<p>An intelligent person sees value in SAT test, wants to go far in life. He/She studies vigorously and does well. A person with an average IQ tends to not see much in school or tests, but this does not mean he/she has to. They probably will have a harder time understanding concepts, which makes it harder for them to study, and makes them want to give up. This is a contributing factor to why people with a high IQ do better on the test. However, given a person has an average intelligence, there is no reason why he/she cannot score higher on the test. It’s stupid statements like “Even if you study, you won’t do any better, because you are just not as intelligent.” that make people think they cannot do better on a test. </p>
<p>Anyone can score a 2400, higher motivation can complement an average intelligence. A higher intelligence can complement an average motivation.</p>
<p>I absolutely agree with what Kieran said. As a concept, I don’t believe IQ much - the deciding factor in one’s success definitely is motivation, the way the person handles his emotions and drives etc… I’ve seen a lot of people with really high IQs literally waisting their talents as well as a lot of people with average IQs managing seemingly unmanagible things… So if somebody told you your IQ is not hitting the “top” numbers, just don’t panic and focus on whatever you’re trying to achieve. :)</p>
<p>Thanks. I agree with both of you. I know tons of people from India, (i lived in US for almost 12 years) who scored 2400 on the SAT, with a low, average IQ score. I’m not sure where they got those information from, but in my opinion, its completely irrelevant. </p>
<p>Aside from the Collegeboard (blue book sat), do you recommend any other useful books that might help me to increase my score, if i work hard? There’s too many SAT books, and i’m not sure which ones useful for average students like me. All i want is a 1800 on the SAT, and i would be completely satisfied. </p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Barron workbooks^ (:</p>
<p>I never said an improvement was impossible, probability theory guarantees that even if you do not improve in ability/knowledge one bit you might happen to come across a series of questions that you can solve and thus achieve a higher score. I’m saying it’s highly unlikely for a dramatic jump to appear.</p>
<p>Believe it or not, we are not all born with equal ability. Most people will never be able to become the next Usain Bolt, Ramanujan, or Horowitz no matter how hard they practice. </p>
<p>To use an extreme example, I cannot jump from here to Pluto even if I spend all of my waking hours exercising and studying jumping techniques. Another less extreme example is that I cannot type 300 WPM for extended periods (well above the world record), even if I type for hours a day. Similarly, a large increase in SAT score simply due to studying, which at face value seems entirely possible, is actually not common, as confirmed by studies. Just because you have heard of a few unusual cases doesn’t mean they apply to everyone (confirmation bias).</p>
<p>You guys can go on with your wishful thinking if you want, but don’t be too surprised when the score comes out online and it’s not a 2200+ (or something to that effect).</p>
<p>Going from 1550 to 1800 is not unlikely, however, and is a decent goal.</p>
<p>The key to taking the SAT is to know the testing techniques.</p>
<p>I was two questions away from a perfect score of 2400. Although I practiced heavily for the test, I credit my success to my natural intelligence and test-taking ability. At the same time, luck plays a huge role and had I a bit more luck, I might have scored those extra 40 points.</p>