<p>I started around 1900's in jul'2014......since then my score has improved tremendously....I've taken all the tests of Blue Book,some previous year question papers and Barrons prep. book...... my score improved gradually from 1900's to 2000's to 2200's now i'm stuck near 2280's (800 math;770+ writing.... but 650-700 in CR) MY CR SCORE IS NOT IMPROVING!!!!!!!!
:(( :(( :(( :(( :((<br>
I suck at long passages(particularly the paired ones) and I think I get confused between the thoughts and ideas of two authors of passages; btw.... I'm aiming for a perfect 2400
also I'm confused when to use for_____ and to_____ forms
thanks in advance, :) :) </p>
<p>Ok I really don’t have helpful advice but I’m in the same exact situation as you! I’ve finally cracked an 800 in math and writing (not in one test, but like generally I score high in math and writing) but critical reading makes me sad 
I can’t seem to get beyond a 700, and if I do, it’s very rarely. Based on your post and several that I’ve read, I’m sure this is a common problem.</p>
<p>From what I’ve noticed, there are a few kinds of SAT takers:
- The naturally strong math student–someone who gets high math scores, but constantly low critical reading and writing scores.
- The naturally strong english student–someone who gets high scores on the verbal section, but low math scores.
- The study hard student–someone who knows the test well, knows all the strategies, knows how to attack every kind of problem, but still can’t get that 2400, mostly because of a certain subject (which commonly seems to be critical reading).</p>
<p>Why am I telling you this? It’s because there are many types of thinkers in this world, and of those thinkers, many of them think similarly. The strong english students think in a similar way and approach problems similarly; likewise, the strong math student approaches math problems similarly. The way you and I think and approach problems are similar; that’s why we are getting similar scores and having trouble with just the critical reading section. So I’m guessing a good way to improve is to change the way we think. We need to approach problems in a way that a strong critical reader would approach, which we can find by looking at the answers and explanations for each practice test. If we train our brains to approach critical reading problems in a way that a strong critical reader would, then we’d ace the SAT. So instead of studying the test, study the answers. Study how the SAT explains how to get the answer so that you can train your brain to approach critical reading problems that way.</p>
<p>Sorry this was a weird answer, but I just want you to know that I’m going through the same problem as you, and I’m desperately trying to find a way to improve my score. Lately, I’ve been focusing more on the answer and explanations to problems, and my score seems to be slowly improving.</p>
<p>@jpmac13 ; thanks for taking so much pain in replying in such an elaborative way, 
I am a strong math student near always attaining perfect score in it, but not an strong english student, though i somehow managed to score good in writing section, I’ve already tried the answer explanation method you have listed above it has really helped me,but i’m still not able to cross 730 :’( … have a look at silverturtles sat guide, it will definitely improve your score and let me know if you come across any such guides </p>
<p>@applier2015 Ooo I’ll take a look at silverturtles’ guide. I heard it is really good. In what way did it help you?</p>
<p>@jpmac13 yep! it helped a lot in CR,give a look to Xiggi advice in cc; it also helped me a lot</p>
<p>I am also stuck with a much lower score (around 500-550) I have taken 4 of the tests in the blue book and haven’t improved at all ( not even by 10) I’m trying my best to use all the strategies suggested here and understand my problems, but it’s just not working. After how many tests did your score improve? is there any way that mine improves?</p>
<p>PS my goal is 600
PPS my main problem are the passages
PPPS English is my second language.</p>
<p>I had the exact same problem! My critical reading score about three weeks ago was about 630 on average, but then I bought the Barron’s critical reading book. I basically practiced everyday in that book for a week and then next week I got 720, then 750 the next, and this week 780. Try practicing in a critical reading workbook, it really helps!</p>
<p>@smilyowl I started around 600 and am around 680-730 I suggest you that firstly, grab a copy of Barron’s SAT book it will give you a nice concise introduction and general tips for cracking CR section;secondly try to practice more the practice tests in blue book ; the more you practice the more you will Improve; when you reach your threshold score then it is time to worry ( which ofcourse you didnt reach till now as you just began to practice)
cheers’</p>
<p>@kittycatyeah @applier2015 Thanks a lot guys. I was getting very disappointed about myself, but seriously your answers were so encouraging !! I don’t have school, so I’ll practice every dag until the test and work harder.</p>
<p>@applier2015 should I get the general Barron’s book for the SAT or the critical reading workbook?</p>
<p>You’re welcome! And I have both but I’d highly recommend just the critical reading book!</p>
<p>@smilyowl since you just started practicing, the most you need right now is the general Barron’s book for SAT, when you have a crisp hold of the type of questions and general grammar then it is time for CR workbooks, though I recommend blue book the most, see what @kittycatyeah says… when are you taking the SAT???</p>
<p>and THANKS!!! @kittycatyeah you are a savior !!! your advice seem to help me </p>
<p>@applier2015 I’m taking it in October, in less than 10 days.</p>
<p>@smilyowl I’m takin SAT in Oct’ too, are you an international applicant??? if you dont mind post your real name to be in touch…
cheers,</p>
<p>OK, calm down and look at your college list. Most superscore and use only M+CR. If your highest CR test is 700 then you have 1500 CR+M superscore and that’s an outstanding score. Unless you are trying to offset a less than stellar GPA, I would be happy with scores.</p>
<p>@scmom12 , firstly I’m an international student so I need good grades in order to get admission in good universities which offer generous scholarships, since my budget is very limited,
secondly my GPA is very low (3.6) so I need to get outstanding scores(probably 2350+)</p>