<p>I've taken the SAT twice now and I'm signed up to take it again this October. My highest scores are
CR: 550
Math:550
Writing:600</p>
<p>These scores are okay but I really need them to be in the upper 600s. I've been doing tons of practice tests but I keep getting around the same scores. I'm also running out of tests.I have the blue college board book, is there a better review book to get that can go over strategies and really help me improve my scores? Also, I thought of taking review classes/tutoring but from what I've heard, all students to is take practice tests-which I'm already doing- so is it worth that? I really need advice, I feel stupid because everyone complains about not having scores in the 700s but I don't have 60</p>
<p>If you really “need” 20% increases in these scores, no test-prep book will help (as you’ve learned). I’m an English person, but in my experience a couple of quality math books could help. Get an algebra book, a geometry book, and a trig book and work the exercises cover to cover. (The older the books the more you will learn. Get thee to a thrift shop.)</p>
<p>For the verbal and essay sections, find a tutor who uses NO test-prep books (and who you can actually afford).</p>
<p>My preference (even though I don’t know you) is that you not pressure yourself so much over a standardized test.</p>
<p>By the way, in case you weren’t aware of this, anyone here can claim to have scored 700’s.</p>
<p>You say you are doing practice tests but are you reviewing the mistakes you made? Is it because you did not know the material or you made silly mistakes? Go over the incorrect answers you chose and see what you did wrong. This can be the best help sometimes. </p>
<p>On the note of tutoring and classes: Only go to classes and tutors which your peers or family members recommend. Some tutors just give you practice problems and go over it again and again. This helps some people but doesn’t help others. For classes, make sure you are going to classes which actually teach material. If you get around the 600s on your breakdown scores, that means you are lacking understanding of the material (not to sound condescending). There are some classes that specialize in giving tips and tricks but I don’t think you would gain as much as you would if you went to classes that actually taught material and subjects on the test.</p>
<p>This is mainly the reason why you see people complaining about getting 700s on the SAT breakdown. They know the material but make silly mistakes or run out of time. I would recommend the class with tips and tricks for them. </p>
<p>Once you master the material, you will see a significant increase in your scores. Here are some questions to ask yourself.</p>
<p>For critical reading, look what you got wrong. Is your lack of vocabulary hindering you? Are you running out of time on the passages? Do you not understand or misunderstand the material? Are you failing to pay attention while reading the passage?</p>
<p>For math, what are you getting wrong? Are you getting certain topics wrong like Algebra? If you accel at the Geometry questions, you shouldn’t review them but concentrate on topics you need help with like maybe Algebra. Math is heavily based on knowledge and understanding so once you master the material, you will see significant improvement for math.</p>
<p>For writing, how is your essay? Are you losing points on the essay? The essay should be downpacked so you get atleast a 10 everytime. If you need tips, there are plenty of people on this site and around you that will definitely be able to help you for free. Are you catching grammar mistakes? Do you know all the grammar rules by heart? If you know ALL the grammar rules, you will always get above a 750 I guarantee that. Speaking from experience, the writing section becomes a joke after you master those specific grammar rules so make sure you get to it!</p>
<p>Keep practicing more and more and you will see improvement. Don’t give up!</p>