<p>On the PSAT, I scored 99th percentile on both critical reading and writing, but only 61st percentile in math. I've taken the ACT once before and I received similar scores, so this isn't a fluke.
My overall scores on all of the standardized tests that I've taken have been good but not great- I think I made commended on the PSAT (which I'm satisfied with). However, I'm worried that my abnormally low math scores will hurt my chances when I apply to colleges.
Should I study like crazy to improve my math or is it not worth the time if I'm already satisfied with my overall scores?</p>
<p>61st percentile puts you in the 500s somewhere. If you plan on applying to top colleges this will kill you. It will virtually be impossible to gain acceptance. </p>
<p>Math is undoubtedly the easiest section to prepare for. I improved dramatically but purchasing the Official SAT Study Guide, working through each problem one at a time and then watching the videos with answer explanations at khanacademy.org. I am not a strong math student at all (struggle to get Cs) and managed to earn a 720.</p>
<p>Thank you SO MUCH for the khan academy site! I’ll definitely use it.
What do you think is the minimum score I should shoot for in math then?</p>
<p>Minimum score? Shoot for 800. The only reason not to is you think you’re not smart enough - don’t insult yourself.</p>
<p>I think if you are scoring mid 700s and higher in reading and writing that the bare minimum you should be getting is a 650. I think anything below that would put you out of the running for most all top schools. A good goal is 700 or above but I think 650 is about your minimum. It is quite easy to improve math with both practice and time. Don’t be discouraged.</p>
<p>Unless you’re ■■■■■■■■ you can get above a 600…</p>
<p>I guess I’m just ■■■■■■■■ then. But hey it’s comforting to know that whenever I’m feeling desperate for intellectual validation I can just go insult strangers online…</p>
<p>I think you misread my post, or at least I worded it poorly.</p>
<p>What I meant was, if you put the time and effort in you will be able to get above a 600. If, even after much practice, you fail to get above 600 then something is probably wrong with you (i.e. mathematically deficient).</p>
<p>‘LOL’ ok. Thank you for clarifying.</p>
<p>I know that made you feel MUCH better. :)</p>
<p>that was my problem too! it’s totally possible to get it up though. at first just get one of those books with like ten tests and do tonnsss of problems, and go back over your answers. and then try this book, it helps a lot for the really hard ones. i ended up getting a 770 on my last sat 
good luck!
[Amazon.com:</a> Math SAT 800: How To Master the Toughest Problems (9781439200063): Dan Eiblum MSEd, Kimberly Noonan M.S., Nargess Memarsadeghi Ph.D., Michael Forman M.S., Matthew Konicki M.A.: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Math-SAT-800-Toughest-Problems/dp/1439200068/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1292567820&sr=8-1]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Math-SAT-800-Toughest-Problems/dp/1439200068/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1292567820&sr=8-1)</p>