Every week since the beginning of summer I’ve taken an SAT practice test. I’ve spent over 4k on expensive prep, but I’m still stuck at the same score that worsens over time! I got a 1720 on the real sat, but for the last few practice tests, I’ve received about 1600. I really want to get an 1800 at least but I don’t know why my score is getting worse. Any tips?
Have you been truly learning from your mistakes…
I’m not sure. Now that I think about it then maybe. I’d review the correct answers, but there ar so many different types of questions.
Which section are you struggling with?
It’s mostly math and CR
Now THERE is your problem. It’s not enough to look at correct answers.
For reading, you need to understand why you got a question wrong, why is the wrong answer wrong, and why is the right answer right. And you have to think about it; reading explanations superficially is not enough.
For math, you need to practice on the kind of questions you get wrong. Is it a quadratic equations question? If yes, then google problems on quadratic equations - and solve them all with understanding each step. It’s also not enough to just look at the steps.
Also focus on mistakes and guessed questions. It feels horrible, I know, but there’s no other way around.
I’m going to agree with @BethanyD .
Here’s how I teach SAT math prep:
- Each time we take a practice exam, I have my kids chart the topic and the problem number of any topic they get wrong. We used to use the Barron’s book, which has a great chart after each practice exam. It lists the possible topics, and then the problem numbers for each exam that fall under that topic. So, to follow Bethany’s lead, under Quadratic Equations it might say Section 3, #2 and 7, Section 7 # 11…
Our new SAT book doesn’t have a chart like that, but I’m going to get my kids to make one up one of these days.
You’re taking the old exam, right??? Get a hold of an old Barron’s book and use that chart!!!
- On that chart, list the numbers under each topic that you get wrong, and circle the numbers of any you skip. Do this religiously, every time you take a practice test. Go back over all those old practice tests you've taken, and chart them. Today.
- Once you have a LOT of material, look back at your charts. Which topics are continually tripping you up? At which point in the exam are you starting to lose points? Obviously, if you're getting number 3 wrong, you're rushing through an easy problem and need to settle down. Which topics do you tend to skip? Why?
Simply taking test after test with no reflection is a waste of your time. You need to use them as tools to help you improve your performance.
@bjkmom thank you, in fact. I was just looking for a good book were I can find problems on certain topics (I have some questions preventing me from getting 800 but they’re uncommon) and I just discovered that the dusty 1000 pages Barron’s book on my desk can actually be useful. (never really looked at its math sections! But writing was horrible…)
Thank you for your tips!