Hey everyone, I got my scores back from the sat a while ago, I just haven’t had the guts to start a discussion here. :-/
Anyway. I’m a sophomore, I did awful on the PSAT, but I was sure it was the proctors fault (she didn’t give us the proper time limit for each section) and i got a 140. I was really disappointed but i studied every day for 4 months, and took the SAT and i got a 1520 (480 CR, 420 M, 620 W E=10) I’m even more disappointed now…I feel like a complete failure. I’ve been an A student my whole life, I have a 3.7 GPA, so I can’t be that bad. My dream school is NYU, and i KNOW you need somewhere around a 2000 SAT. I don’t know what to do, I study all the time but the math on the SAT just seems so out of place from what I’m doing in Algebra 2 right now, and people say you don’t need anything higher than it for the math section. Does anyone have any success stories or tips for CR and Math? I feel fine getting my writing up to 700+, except its a matter of time before the writing section is gone, and I’m stuck with my weakest (and only) sections for the test. Thanks so much. I’m sorry if this felt like a rant, because I feel like that right now.
It’s definitely possible! Luckily for you, you’re only a sophomore and have plenty of time to prepare. If you need an inspiring story, read this: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1637676-how-i-raised-my-sat-score-by-790-points-my-story.html
Thanks so much! I feel way better now. @evangelise
bump!
Don’t spend so much time studying for it that you forget about your gpa. Have you ever taken the ACT? My kids did much better on that than the SAT.
I haven’t, I heard it is a bit more lenient on the English section, so I’ll probably try it out soon. Thanks! @onceuponamom
You should check this book out for Math on the SAT. It’s called PWN the SAT: Math guide. Ignore the name of the book, it helped me increase my score 100 pts.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1495933180/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The way you phrase it sounds like you’re not studying the SAT material?? Are you just studying what you’re doing in class? If so, that’s probably why.
How did you study for the last 4 months? Which books, test did you use?
@tcangoz thanks!
@bodangles No, I mean that people tell me you don’t need to know any higher than algebra 2 for the math SAT, and I’m doing well in algebra 2 and have in the past, so I don’t know why it’s so difficult for me
@am9799 I used Kaplans. They have good explainations (imo) but I heard their practice tests are easier than the actual test.
I would do sections of the book, and every couple of weeks take a practice test.
It is true that you do not need more than algebra 2. You just don’t. However, you should master algebra skills and be very quick on apply simple, fundamental rules.
The Kaplan test are not easier than the actual tests. Sometimes are harder. The point is they are just NOT like the actual tests that is why you should not use them. You should only use tests from the blue book or other college board released tests if you have any.
The best books for math in my opinion are the Pwn the math and Dr Steve Warner’s books.
For critical reading everybody recommends “the critical reader” by Meltzer. I have no opinion on the book but I read her blog and I like what she says.
Your scores are low and that tells me that you are missing something crucial on your studies or that you might have some other problem with standardize tests.
You are no a failure! Do not even go there.
Can you ask for help for someone in your school? Are volunteer tutors in your community?
My daughter increased her sat by 450 pts after taking a sat prep class for one summer (intensive full time for 3 months) summa education.
Yeah I’m not sure, I have good grades, (3.7 GPA) and a 96% in algebra 2. And I’m way too scared to go to anyone at school, everyone is so competitive, and they ridicule kids with low GPA’s, I’d be too embarrassed to ask-- I didnt answer when the asked me what I got on the SAT 
and I haven’t really looked at any volunteer tutors. @am9799
I’m doing a Princeton Review session at the moment (got it for free) so I’ll see how my scores go after I finish the classes @rgosula
If you think someone from your school can help you (like a teacher or friend or volunteer tutor) you do not have to disclose your exact score. You can just say that you are not happy with your score and you wish to score higher. Or that you find yourself making a lot of careless mistakes or whatever. Hopefully you will find the class you are taking helpful.
Since you are still a sophomore I think you have time to improve.
Yes. I personally went from 1700+ to 2300+ in about 5months haha
@kimdy0 thats crazy haha
i raised mine by about 500