<p>My goal is 2000+, and for this test I had set my expectations at 1800 (which is still way too low for me), so I was really disappointed... I know I have a lot more preparation to do but I was wondering- how realistic is 2000+ for me? I'm a bit weak in mathematics, but I expect to do much better on the reading next time. I'll also be taking the ACT until I get 30+, but I have yet to see how well I'll do on that.
Since I wasn't really prepared for the SAT I'm thinking that I can do much, much better but I'm not sure, so- thoughts?</p>
<p>It is definitely possible… I went from a 1950 to a 2260 which is about the point jump you are looking for. I didn’t do any specific SAT prep but I did read a LoT of books in between the two sittings. Mainly dickens and various classic novels.</p>
<p>Of course you can do much better. But I really suggest a very thought out plan to prepare. If you’re just going to do a few BB tests here and there and expect to improve, then you may or may not get the results you want. Not sure how much time you’re giving yourself to prepare, but if you only have a short period of time, around a month, then focus on math and writing because those two can go up faster than reading. If you’re good at rote memorization, then also memorize vocab to boost your score a quick 50 to 100 for the reading. </p>
<p>For both math and writing, because it’s rules and concepts, which can be applied universally to any question once you master them, you can improve a lot faster. There are a ton of good resources online to get you familiar with all the rules you’ll need for those sections. So start there and then proceed to practice with different books.</p>
<p>First of all, if your goal was 1800 and you did not prepare and still earned a 1780, you shouldn’t be disappointed. You should be motivated. You had a target, but you did nothing to prepare yourself, and you practically hit your target. Good job.</p>
<p>Because you have >500 on all three subjects, you are have intellectual ability to do these problems, you just don’t have the prep for it. The may test is soon, of course, but you should set up a 6-week study plan for the June exam and just dominate it.</p>
<p>Ideally, you’ll master backsolving and plugging in for the math, then make sure you understand the most common errors on the math questions. You do that by either prepping, reading those books, or finding patterns as you work through the blue book.</p>
<p>For the essay and the grammar, splitting time between practice and review the big 6 rules (i spelled that rools three times until I realized i was being foolish!) will get you a higher score. Make sure you go beyond the 2/3 split and the POE. You really need to understand the grammar. The ETS likes to test comparisons, modifiers, and s/v agreement more often than not. Comparisons tend to screw with kids because it psychs you out. </p>
<p>For the reading, spend some time on the vocab, of course, but spend much more time learning about mapping, paraphrasing, and speed reading. </p>