<p>Hi all,
Last year i took the PSATs (as a sophomore), and i got a 76 on the math, which kinda sucked since I only missed 2(And I kicked myself once I saw how stupid the mistakes were!).</p>
<p>Then I took a couple of practice SATs. On those I got a pretty wide range of scores, from 600 or so to a perfect 800. So then I took the actual SATs and ended up with a stupid 650 :(. I honestly don't know whats going on and I pretty much need to shape up within 2 months since I'm shooting for a perfect math (at least) on the PSATs - since the curve is so freakin brutal I need to make sure I don't make any more mistakes this time. Does anyone have any idea what's making me mess up? I think I may need to brush up on some Algebra 2 concepts again - does anyone have a list of Alg. 2 concepts that the PSAT goes over? The only one that I can think of that really killed me was combinations :( - any resources? Thanks.</p>
<p>Hm... your scores really do fluctuate.
Since u have the potential to get 800, you may need to work on your concentration skills. Why do u get most of your questions wrong? Is it because you don't know how to do them, or is it because you keep making stupid mistakes? Figure out what your weaknesses are.</p>
<p>Well, its a bit of both (stupid mistakes/lack of knowledge). </p>
<p>I took Algebra 2 a loooong time ago (and it was self-studied), so I've managed to forget a good deal of it (especially with summer and all). I think that may be my weak spot, but I don't know... I'm mainly just looking for something to brush up on those skills. I guess I'll need an SAT math prep book <em>laugh.</em> Does anyone know of a good SAT math prep book? Perhaps someone has a list of Alg 2 topics covered on the SAT?</p>
<p>Also, speed might be a problem too, I'm generally used to just working out problems as I go - without much prep work, so sometimes I take a bit longer on problems...</p>
<p>I mean, its kind of frustrating doing so poorly when I know I can perform better (I don't mean to be arrogant or anything). Not to brag, but I've been good at math all my life. I've scored in the 99%ile on math on just about every standardized test I've ever taken, and I self studied Alg. 2 back in 8th grade :(. So I mean, I think I have the potential to get a perfect - and I have before (too bad they were on practice ones :(, haha).</p>
<p>Edit: on the original topic, i think I only missed one on the math.</p>
<p>Well, first of all, the obvious thing to do is to take the problems that you got wrong, look up the answers and learning how they did it. Secondly, I would look for easier ways to do it, generally books like PR give you ways that take way longer than is needed and saving a few seconds off of many problems will buy you time (If time is an issue).</p>
<p>I feel for you...
I got a 710 on the PSAT for Writing
I took my first Practice test and got a 680
I took my second and got an 800
Then I took the real test and got a 780, but since my Math (600) and Verbal (680) scores sucked, I took the test again...
Surprise, Surprise....
I got a 740 Verbal, 600 Math :( and a 650 Writing!
***!?!?!!?</p>
<p>I think you're overthinking the questions.
Try to relax and make sure that you leave your worries behind.
My scores are unfortunate because I have to look for schools that do combined scoring...:( </p>
<p>My Math score doesn't budge, so I don't think I'll give it another go...
that leaves me at 780, 740, 600...</p>
<p>I understood 100% of the questions on the PSAT, I made 1 stupid mistake :(. However, on the SATs I find I'm having a bit of a problem with the Alg. 2 material. Also, I don't get the questions back on the SATs :(. However, I got the scores back and it showed me which questions I missed. I missed alot of the "hard questions," which was rather unexpected... Is there any way to work on that?</p>