<p>I just got my January SAT scores back and I'm really disappointed with my results. I'm a junior, and this was my first time taking the "real" SAT (I've taken multiple practice tests.) I have my sights on some relatively prestigious schools, and my scores, without giving them away, are not acceptable for admission to these schools. I was hoping that my scores would HELP me with college admissions, especially since my grades are pretty good, but not stellar. But since I've gotten my scores back, I've almost given up hope. It seems like I've hit a wall with my test scores, and while I've improved marginally from my practice tests and from studying on my own, I still feel like there is a barrier. It seems like no matter how much I improve, it won't be enough. </p>
<p>So, I was wondering if anyone had any tips, advice, or encouragement for me. I really respect the opinion of everyone on CC. I would appreciate anything and everything. </p>
<p>you need to realize that there is a point you will reach when you will not be able to improve any more. It is like terminal velocity of an acorn falling through the sky: it will reach a certain velocity and stay there, and then, after a few more seconds…SPLAT!!</p>
<p>This was just your first test! It happens to everyone. The people that get into great colleges are the ones that don’t let such things get to them. Prepare well and give it again! My sat score was pretty dismal, and I took it for the first time as well, but I know that with the month or so of time I have left for prep, I can bring up my score significantly. The SAT is like a long battle, in the end, if you prepare well, you’ll win, or that’s what my math teacher told me anyway. Don’t let it get to you! </p>
<p>When met with failure, one can rebound with immense force and power, which ultimately originated from the initial failure. “I have failed. Now I WILL succeed” <<is the attitude you need. </p>
<p>Sure, the road ahead is rocky, and you might encounter more failures, but if you have the work and attitude of a Monster truck, you will meet the horizon. The rebound off a failure can be quite powerful. </p>
<p>Or, you can cry over your failure and go no where. </p>
<p>Your take. Good luck. </p>
<p>(coming from someone who also got “fail” scores, and then improved 400 points, and is still going)</p>
<p>If the SAT isn’t working for you, try the ACT. There are literally thousands of threads in this forum everyday with this same problem, and many of them (perhaps even most) do better with the ACT. I’d consider it seriously.</p>
<p>Jahaba, I took the ACT on February 6th. I’m really nervous about getting my scores back. Hopefully I did better on it than I did on the SAT. Thank you for your input. :)</p>
<p>RAlec114 - Thank you so much. I really liked your post and found it motivational. Your story makes me feel hopeful. Thank you!</p>
<p>If anyone else has any input, advice, criticism, etc. I would welcome it!</p>
<p>I did poorly as well for the first time… and I studied really hard for it too!! (I’m a Junior)
I understand how you feel 'cause thats what I’m feeling now. I’m planning to take it again beginning of Senior year…looks like I’ll definitely be taking the ACT…
Good luck on your next test. You’ll do better!</p>
<p>I am also a junior and I didn’t get the scores I was hoping for on the January SAT. I also studied reallyy hard and took a bunch of practice tests but I’m not going to give up and you shouldn’t either. There’s another test in March and then the ACTs if the SATs aren’t working for you. Besides, my tutor told me everyone does 100+ points better the second time around. Good Luck.</p>
<p>Jumper101 and sj1223 - Thanks for your encouragement. It’s good to know that there are other people out there like me. Good luck to you guys too!</p>
<p>I felt your strife my friend… I did horrible my first time taking SAT’s as a juniors… I know that feeling you are feeling now… you are hoping to get the score your first time but taking it a second time might make it look bad on your college apps… and with the Q and A service (hopefully you ordered it) it will definitely help you see what you missed and did not missed so you can do really good next time in march or possible may</p>