<p>I'm not going to lie. I'm not the smartest in the bunch, but I think that I've really ended up screwing myself with some of my test scores. </p>
<p>Scores:
First SAT 1: 620 Reading 690 Math 640 Writing
Second SAT 1: 630 Reading 600 Math 590 Writing
Math 1: First 590, Second 630, Third 630
Math 2: 630</p>
<p>I look at my scores and compare them to my friends and I'm really starting to get worried. I know that they don't know more than me nor are they smarter then me, but there test scores are just so much better! I need help! What can I do to boost my test scores come Application time this fall?</p>
<p>Do you think I could call in on my prep book's higher score guarantee? I've used Kaplan and Princeton Review both between my first and second SAT 1 and as you can clearly see... My scores died.</p>
<p>Or if you have time, you can look up your choice colleges' SAT policies. Some colleges (i.e Duke) will let you list your highest scores by section, so that you don't have to necessarily put down all the scores from one session. That way you can afford to maybe do the SAT over once or twice before your app is due and maybe focus on one section at a time so you can get higher scores in that section. </p>
<p>Beware though, colleges will see all your test scores and how many times you've taken the SAT if you are required to submit an official score report, so if you take too many it could hurt you.</p>
<p>I've held this view for a long time: doing well on the SAT isn't a matter of smartness or skill at math and reading; it's a matter of skill at taking the SAT. Prep books will help you, if only because they contain practice tests that will help you get accustomed to the format of the test and the style of the questions.</p>
<p>If you retake the SAT I again and get a poor result, I would hesitate to take it again. Retaking it too many times smacks of desperation to most adcoms.</p>
<p>Do you have any idea why you're not doing so well? Do you get nervous during tests? Do you find yourself running out of time? Figuring this out might help you target the problem better.</p>
<p>I'll offer two bits of advice, one new and one that's been said already.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>First, stop comparing your scores to your friends'. Unless you're the kind of person who needs a pace-setter to perform to your full potential, it's not going to do you any good, and it'll probably just hurt you by stressing you out more. Do your best, not anyone else's.</p></li>
<li><p>Always keep in mind that, as ThinkDifferent said, skill on the SAT is a skill in and of itself; it is somewhat different from skill at math, reading, writing, or even general intelligence. General intelligence, sadly, is difficult to test objectively. Hopefully your college essays will show your writing skills. I'm not sure about reading. And if you want to test your math skills more accurately, start by taking the AMC (and I can give you lots of recommendations from there if it's up your alley).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Anyway, my main point is, don't stress out too much. It's just a lousy test.</p>
<p>seriously give the ACT a try, because a lot of people who dont do well on the SAT can do well on the ACT...its probably not worth your time to take a prep class now...but just practice the kinds of questions you keep missing...</p>