<p>Hi everyone,
I just don't know what to do anymore. On both the SAT/ACT math sections, I seem to make TONS of careless mistakes. On the March SAT, I got a 650 (800 on practice tests) because I added wrong, stupidly forgot what each letter stands for in y=mx + b, what an arithmetic sequence is, etc. I know how to answer all of the questions though. Same with the ACT... I thought I got ~35 on the June math test and got a 32.
Did any of you experience this? And if so, how did you overcome it? I'm taking the SAT one more time in october before I apply SCEA. My highest score is on the January 2013 test (710) and I REALLY want to increase it to 750+. Thanks!!!</p>
<p>oh dear, inb4 tigerdad.</p>
<p>Anyway, you don’t make silly mistakes on practice tests but make them on the real thing? hmm</p>
<p>I don’t know why, and that’s the weirdest part! I think it’s just the nerves and the knowledge that this time actually counts.</p>
<p>Problem: Can’t perform on game day.</p>
<p>Solution: Watch Ray Lewis inspiration videos all night the night before test.</p>
<p>But srsly, you need to practice more. I don’t really agree with Tigerdad most often but in this case his admonition of “not enough skill being developed” sounds like it is true. You should never forget y=mx+b. And arithmetic sequences should be like breathing. If you practice enough it will be second nature to quickly and efficiently solve all of the problems even if you are more nervous than usual.</p>
<p>I think basic test-taking strategies are also crucial. When you go through a section, write down every single step regardless of whether you can do it in your head or not. Also if you have time, check back and make sure you got it on lock. If you train yourself to write everything down then you’ll rarely lapse with the sillies. It does take discipline and practice to force yourself to write everything down. But ya, sounds like you need to brush up on your math skills a little so focus on content a little as well.</p>