<p>I've taken 8 SAT practice tests (4 from McGraw-Hill's guide, 4 from the official guide) and my average math score is 500. That score hasn't improved over 3 months of studying. It seems like I've already studied all the good SAT guides and math books...I don't know where else to turn.</p>
<p>Advice, tips, recommendations?</p>
<p>How well did you do in high school math? I don’t mean to put you down, but you cannot do much to improve your score much if you do not have a good foundation. I’d recommend reviewing the concepts you had trouble with and then take a practice SAT test. Good luck!</p>
<p>I’m guessing that you’re studying very hard, but very inefficiently. Taking practice tests is not the best use of your time for improving your score. Here are some suggestions:</p>
<p>(1) Learn SAT specific math strategies. If you don’t know these, then you are putting yourself at a serious disadvantage. For example, if you find yourself doing algebra or complicated computations, then you are not optimizing your score.
(2) Practice SAT math problems 10 to 20 minutes per night. This will maximize your retention and keep you from burning out.
(3) Focus on doing LESS problems, but learning them WELL.
(4) Redo every problem you get wrong OVER and OVER and OVER again (a few days apart each time) until you can get the question correct ON YOUR OWN.
(5) Practice problems of the appropriate level. For you this means you should NEVER be doing Level 5 problems. Your focus should be on Levels 1 through 3, and SOME Level 4 problems.
(6) Did you redo those questions you got wrong on all those practice tests? I’m guessing the answer is no. Let me be clear on this - looking over the solution and understanding what you did wrong is NOT the same as redoing the question several days to a week later. The first is completely ineffective, the second will raise your score. You must redo these problems OVER and OVER until you get them right ON YOUR OWN.
(7) Practice tests should be taken just a few times to make sure you are applying all the right strategies under timed conditions, and to make sure you are familiar with the structure of the test. This is NOT the time that you are actively improving your score.</p>
<p>I hope this message puts you on the right path.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>Thank you very much for the advice and well wishes, IAF and DrSteve! I’ll take them to heart. :)</p>
<p>Practice, practice and practice!</p>
<p>DrSteve, you make mention of SAT specific math strategies. Perhaps a link is in order.</p>
<p>UCLA - unfortunately the rules of this forum prohibit me from providing a link or saying any more on the subject. This is understandable since I have a specific bias when it comes to this topic.</p>
<p>Maybe u should try the act and see if that helps just make sure you know trig.</p>
<p>^ Like hghschjunior said, the act might also be a good option for you.</p>
<p>Damn. My math score has barely improved, despite extensive review of the math questions I’ve missed. 
This won’t be good for my college chances…</p>