Hey all! I’m here to ask for some advice on upping my math game for the PSAT and SAT, my goal is 650-700+ by the time the next PSAT rolls around, however it’ll be very tricky, considering my abysmal 500 score the first time around.
Some things to take into account:
I was only a month into Honors Algebra II upon taking the PSAT last October
I didn’t really pay attention much in Algebra I (though it isn’t seeming to be as much of a problem in class because anything I missed, I pick up pretty fast and I’m making 100s every six weeks) or Geometry (kinda big issue here)
-My family will not be able to afford or be willing to pay for a math tutor or extra prep except for preowned workbooks (household income <$60,000 a year)
I know Khan Academy is a big help and I’ve been practicing some things when I have time,sometimes the videos can be confusing and I have trouble understanding what’s going on. I plan on taking a practice test this weekend to see if my extra practice and increase Algebra knowledge has helped at all, but I worry that what I’ve been doing won’t be enough.
Any advice or tips for the test or maybe even good resources, like YouTube channels or other free prep sites like Khan? Thank you for reading!
If possible, buy PWN The SAT. It’s geared to the old test, but solidifies a lot of math principles necessary for any standardized exam (On practice exams, I went from 550-600 to 750-800 in two months and scored 750 on the real thing and I went from practice ACT 30 to a 35 on actual math part of the ACT). I took each test once because it didn’t make sense to pay $50 per exam several times for us; so I knew I had to really bust those 6 months I had.
I thank that one book; you definitely do not need any expensive tutoring; you seem very motivated and I’m sure with this book you’ll do great!!
Did you take the PSAT in October 2015 or 2014? They have a new grading scale, and I think the cap is like 1580, but I can’t remember. I think you can easily get 1000!
I took it October 2014. I realize the test is different now, but since the OP is struggling with some concepts in Algebra and Geometry, he or she might benefit from this book.
@tau628 I’ll definitely look into getting the book! That’s the same problem I just may end up facing, we probably won’t be able to afford multiple SATs. I’ll cross my fingers for success similar to yours!
Hey, I’m in a similar dilemma only with SAT math.
I also can’t really afford tutoring either, but I know that studying really hard will definitely pay off.
I strongly suggest getting PSAT prep workbooks from McGraw Hill’s, Baron’s, and Kaplan’s. Khan Academy is a great start, but learning by paper is the best (from experience). That’s also how we take the test- by paper.
When are you going to take the PSAT? How much time you have will affect your strategy to improve and prepare.
I took the PSAT and did good (I bombed my SAT, unusually). So I’m pretty familiar with the process of studying for it,etc, so shoot any questions you have to me.
And by the way, I love your profile picture.(I recognized that instantly! #1 crush lololol).
If you haven’t done so, sign up with https://www.collegeboard.org to help you organize, plan for, prep for, and take the SAT, ACT, etc. It’s a free account, and on there you can also prep for college - a big bonus.
A helpful tip is to drill, drill, drill. And practice taking tests, actually timed, so you can learn to utilize your time efficiently and try to get the most points as possible. Things that students may overlook are being nervous, running out of time, and getting blank minds,if you know what I mean. Take a practice test every week, but don’t expect dramatic results. Those come from after extensive periods of time, like weeks or even months.
One last thing I’d like to say is don’t be too crazed about your scores! I think you’ll do great! Worse comes to worse, you can always go to another college for 2 years then transfer to the school of your choice:)
Good luck! I wish you the best!
(P.S. just FYI, I also took PSAT in October 2015.)
Hi @gormar099 , I understand! Thanks for clearing that part!
For anyone in general (esp. @zoriez since this is her thread):
Another great place to read about improving your SAT/ACT scores or anything about college, recommendation letters, etc., check out http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ (you need an account, but it’s free) and http://www.prepscholar.com/sat/s/resources (you don’t need an account unless you want to enroll in their [pricey] SAT program with a guranteed 160+ point increase [on a 1600 scale] or you get your money back; more info on the site; just an fyi).
College express has good articles too and is a great scholarship finder.
Prepscholar has great articles written by the best scholars(those who aced SATs, graduated from Ivy League at the top of the class). There are also Q\A after the articles, so if you got a question you can ask them!
I wish you the best!