<p>My practice tests before I took the SAT all averaged in the mid 1900s. What I actually got: 1750 (...<em>twitch</em>)</p>
<p>I'm retaking in May, I'm wondering how much I'll actually improve. I was aiming for a 2000 the first time around, and it's sad to lower my expectations to a score lower than my practice tests.</p>
<p>What could it have been? Being in a different area? Wearing that uncomfortable skirt? Having the girl in front of me flipping her hair into my face? Just plain nervousness?</p>
<p>What kinds of practice tests did you take? Maybe the ones you took weren’t very good indicators of your actual score. If they were College Board tests, did you finish them within the allotted time, or did you go at your own pace?</p>
<p>I also have the same question as Yakisoba. Nevertheless, my DD prepared for the test very thoroughly (20+ practice tests within 6 months) and scored very well consistently in the last several practice tests, and yet she scored 250 below her expected score the first attempt and still 100 below her reachable target in her second attempt due to some careless mistakes and the curves. So there is definitely some luck involved.</p>
<p>If it was your first time, you might not have been prepared for the testing experience.</p>
<p>I used the college board practice tests, and for the last few I did time myself. My scores were still in the mid 1900s. It was my first time, maybe that was the problem…I hadn’t taken a standardized test in 2 years at that point.</p>
<p>So your school did not take PLAN or PSAT? Those are good practice for the test center experience. Anyway, it seems you are not thoroughly prepared considered the number of timed practice tests and your first SAT score. You should spend the Summer to better prepare for it. Try to do more timed practice tests. Typically, one would get around 50-100 lower than their practice score at their first SAT attempt. The gap should be gone by the second attempt. I am sure you can get over 2000 after more practice, but you should not expect a score higher than your practice other than the margin of error.</p>