I’m going into junior year and would ideally like to raise my SAT score 150-200 points. Is this plausible, and if so, what do I need to do to accomplish it? I’m probably gonna take my first test in October or November, but then take another one or two in the spring. Any tips or suggestions?
What was your first score, when did you take it and how much prep did you do? It’s possible to improve your score by prep, and the best way in my opinion is through lots of timed practice tests (whole tests and tests by section but strictly following time limits). There are certain basic tactics/strategies, like not spending too much time on problems you are having difficulties with at the cost of not finishing the easier questions. You can get those “tips” through most prep books. But to me, there is nothing like practice to get familiar with the types of questions you will see and managing your time to answer correctly the maximum questions possible for you.
Thanks! My first score was 1290 a couple months ago with no prep, then I took it again about a month later (with no studying or prep in between) and got a 1390. I attribute the unexpected raise in score to being more relaxed/well rested the second time around.
My D raised hers 180 points. Took it cold first time. Then just did practice tests and Khan Academy for math section… It is doable.
Raising your score from 1390 to 1540 to 1590 will be more difficult. There is relatively easy ground to make up from lower scores where you might not have finished test and missed several easy/medium difficulty questions because of carelessness or unfamiliarity. Getting into the 1500’s requires making almost no “dumb” mistakes and you obviously have to master the skills to answer the difficult questions. Not impossible, but definitely more difficult.
I’d say it’s most definitely possible with lots of hard work. I had a 1390 on my PSAT junior year and with Kaplan prep and about 20 practice tests, was able to raise it to a 1580 before my senior year began. Utilize as many resources as you can- McGraw Hill, Prepscholar, Kaplan, Barrons, and Princeton Review are all helpful and expose you to a wide array of topics and questions. Good luck!!