<p>I'm currently a sophomore in high school, and for the PSAT this year I received an 1830: 62 reading, 54 math, and 67 writing. When I got my scores back, I just sat there and felt miserable for hours. This is because last year, as a freshman, I got an 1820: 60 reading, 57 math, 65 writing. So I feel like I didn't improve at all, even though I tried my hardest.</p>
<p>Right now I'm going to memorize ten SAT vocabulary words a week for the reading section, I'm going to get some extra help from my math teachers for the math section, and I plan to read a lot to improve my grammar for the writing section. I'm using Princeton Review to practice all the sections.</p>
<p>Is there anything else I should do? I want to improve my scores to 2100+ next year (I know it's a long shot), but I feel so discouraged after my abysmal performance on this year's PSAT.</p>
<p>Immerse yourself in CC’s forums. Read through stickied threads and follow the advice given. In a nutshell, buy College Board’s Official Guide (what CCers call the Blue Book), buy Direct Hits Volumes 1 and 2 (for vocab), and read through the various guides in these forums (Silverturtle, AcademicHacker, etc.). And of course, post any questions you have. </p>
<p>I credit this site for getting me from a 218 sophomore PSAT to a 236/2400 junior PSAT/SAT.</p>
<p>Critical Reading - practice tests from BlueBook, Direct Hits Volume 1 & Volume 2, and read periodicals like The New York Times</p>
<p>Mathematics - practice tests from BlueBook, use Gruber’s SAT Math Guide, and look at the SAT Prep forums 1-2x a day because many people post the most difficult questions from BlueBook and other prep books. Not only will you be exposed to the hardest math questions, but posters like myself tend to give in-depth solutions on how to solve these problems.</p>
<p>Writing - practice test from BlueBook, silverturtle’s SAT Grammar rules, and AcademicHacker’s essay guide</p>
<p>Don’t beat yourself up >.< You have more than enough time to improve. And to go from a 183 to 210+ in a year is more than possible.</p>
<p>I went from a 185 last year, as a sophomore to a 224 this year, as a junior. </p>
<p>Just practice…A LOT. Starting from May of 2010 to October 2010, I did a practice test every single week. I recommend the BlueBook :] and if possible, try to get ahold of real PSATs of years past from older friends.</p>
<p>Practice makes perfect, so perfect your practice! Andd…learn from mistakes. I know it’s cliche, but know why the wrongs were made so the mistakes won’t be made twice.</p>
<p>And most importantly, even though your next PSAT testing date may be a bit far off, keep yourself in good health during the week of and on the day of the test. :]</p>
<p>I went from an 1840 to a 2270 following the advice above. It seriously can be done but you are going to have to work for it. I’ve probably taken 20+ practice SAT’s to increase my scores. It’s all about practice and exposure.</p>