<p>So, here's the deal. A few weeks ago, I was taking a bunch of SAT practice tests and I would get around 650s on the math sections. I was pretty happy with those 650s considering where I was at beforehand. But now, I always seem to get 590s and 600s on the math sections... why? I don't know!!! And the thing is, when I go back to the math sections to figure out why I got some answers wrong, I am always able to figure out why I got the question wrong, and then I think to myself, "Wow, I should have gotten that right..." I don't really know whats up with me... I know I have the knowledge to get these math problems right, but when it comes time to taking the test while timing myself, I completely F up. Any advice?</p>
<p>Careless errors - it could be the fact that you’re not as focused because it’s just a practice test. this applied to me - I got 680-710 math in practice, but got a 740 in the real deal (only 1 careless error on that one).</p>
<p>Sometimes you are over thinking - try different approaches. Keep working hard - you’ll be able to do it. </p>
<p>My writing scores were like this as well - rose then stayed before rising again.</p>
<p>47 PSAT, 55 PSAT, 550, 590, 660, 650, 650, 690, 640, 690, 710, 740. Towards the end , I realized that I was making more careless than ones that I actually did not know. Perhaps its a good sign - that you are mastering the material and are just not the best at applying it yet. good luck. I ended up getting a 700W in Jan.</p>
<p>yea that is exactly waht it is</p>
<p>lack of focus due to the practice test’s relative and immediate insignificance.</p>
<p>I had the exact same problem; I stopped doing my first practice test before I even finished it. I just reviewed some math rules and woog boogs like that and got a 800</p>
<p>if you are determined to accomplish that through practice tests, I would suggest that you develop a system or get your parents involved.</p>
<p>Rip out the answer keys in the back and give them to your parents.
Do the test, and say to your parents if you get above a certain score you can get a week’s supply of M&M’s or something.</p>
<p>That way, you’ll be motivated to do better and you might actually consider and reconsider each question and answer with greater scrutiny. </p>
<p>Unless, time is a problem? You mentioned that you struggle while timing yourself. Then I’d say don’t time yourself! At least not right away.</p>
<p>The lack of timing makes you less tense and gives you some confidence in the form of “lol @ this test, Im gonna demolish it after i finish this sandwich.”</p>
<p>Of course, the lack of timing encourages nonchalance which may be counterproductive in your aims of tightening focus. So only eliminate timing if you think that it is the problem.</p>