAT, but I have been doing pretty awesome on the rest of my tests. Don’t take into consideration tests you take before the ACT. They are only PRACTICE, remember that. They can give you ideas about what you could get but you aren’t restricted to the scores that they predict.</p>
<p>Relax, those tests can’t predict anything if you weren’t prepared. At least now you know you need to review and do practice tests.</p>
<p>The PLAN test estimated that I would get 26 at the most; I got a 32 on the June ACT.</p>
<p>S is not a good test taker. His PLAN at the end of freshman year predicted the range of 21-25. His soph. PSAT was a 155. Not good, right?
Junior SAT - oct. 1730
Junior psat 191. (Will be commended for national achievement)
Junior. Act. (Feb). 28
Junior act. (April). 30</p>
<p>He completely self studied for each test except plan and first psat. Took full length timed practice tests and used barons between the two act tests. He is busy: sports captain, ap classes, works a job and lots of clubs for fun.
I know it isn’t the score you want but I wanted to show you the progress.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for all the words of hope!
I think I will have the easiest time preparing for the ACT.</p>
<p>How does the timing/pace compare with ACT vs PLAN?
Any specific study suggestions?</p>
<p>Don’t worry. I got about a 24 PLAN score and 195 on my PSAT. I was unhappy with both, but decided to study for the SAT because my PSAT score was slightly better. I studied for the SAT took it in May and got a 2050. I wasn’t too happy with this as I hoped for something in the 2200s, but I took the ACT on a whim in June with little to no studying and got a 34! The reason that I did so much better on the ACT than any other test is because I wasn’t nervous. I already had the 2050 SAT under my belt and the outcome of the test wasn’t so crucial. Therefore, I was able to stay calm, test well, and receive a good score. My friend did the same thing with two SATs. With barely any studying, she raised her score from a 2100 to a 2240 by treating the second test like it was fun. My suggestion to you is to take both multiple times and treat them like they’re fun. Getting rid of anxiety can help you test at your maximum potential.</p>
<p>Don’t let down your guard though. I’m sure there are plenty of stories in which people actually have their scores decrease from their actual scores. </p>
<p>Just study everyday for about 2 or 3 hours consistently and you’ll see massive improvement.</p>