International student taking SATs

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>Okay, so I'm a UK (English) student currently in the UK equivalent of my junior year. I want to apply to US universities, so I'm taking the SATs for the first time on May 3rd (approx. 3 weeks away) and then again on June 7th (approx 8 weeks away). Having just done a practice test for the very first time without any prior preparation whatsoever (aside from reading the instructions!), I scored a 1790 with 690 on the writing section, 540 on the maths section, and 560 on the critical reading section. This is significantly lower than I would have liked (expected at least 710 on writing, 600 on both critical reading and maths for my first attempt)</p>

<p>I have three main questions: </p>

<p>Firstly, what score do you think I can get if I work hard for the June test (I expect around 1850/1900 in May)?
Secondly, how do you suggest I prepare for this? I've got the collegeboard book, but the test is so different from anything I'm used to...
And thirdly (sorry, I know this is a lot) - if I do score lower than I would like after having sat both tests, will this be much of an issue when I come to apply to certain schools?
I'm not thinking of applying to the Ivy League or anywhere like that (I'm not totally delusional), but I was thinking of Tufts and UNC- Chapel Hill as my potential reach schools. For anyone who knows anything about the UK grading system, I'm sitting five AS levels this year and am predicted As in all five. I do have a very good academic record, so would universities take into consideration that an international student may be likely to score lower on the SATs than a US student?</p>

<p>Sorry, I know it went on a bit, but I'd really appreciate some advice. Thank you! :) </p>

2

<p>Sorry, I don’t know too much about the schools on the East coast but, seeing as how my children have each approached the SAT differently, I can try to help you with that part.
Make sure you have plenty of practice tests, sharpened pencils and a clock or a stopwatch.<br>
Increase your focus on the one part of the test that will bring your score up-Math.
Increase your speed and accuracy by practicing each day. Use your practice tests and time yourself. You need to practice quickly and daily then check for accuracy. Ask your friends to time you. The essay portions are generic, so you need to have a memorized quote for each genre of life to reference back to the essay. Look at the state schools in the south and midwest for scholarship opportunities.<br>
East and West Coast schools will require higher SAT scores for any merit scholarship opportunities. </p>