I want to aim as high as possible for the SAT I but every time I take the test, I end up getting lower than I expect.
I’m a junior in high school and I’ve taken the test 3 times.
1- November: 1040 (English: 530) + (Math: 510) - Predicted: 1100
2- December: 1130 (English: 610) + (Math: 520) - Predicted: 1200
3- January: 1020 (English: 520) + (Math: 500) - Predicted: 1300
My January score which came out today completely shocked me. However, during my January test, I somehow accidentally lost focus, zoned out and daydreamed for about 10-15 mins. I admit to not studying at all for these 3 tests but I really want a high grade and I expect that for each time I take it, my score improves. I really don’t know how to prepare for these tests or how to study for them. Please suggest some books and tips or strategies that will help me get the score that will satisfy me. I really want to improve my score and try to bury this score and get it out of my head by acing my next 1 or 2 SAT I tests. Please I really need help! I don’t have much time to take the SATs because I have to take SAT II subjects on May, June, (possibly) November and December. Plus, I have ACTs on September, October and December so I really need your advice and suggestions on what I should/can do to improve before it’s too late.
That’s your problem. Having exposure does help, but it alone isn’t going raise your score. Expecting a 1300 when you haven’t scored higher than a 1130 isn’t realistic, if you haven’t made any effort to improve.
If you want to increase your scores, you are going to have to study:
-Khan Academy offers free SAT prep online, it even has a few practice tests officially released by CollegeBoard. I know you can link your PSAT score for personalized practice, I’m not sure if you can with the SAT but I definitely recommend doing that if you can.
-You can buy / take out SAT prep books from companies like Barron, Kaplan, Princeton, etc. Do some research on which books are recommended.
-You can also look into seeing if there are preparatory SAT courses in your area, but that can be expensive.