Reasonable point increase goal

Test Preparation
1

Hi! I recently posted about SAT math tips and books, but before I start to study for the SAT again, I realized I had no idea what a realistic point increase, or goal score is!
My first SAT (June 6th) I got a 1990 which I was happy with, although ten points from a 2000! Argh!
CR: 710
Math: 590
Writing: 690

I’m pretty happy with CR and Writing, but I would like to boost writing to 700, but preferably higher, towards 710-720. I’m happy with CR, frankly, I don’t know if eliminating the section in the SAT hurt or helped me. I do think that the curve was harsher, because I only got 4 wrong (This might be typical though). But I figured attempting to get 720 or even 730 couldn’t hurt.

As I stated on my math post, I am shooting for 630-650.

I’ve also heard that just from lack of nerves students tend to score 80-100 points higher the second time they take the SAT (I have no idea if this is true, but my Gc told me. If it is that is true it’s great cause I was petrified my first time taking it!)

But anyways, I was thinking of shooting for a 2100, but this seems a little high to me, especially because it gets harder to improve as you get into the 700s. My study schedule will roughly be about two months of studying (Half July and half August, and most of September). I will be using PWN the SAT math guide, blue book (although I used that the first time), as well as 7 steps to a 2400. I am hoping for 45 minutes to 2 hours of studying for maybe 5-6 days a week, although this make fluctuate if I take full length practice tests every few weeks or so.

Sorry for the long post, but I was just wondering if a 2100, with my current study outline, and old scores, is a reasonable goal? I know some kids have great stories of 300 point increases, but I want to know if a 2100 is a realistic, attainable goal (with my current study outline and materials). Something that I can potentially genuinely achieve, not a shocking miracle story of a 200, 300, 400 point increase. Anyways thanks for reading and if this is not realistic please give suggestions of what you think would be attainable for me! :slight_smile:

2

Take plenty of practice tests to reduce nervousness, and definitely do as much practice for math as you can–improving 50ish points is certainly reasonable, but it’ll likely take some work. Missing 4 questions and getting a 710 on reading is on par with every SAT administration; the curve on the June test doesn’t seem out of whack respect to your score. Definitely if you’ve already broken the 700’s in reading, a couple more questions right, which you can easily achieve through practice, is within your reach, and I’d say the same for writing despite being 10 points from a 700. You obviously have the aptitude for those sections and with a little more practice, your scores could increase even 50 points or more in each section. Happy practicing, and good luck :slight_smile:

3

2100 is definitely a reasonable goal. The main thing is to recognize the patterns of the SAT as every test is basically the same. If you know ‘how to take the test’ the SAT will become incredibly easy.

Your weaknesses are obviously math and (a little) writing.
Writing: Erica Meltzer’s Grammar guide is great. I think a big part of writing is the MC. Knowing the basic grammar rules, the common idiomatic phrasing and tons of practice so you won’t hesitate to put that No Error is essential.

Math: Just a bunch of practice, making sure you’re reading questions very carefully. The SAT gives enough time for you to read the whole questions and to UNDERSTAND what they’re asking. So many people get questions wrong because they thought the question was asking something else.

Also, this may sound dumb, but don’t settle for anything less than a 800. If you get a 650 on a Math Section, and if that is your goal, you ‘might’ get complacent so always set high goals for yourself (as in trying to ace the practice tests).

Another tip: Keep a notebook of all the questions you missed on practice tests. Read them over and see why you go them wrong， because people generally miss the same kinds of questions without ever noticing it which impedes progress.

Good Luck！

4

Wow thank you so much! I’m feeling a lot more confident! :slight_smile: and I will DEFINITELY get that grammar guide!

5

For myself, the first time I took it I got a 2070 (CR 620, M 680, W 770). After that, I focused on just doing a bunch of sections on math and reading, especially because I knew math was my best section and I just messed up.
The second time I got a 2280 (CR 740, M 800, W 740), overall 210 points higher. Any score is possible if you put the work in.