<p>I've done about 6-7 BB math tests, and basically, my scores haven't left the range of 550-660, ever. I know for a fact that compared to my first couple tests, my SAT knowledge has expanded and I know how to tackle problems in a time-efficient manner (first 3ish tests were untimed, last 3 were 3 min. less than the allotted time per section for rough practice). </p>
<p>Literally, no improvement score-wise (my most recent practice test was actually 70 points lower than my first test). Before I waste any more time/resources, should I abandon the SAT altogether and jump to the ACT? </p>
<p>More and more practice. There is no such thing as ‘never improving’. There is ALWAYS room for improvement. Just practice more, dedicate yourself, and learn from your mistakes so you don’t make them again.</p>
<p>The answer to your question is both yes and no. Your maximum score is limited by your mathematical maturity. Given your current level of mathematical maturity you can maximize your score by learning all the SAT specific math strategies, and practicing implementing them. Everyone has their own personal maximum (for some it might already be 800, for others it may be 600). Once you attain this maximum, the only way to increase your score further is to increase your level of mathematical maturity.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies guys, I really appreciate it in an honestly frustrating situation.</p>
<p>
I’m posting this because after chanting this ‘mantra’ for a couple months straight, I haven’t seen much of an improvement at all… Although I realize there’s still many practice tests out there for me to take.</p>
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Right now, it’s mainly reading over something incorrectly, messing something up somehow in calculations, or the occasional ‘*** is this asking’.
I’m well aware these can be easily cured, but the fact they haven’t yet scares me… In paranoia I already bought Chung’s, the worst written book with ill explained vital tips.</p>
<p>It’s hard to believe that you can’t master SAT math. You’re doing one of two things wrong bro. You’re either not practicing enough, or you’re not practicing properly. Practicing properly means contemplating your mistakes so thoroughly, that you actually gain something. Most people don’t understand what practice means. First definition that comes to mind: “Doing something over and over again until you master it”. True, in some essence, but in another, wrong. You have to really…REALLY learn from the mistakes you made. Ask yourself “Why did I make this mistake?”, if the answer is lack of knowledge, then go back to whatever prep. book you use to study and review the related section meticulously. If the answer is misunderstanding the question, then review the question painstakingly, and check which part of the question you failed to comprehend, and take note of it. Why? So next time, when the same phrasing pops up on the exam, you actually have experience with it, and solve it with relative ease. Do you get where I’m going at with this?</p>
<p>If you practice in the exact same way I defined it, then you can never plateau. However, it takes different levels of effort for different people to reach the perfect score. Some people (probably future prominent mathematicians) ace the SAT math section on the first diagnostic test. Others take quite some time of practicing to reach the perfect score. And it takes others a huge amount of effort to accomplish it. But that’s the beauty of SAT math, you see? Or math in general that is. The beauty is, that it can be mastered. Anyone, on any level of intelligence, with the proper amount of effort can do it.</p>
<p>lol. I’m asian and my SAT math score is 680s :P</p>
<p>And I don’t think they eventually “peak”. With practice, pretty sure you won’t. THough I haven’t tried, I did practice a lot with CR and writing and it both increase more than 100 points.</p>
<p>Dont just do practice tests. You should do a review section in a prep book and find out where you are losing the most points, and focus on that. Then measure how you have improved by taking practice tests every once in a while.</p>
<p>I’ve gone through most of Gruber’s, and some of Chang’s. I’m certain I have the know-how to ace the SAT math (and CR/W), I just block myself from doing so.
Most of my mistakes are the last couple, though often, I’ll ace the last 15 questions and get like 3/5 on the first fourth of the section.
I keep making reading/clumsy mistakes that screw me over (out of the ~9 I get wrong on a math test, 5-7 are like ‘wow it was x + y not x times y’). Even with concentration and practice, nada. That coupled with frustration leads me to believe I’ve plateaued myself. I just can’t ‘not make careless mistakes’ like that, it’s been an issue since the day I entered school.</p>