<p>I just found out that I am a National Merit Semifinalist and am in the running for NM Finalist. My PSAT score was less than amazing (204, which was good enough for Arkansas, thankfully). I want an SAT score of at least 2200 (preferably 2260 or 2300+). I've taken the SAT twice, and have gotten a 2040 both times (equal to my PSAT score). I got a 35 on my ACT, so theoretically, I should get a 2340 on my SAT; however, as I've said, that clearly didn't happen. I did take the SAT back when my ACT was a 31 (2040 is comparable to a 30, so they were close back then), but I hope that since my ACT has risen to a 35, my SAT score will hopefully rise to at least a 2200 (comparable to a 33 on the ACT). I have the blue SAT book with all of those real SATs in it, and I've only taken one of them. So, I have 9 tests to take and strategies to read. Do you think that with that practice and with my improvements on the ACT, I will be able to get my goal of at least a 2260? A 2200 will work, but I'd prefer a 2260 (equivalent to a 34 on the ACT) or higher. That way, along with my grades and GPA, I'll hopefully be able to become a NM Finalist. Thanks for any replies.</p>
<p>ACT cannot predict SAT. They are two completely different test.
ACT is knowledge based.
SAT is reasoning based.</p>
<p>True, but I had the same problems on the ACT that I had on the SAT. My math and grammar were good on both, but my reading absolutely killed me and resulted in a much lower score than I now have. I was saying, though, that after taking every test in the blue book, will I be more prepared or be more able to achieve my goals on the SAT?</p>
<p>Still, it will put a limitation on what you can get.
I did all the tests in BB, Barrons, and PR, but I doubt I will get a 2200+
I'll be lucky if I can break 2100 lol</p>
<p>Well, there is one thing on the SAT that can tend to get me on every test - the vocab at the beginning of the CR sections sucks sometimes. I get the first 6 pretty easily, but I always seem to miss the last 1 or 2 (that's a nice amount of points lost..). Any advice on that?</p>
<p>Learn your vocabs.
All I can say.</p>
<p>Also, learn roots, they help alot.</p>
<p>You've got 3 choices
Get lucky, memorize some vocab, or miss that 1-2 at the end and get all of the CR correct. then you should have a guaranteed 700+ LOL.</p>
<p>^ well said, shiomi</p>
<p>I'll definitely get my sheet of vocab terms from last year's SAT (should be about the same as this year's list, right?). And, I'll learn as much as I can and hopefully do well on that section (and the actual CR section.. I'll be hoping!)</p>
<p>Congrats on NMSF!!!! I am very anxious to find out the PSAT cutoff for this year for Arkansas. Please post the cutoff if you know it. S is in a very similar situation as you - ACT=33, SAT=2000, Community service, Varsity sports (captain), All-region band 4 years (Qualified for ALL-State 1 year), MENSA, etc. GPA is good but not great due to medical hardship in junior year (Severe sports injury that can be explained per medical records). Not sure if he should re-take SAT or just rely on ACT. What schools are you applying to?
Sounds like you would be an asset to just about any school.</p>