<p>Helllooo. :)
So, basically, I need 10 more points on my SAT and I'll be just fine.
My highest scores right now are:
- Math: 580
- Critical Reading: 610
- Writing: 650</p>
<p>From what I can tell on this forum, those are pretty low. :/ But, honestly, If I can just get a 1200 CR+M, I'll be completely happy. In my state, that's enough to get a full ride to both of my top college choices.</p>
<p>My problem is, before my September SAT, I took 1-on-1 math tutoring, felt completely confident in my scores, and only got 10 points higher than before. :( So, now, I feel kind of lost. I was using Princeton Review before, but now I have McGraw-Hill, and I did a practice test today to find that I only got 1160 CR+M after hours more of studying. How can I raise these scores just 10 points higher? I'm taking it in December and I can't afford to miss out on the scholarships (deadline is in January).</p>
<ul>
<li><p>No, I’m not good at all at the math. 
I choke up really easily… I’ve always had A’s in math, so this is pretty frustrating.</p></li>
<li><p>It really just depends. MOST of the time I’m done before time is called, but in a couple of sections per test, I won’t finish.</p></li>
<li><p>I pretty much know my formulas.</p></li>
<li><p>I do the plugging in answers, but what is ballparking? And I’ve also never stopped doing the questions… I usually just go to the end, but skip the last one or two if I have no idea.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Math (or math comprehension) is tricky in how the questions are phrased. Make sure you understand what the question is asking for before doing any math. That, in my opinion, is the hardest part of the math section. When possible, draw figures to help you visualize the problem. If you’re an A student in your math classes, you probably are capable of doing every problem and do not need to ballpark once you understand the question. But if you have to skip questions, the last 2-3 questions of each section is the hardest, and you can skip them if you really have no idea how to do them. Personally, I find it easiest to rush through all the problems so I get them done, and then double check the ones I might have made stupid mistakes on. However, as Harvard said, take some more practice tests to see what method works for you. Good luck with your endeavor ;)</p>
<p>I think your’re like me, in that, you find the logic problems the hardest. The problems that relate more to the kind of schoolwork you did are easier. You have to concentrate harder, as you would in critical reading, because sometimes a problem that looks complicated can be solved easily.</p>
<p>finish all the math questions in the BB and check your wrongs so meticulously so that if you were to retake it, you would get every question right. This is very important. And taking those 10 practice tests will let you see every type of math question that will come up on the test and you’ll know how to solve it. </p>
<p>In the practice test the question will ask how many bananas, but in the SAT the question will ask you how many apples… you’ll be familiar with every type of question.</p>
<p>I went from a 580 to an 800. Solve a lot of questions and comprehend them.</p>
<p>Alrighty… I’m definitely taking all of your suggestions into mind here. Thanks to everyone. :)</p>
<p>And oblivi0n, that makes me feel a lot better because now I know it’s possible lol.</p>
<p>It sounds like you’ve been killing yourself over the math, and not making much progress. Normally, I would tell people to focus their efforts on the math since that’s the section that’s usually easier to improve. BUT, in your case, you’ve been doing that and it’s not getting you anywhere. So, have you considered throwing your efforts into critical reading instead? Maybe that’s where your points can come from. It’s already a stronger section for you, so perhaps you should hone your skills on the passages or hit some vocabulary. Have you analyzed what questions are tripping you up on the CR?</p>
<p>All of the above is just a thought, and like I said math is usually easier to improve. What I definitely would suggest is picking either math or reading and doing nothing but that till test day since you don’t have that much time. Lots of luck to you!</p>