Getting a ~2300 up to a 2400?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>Hi there, I'm a rising junior, and I've just begun studying for the SATs. So far, I've done part of a BB test (#7). I've completed 1 CR section, all W sections except for the essay, and 1 M section (I've yet to completely finish the test because I am following my summer prep class' schedule). I had 1 wrong on the CR (23/24), 1 wrong on the W (48/49), and 0 wrong in math (18/18). Assuming my essay ends up being a 10 and my M and CR scores are consistent throughout (I'm a particularly strong and anal math student; I likely won't mess this up) Then my score ends up being, give or take a few points, 800 in math, 780 in critical reading, and 800 in writing; 2380 overall. </p>

<p>Obviously, I would be ecstatic with that score on the real test (hell, just a year and a half ago the CR and W sections seemed impossible to me), but I have a few big concerns: 1) Inconsistency in the CR section (perhaps a difficult passage, or some esoteric vocabulary words) and 2) The possibility of an obscure essay topic (although I'm guessing my essay will be a 10, who truly knows?). Essentially, I would not be surprised if, after completing the rest of this test, my score drops to ~2300, which I would be quite happy with, but at the same time, I know I'm probably capable of higher (or am I?).</p>

<p>I do have, at the very least, 6 months before I take the SAT, and I plan to enroll in a local SAT course during the school year if necessary (I know of several students from my HS who earned very high scores after taking this course; I do not doubt its validity). Basically, is it possible to work my way up to the 2370-2400 range on a consistent basis, assuming that I put in the appropriate amount of effort? Or is that range usually naturally acquired? I want to set myself a lofty goal but at the same time I want to be realistic; if most people struggle to improve from the ~2300 range, I don't want to think that I should be able to reach the 2370-2400 plateau. Any body ever face a similar situation? If so, what were your original practice tests scores, and by how much did you improve on the real SAT (or did you remain stagnant/degress)?</p>

2

<p>If you’re doing that well on your first BB test, you’re in great shape. I got a 2400 (on my second try) after scoring ~2250 on my first couple BB tests.</p>

<p>I struggled with inconsistency in CR at first as well, but after taking enough practice tests I learned how to handle all the various types of passages.</p>

<p>Once you get into the 2300 range, it’s mostly about taking practice tests and reviewing them.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the tips…Any advice on the essay?</p>

4

<p>IMO the best way to learn to write well is to read good literature and pay careful attention to how the authors convey their meaning and make the impression on the reader they want to make. The Elements of Style by Strunk and White is a great guide to writing.</p>

<p>To prepare, come up with some examples that you can mold to a variety of topics and do some practice essays to get used to the timing. Make sure you fill up both pages.</p>

<p>I never used the method in the “10 days” thread, but it’s frequently recommended by CCers.</p>