<p>MindonMars</p>
<p>By unusual, here’s what I mean. Structurally, the SAT is designed so that the average score will be 500. Each 100 points represents 1 standard deviation. So, that about 70% of the students fall between 500 and 600.</p>
<p>Actual numbers pretty much bear this out (see 2006 stats) 1500 was the average score, and 19% scored higher than 1800.</p>
<p>[SAT</a> - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“SAT - Wikipedia”>SAT - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>So, what I’m saying is that a 380 point jump is huge statistically. </p>
<p>However, you’re a student whose SAT/ACT scores just don’t match your academic achievement. There’s a good chance that your SAT scores are just plain wrong for some reason. Very possibly, test taking technique. Therefore with practice and training, you have a good chance of getting better scores.</p>
<p>I strongly agree with LottieM – anything you can do to get a course or private tutoring (without placing an undue strain on your family) would be a good idea. While this stuff is largely self-teachable, there are a number of ‘tricks’ which can be more quickly taught in a class or tutoring setting. </p>
<p>This is especially true since you’ve metioned that self-motivation is an issue. For many – the fact that there is a class coming up, or a tutor coming serves as the motivation to do the work.</p>