<p>I am considering whether to take the SAT a third time. All of my best scores came from my first sitting, though I was sick for my second sitting. </p>
<p>I got 1950 the first time. The breakdown is CR 750, Math 650 and writing 590. I somehow got a 9 for the essay so it was multiple choice that pulled me down. I have not touched any grammatical rules since I was 12 and cannot spot simple grammatical error at all. I should be able to improve in Math with practice. </p>
<p>I am free for the rest of the year till fall admission, and I am thinking of sitting for the SATs so that I can transfer later on.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any tips on how to improve my writing scores DRASTICALLY? Or should I just try my luck and take the ACT instead?</p>
<p>You might have good luck with the ACT. It’s completely different thinking from the SAT. Unlike the SAT where the strategy is all about HOW to take the test, the ACT tests you a bit more on knowledge. The only difference is a science section that requires you to interpret some graphs and charts, but otherwise I felt the ACT was a much better test.</p>
<p>Gah! After reading the ACT website, I found out that I need to know biology for the test. The last time I studied biology was when I was 14! I studied physics and chemistry instead… Can this section be self-studied? Oh, and should I take the ACT writing test?</p>
<p>After taking both the ACT and SAT, I think the ACT is the better test. The ACT still has its tricks, but overall the questions are more straightforward, especially in the Reading and English sections. The Science, as the ACT says, only requires basic high school science knowledge in Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Physics, etc. The huge amounts of data and graphs thrown at you from each of the 7 passages are what makes the test difficult, since you only have 35 min for 40 questions, so you need to be able to understand the data and questions extremely quickly.</p>
<p>I also hadn’t reviewed Biology since Sophomore year, and I can tell you that unless you’re REALLY rusty, you’ll be fine. Unless you’re pulling 32+ scores on the Science section consistently, though, I would spent a great deal of time practicing it :P</p>
<p>Take the ACT! Many students find it easier. The best thing about it for you if you are having trouble with the writing section is that is is scored separately. You will receive individual scores for each section (except writing), and those will average together for your composite score (which is what the colleges look at). The writing section receives its own score. Then it is averaged with the English subscore for the English/Writing score.</p>
<p>It is kind of a weird grading system, but if writing is causing you trouble, it will not affect your composite score at all.</p>
<p>dont take the ACT. SAT grammar is easily manageable. i got a 410 in my first try, then i got a 690~
you have alot of room for improvement. math and wr are 2 of the easiest sections on the SAT(yeah,you’re very lucky on CR, congrats =]). don’t give up. math can be easily pulled to a 700+ with some practice. im pretty sure WR is easy for you if u get some grammar book to review the grammar techniques and atk some collegeboard WR problems.</p>
<p>i really think u can get WR up to 700+ as well, especially u havn’t studied for like how many yrs.</p>
<p>good luck.
dont take the ACT, you’re in the running for SAT!</p>