<p>Yikes, my score has plateaued! I've been studying for the SAT over the summer, and for 2-3 months I burned through the Blue Book, 11 practice tests (PR), and other reputed SAT prep books. However, I recently took one of the practice tests in then new PR Cracking the SAT (2013 edition) book, and my worst fear became evident. I had plateaued in the following range:</p>
<p>CR: 690-730
MATH: 710-740
WRT: 700s</p>
<p>My question is, how do I bring this score up? I don't know if I'm being too picky, but 2100 seems pretty dismal right now. </p>
<p>If your writing is low 700s you still haven’t really mastered the rules. I recommend Silverturtle’s guide. REALLY mastering it. W should be easy 780-800 once you know the rules. Then again, so should M. CR is different, but the other two are really conquerable with focused study.</p>
<p>My scores plateau’d at around 670 for CR, 690 for Math, and 650 for Writing.</p>
<p>The practice tests usually show you what your best possible score is in a familiar environment. You aren’t necessarily trying to improve your score, just keep perfecting yourself until you get to your personal maximum…or that’s what I think. It’s more reasoning than straight knowledge as you know, so once you’ve found your top place, studying will decline in effectiveness.</p>
<p>The actual test will have a few inherent factors such as: nervousness, pressure, and the variation of questions, along with possibly more unwanted factors. Your score will be higher if:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>You know where the clock is. I was unfortunate and had a geography teacher’s room for the SAT my first time. I didn’t notice where the Eastern time clock was, so when the test started, I checked for the clock…and to my horror there were 10 different clocks! I spent a good 30 seconds hunting for the New York one and stressing myself out! </p></li>
<li><p>The essay will determine your mindset for the rest of the test. Even if you try not to, you will think back to it and worry. I did not do well the first time on my essay, and as a result, had lower scores throughout the test because I kept worrying. Second time, I thought I did well on the essay (it was actually better than the first) and I felt better throughout the test. So, even if you get a hard prompt for the essay, just try your best and hope for the best!</p></li>
<li><p>Go to the bathroom before the test. Just do it, even if you don’t have to. I couldn’t imagine something worse than an hour of testing while having to go to the bathroom.</p></li>
<li><p>Don’t study the night before, your thoughts will be garbled. On your way there, try listening to music or think about something relaxing and not related to the SAT.</p></li>
<li><p>Say a prayer. If you aren’t religious, skip this step.</p></li>
</ol>