How accurate is the BB practice tests?

<p>I am taking practice tests to prepare myself for the Dec 3 SAT. I recently took Practice Test #1 in the BB 2nd Edition. I tested under real testing conditions with almost the exact time (might have been a minute off on one of the sections). Regardless, I got CR 630,
M 770, W 590 (I gave myself a 9 on the essay because it was pretty decent). Combined: 1990. I am quite surprised. I have take the real SAT twice. </p>

<p>The 1st time (Oct 2010) I got: M 670, CR 510, W 560 with 9 on the essay, combined: 1740. The 2nd time (Oct 2011) I got: M 650, CR 520, W 500 with 8 on the essay, combined: 1670. </p>

<p>So, I was wondering if the Practice Test #1 is accurate or am I just getting my hopes up for no reason? Should I continue taking practice tests? </p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>Hi masterdebate,
Based on your scores I’d say that the inaccuracy lies mainly in the Math and Critical Reading sections. For practice tests, make sure you are strictly following the time limits. If you are doing a 20-minute section, allow yourself 20 minutes, no more.
Especially for mathematics, taking the test under time pressure in the real SAT is a totally different story than allowing yourself plenty of time doing a practice test at home with a cup of tea.
Sorry that I don’t have the BB practice tests myself. However, I would highly recommend the College Board online course. My scores for practice tests in OC was (twice) in the ±50 points of my real SAT score. In short, time limit is the key to produce an accurate result. If you have already been doing that, I’m sure you will do better in your next SAT.
All the best!</p>

<p>I have taken BB tests myself (under timed condition) for practice and got 2200+ every time, but on the real SAT got 1950. So I guess, although they represent real SAT type problems, you should always count with respectively lower score on your real SAT. Good luck with your prep!</p>

<p>My BB tests said 2400 every time; I only got 2140 on the real thing.</p>

<p>Thank you all for responding.
Wow, I see there is a huge margin between the actual test and the practice test. Nevertheless, sam2012 I agree with you. I am indeed allotting myself the exact time instructed per each section. In fact, it seems I am finishing the math section faster than usual (had 5 mins to kill). Perhaps, the tests are probably easy. Regardless, I think these tests better serve to increase one’s self esteem than predict an exact score. I am perfectly okay with going in to the test room thinking I did fairly well on the practice tests means I should do well on the real test. After all, confidence is also a factor to your score.</p>

<p>Hey guys</p>

<p>So I took Practice Test #2 and I got CR 550, M 710, W 600. Combined: 1860. I am not saying that is a great score however it is better than my actual scores. I probably sound really dumb but I am kind of terrible at standardized tests. Nevertheless, I have very good grades in school. Despite this, I feel ashamed of my performance; I think I am letting my parents down considering I am an Asian and I should be raping everything academically. But that is not the case. I mean I feel I should be able to keep consistent scores; but that is not happening here. Not to sound conceited or anything, but I feel I know all the math there is to know to get a 800 in math. However, I make many careless mistakes which end up costing me points. I know for sure that CR and W is my weakest considering that English is my second language.</p>

<p>LOL I am so sorry for weeping about how my life sucks and how my parents consider me failure…that is an irrelevant information</p>

<p>Anyways, back to the topic Do you think I should continue taking one practice test a day until Saturday or should I just call it quits?</p>