<p>In short, this is my case: I got like 2060 on the last test which was in June 2010, and now as a junior I am studying for my third test on March but I cannot gain much - my scores are always around 2040 - 2060. </p>
<p>For Math, I got 800 and for writing (so sad) I got like 650 (k, fine, don't laugh) and for CR i got around 650. I used the method from a CC member (the one that mark the passage before reading - I think it's from CC) and I think it was amazingly effective. That's why I made a jump from 2000 to 2060. But now I'm stuck. I'm still studying vocab everyday (Direct Hits, Barrons' and stuff) but it doesn't really help. And I don't think keep doing practice tests is a good way either. Any one has the same problem? Should I try a new method (which I dont know what it is yet) or just keep practicing and waiting for my score to improve slowly?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>At 2100 there is a threshold, whether some want to claim an “aptitude” threshold or not there certainly is a threshold. You can punch a whole through this threshold with practice.</p>
<p>My main recommendation is the exact opposite of what you are saying and that is practice, practice, practice. When you practice don’t be passive about it. Circle anything you are unsure of and ask questions. Learning why you were unsure about x,y,z or learning why you missed x,y,z is way more important than the score it relates to.</p>
<p>Trust me I was stuck at the 2200 - 2250 threshold. I was able to breakthrough it and get a 2400 on the December SAT.</p>
<p>You have to “game” the SAT. Learn the tricks of the trade. These “tricks” found by taking exams and analyzing your answers will be vital increasing your score.</p>
<p>^Thank you a lot AvidStudent. But may I ask you how long does it take to really get over this tiny threshold? are 2 months enough?</p>
<p>Thanks again :)</p>
<p>After 10 sections (not 10 tests) for both Critical Reading and Writing you should be able to notice a score increase. Whether that score increase is 20 or 50 points on each section is dependent on how hard you are willing to work.</p>
<p>I would really strive to get a 12 on the essay. I’m assuming your 650 was with a 10 essay? A 12 essay would have yielded a score of 680.</p>
<p>Once you reach a certain score (usually near 2100), you will be among the top standard deviation of students where one or two questions may equal 30+ points. To improve your score, learn the SAT vocabulary. There usually are about 300 or so words that nearly ALWAYS appear on the exam. Try Hot Words for the SAT, by Linda Carnevale, if vocabulary is holding you back.</p>
<p>^^I wish i have a 10 essay. I used to work so hard on essay, but my score was somewhere around 8. My 650 contained an 8 essay too. Actually that 8 essay was a surprise for me, I had a tutor and I worked hard, filling almost both sides, but then still got an 8. 12 for me is kinda about luck. But I will keep practicing. Thank you :)</p>
<p>Thank you PeterCheng! Im almost there ^^ and Im also studying the vocab, like ~30 words per day. Hope for a better result.
I just dont know if I have enough time… :(</p>
<p>Btw, good luck, test takers!!</p>