Hello,
I took the SATs a couple of months ago and got a 1380. I really want to improve my score to at least a 1700 if possible. The thing is that I will be taking the test again in a month. Do you guys think it’s possible to improve my score by this time if I were to vigorously study? Also, are there any strategies or tips you guys can give? Thank you.
@mariantyk13 There is no test offered in February (to the best of my knowledge) – are you taking the new SAT in March? You will probably be better off using preparation materials for the new SAT. (note: The new SAT is on the 1600 scale, so technically a “score of 1700” is impossible).
However, a 1380/2400 likely indicates some deficiencies that you may want to remedy using other materials, e.g. a good mathematics textbook, or by reading various news articles, journal entries, books, etc. Of course, part of it is familiarizing yourself with the test and knowing how to beat it.
@MITer94 I have been studying and am supposed to take the SATs tomorrow. But due to the weather, the test has been cancelled and rescheduled for February 20th.
@mariantyk13 Ah okay. Ignore my first paragraph.
However, I still suggest reviewing any areas you are weak at that are commonly tested. For example, are you struggling with any areas in math (e.g. solving equations, word problems, higher-degree equations, or perhaps geometry or counting/combinatorics)? For reading, do you struggle more with vocabulary (sentence completions), the detail-oriented questions, or the “main idea”-type questions? For writing, is it the essay or the rest of the writing part with all of the grammatical rules?
With some good and regular practice, you should be able to achieve 1700 without much trouble.
@MITer94 Thank you for the advice!
It is definitely possible! Here is the magical formula: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
And when you start to think you understand everything and expect a good score on the test day, PRACTICE MORE!
Okay, as @MITer94 commented, you HAVE TO find out the specific areas in which you are weak and focus your review on those. I have seen friends of mine that went from 1400ish to 1800 in two weeks, so I believe it is just a matter of discovering your weaknesses and addressing them in a proper way.
In such a short period of time, however, besides defining a regular (but that you can follow) schedule for you to study exclusively for the SAT, I would also recommend you to focus your preparation almost entirely on practice tests. Take one from the own College Board and do it in test-day conditions, and then review EVERY SINGLE question you get wrong. Based on that, you should probably discover your main weaknesses, which must then be addressed accordingly. Don’t waste your time on areas you are already excelling at (or doing better).
Also, check out some free SAT classes by Khan Academy and tips from SparkNotes! They really helped me out!