<p>And I feel like I disappointed myself and my parents. I got 2070 (750 in Critical Reading, 680 in Math, and 640 in Writing). Obviously, I'm taking this again (hopefully in January), and I have a couple of questions that I need answered by people other than my father and my brother:</p>
<ol>
<li>How bad did I do? (October 2012 was my first time taking the SAT, and I'm a junior. I'd also like to mention that I was sick :D)</li>
<li>What can I do to improve?</li>
<li>Realistically, do you think I'd be able to get a 2350 in January?</li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks so much for taking the time to read this!</p>
<p>How good a score is simply depends on colleges to which you intend to apply. Right now your score is good enough for about 90% of colleges, but on low side for high ranks.</p>
<p>@onebrightstar, that is a solid score for your first SAT. The best piece of advice is to take as many practice tests as you can. In your case I would focus primarily on the math and writing sections, as your CR score is good. You are only a junior, and have plenty of time to increase your scores.</p>
<p>2350 means no more than 1 and possibly 2 errors on the entire exam, and an essay score of at least 10. This is a very high bar for even the very best test takers. Consider taking some time to prepare for the retake. There is little merit in taking it again in January. Consider retaking in June and possibly October of next year. Take time to prepare.</p>
<p>Yes, certainly take time to prepare. January is way too early. SAT isn’t a test you can cram for. It tests your intellectual maturity. So take time, pay attention to school, read difficult essays, etc. </p>
<p>In my opinion, if u want that 2350 then atleast one section should be perfected, or at least very close. I say math. It is pretty easy in comparison to the essay and CR. Practice math like crazy! Score 800s easily! Get it in the bag! You cannot get a good score without confidence, without pure, haughty CONFIDENCE.</p>
<p>Onebrightstar, your first sentence creates the impression I expressed. Nothing to be disappointed about then. Lighten up.</p>
<p>I agree you should retake in June, if you practice you should get 2300 and it is enough for all top colleges (Ivy, Stanford, Chicago, MIT, Caltech) but make sure the SAT score does not hurt your grades, it is not worth it.</p>
<p>Most of the time I think it’s unrealistic to expect a 2350 or any score above 2300 given your official score in October was 2070. 200+ point increases steadily decrease in occurrence and practicality the higher up the score is. However, your situation is unique in that you are already decent at CR. Math, although tough to get 800 if you already are not good at math or have not devoted yourself to prepping, is easy to break 700+, maybe even 750+. Writing is also rather straightforward to get to 700+, even 750+. So, in conclusion, I think, with a bit of luck and a lot of effort, it is plausible, not very probable, for you to break 2300. Although, more realistically I think you can expect between 2150-2300.</p>
<p>To prep, get some sort of (relatively) rigorous Math book covering SAT concepts and commit yourself to understanding (not memorizing) the concepts. That’ll go a long way. For writing, try Silverturtle’s guide or any other resource frequently mentioned on these boards. Once again, what is important is not that you read and recall, but that you can apply and understand. Top all this off with some practice tests from the Blue Book.</p>