I’m a senior and have taken the new PSAT (1300-570 math, 730 reading), old SAT (2040-610 writing, 640 math, 790 reading), and ACT (31-27 science, 28 math, 33 reading, 36 english). I know that these are very good scores, but I really want to break into the 99th percentile. I’m not sure if it’s because my capacity for improvement is limited, or if I’m not preparing well. All the test prep websites I look at seem to say it’s the latter. I don’t want to spend money on test prep, but I feel it’s the only option now. I’m also not sure which companies are scams. For example, if they promise to raise my score by 300 points, or give my money back, will they actually do that? Any thoughts and advice are much appreciated.
Students who are scoring near the top benefit the most from a private tutor who will take a targeted approach to test prep. It appears that you need a Math tutor specifically. Look for a math tutor who specializes in test prep because he/she will understand what is most important to understand for the test.
The “money back” guarantees are special programs that you need to apply to and be accepted. Your high scores might preclude you from being accepted because a 300 point increase would be a perfect score, and nobody who is telling you the truth will make that guarantee with the limited time you have.
Is there any cheap way to raise my scores? I can’t really spend too much money on test prep.
It appears that it is your math score that is dragging you down. An experience SAT tutor may appear to be expensive, but a credible one will look at practice tests and be able to pinpoint the areas you need to improve, focusing on the most bang for your buck. OR If you have a math teacher at school you feel comfortable with ask him/her where your gaps lie and then buy a good SAT Math book that has been written by a tutor (don’t bother with the big companies) and focus on those areas identified by your teacher.
PWN the SAT Math by Mike McClenathan and The College Panda’s SAT Math are good books to start with.
There are so many test prep companies: Princeton, Compass, Prepscholar, online programs, etc. Which ones are the best? Or if a private tutor is ideal, how do you find the right one? I need at least a 5 point increase (from a composite 25 to 30)
OP, I would also recommend the Pwn the SAT book for your math prep as well as doing a lot of practice tests and reviewing all the answers. If you want to do a prep program, it sounds like you are highly motivated and cost conscious. For that reason, I think an online course is your best bet as you can maximize the time you spend on your areas of weakness and save money. My son did PrepScholar and liked it. But I recently learned about Method Test Prep which lets you prep both ACT and SAT for the same fee and it is much cheaper than PrepScholar - a year’s subscription for only $149. I am helping my daughter’s school set up a school based program with them and I’m familiar with their product and it is very well done.