<p>Hey guys this is my first post on this website its a pleasure to interact with you guys :).</p>
<p>I have real trouble cracking the SAT for some reason. No matter how much time I invest i just can't seem to get a good score that I need. On my first attempt in January i got 1770 (M-690/CR-530/W-550). I took the SAT again in May and this time I only got a 1940 (M-780/CR-550/W-610). I've dedicated so much time and effort into these to point where i took classes for SAT. I just cannot seem to get a 2100+ I need for schools like Berkeley and Upenn.
I'm an international doing the IB Diploma in the UAE and my grades are quite impressive(39/42). My school load is pretty rigorous because I've taken 4 HL's instead of 3 (because I love Biology and would hate to do it at SL). It's really frustrating to know that despite my academic merits I cannot get the scores i require.</p>
<p>The next ACT is in september I don't know if 2 months is enough to prepare for a great score and plus my parents aren't willing to put me for ACT classes after paying for my SAT classes. I could take the SAT again in october but i really don't want my grades to slip up in IB 2 with the extended essay and TOK deadlines lurking around that time.</p>
<p>Any advice guys I just want to know if I should do the ACT ,SAT and if SAT how to tackle my below expectation scores.
I feel really stupid with a 1940 it makes my question my ability.</p>
<p>p.s I want to major in a Math/Economics degree</p>
<p>Critical Reading - Look at the stickied thread in the SAT forum on how to attack the SAT Critical Reading section effectively. I would also advise that you try to work through some untimed CR tests, in order to improve accuracy. Try to get every single question correct. Then, switch back to timed practice and see if your score improves. Brush up on vocab too, if that’s an issue. Since you took an SAT course, I’m sure you have some vocab lists/books/strategies - take advantage of them.</p>
<p>Writing - In your SAT course, you may have learned some grammar rules. In my opinion, unless your grammar abilities are severely lacking in your daily conversation/writing, a lot of these grammar rules are overkill. For the most part, just listen to the sentence in your head. If it sounds wrong, it probably is wrong. Not sure how you did on the essay but make sure to study the College Board format and develop your own formula and strategy. Having canned examples that universally work helps.</p>
<p>Math - It looks like you have a solid math score. Just keep doing what you’ve been doing and try to avoid that one simple mistake so that you can get the coveted 800 (just because it looks good :P).</p>
<p>Since you seem to be good at math and science, the ACT may be the test for you. Whereas the SAT is 33% reading, the ACT is only 25% reading. After taking the September ACT, you can see which score is better using an SAT-ACT concordance table (Google it) and report accordingly.</p>
<p>Hope this helps! Good Luck! :)</p>