skaterboy21292

I've studied very thoroughly for all sections and used all kinds of methods posted on this site and by Princeton review, but for some reason my score is always much lower on the actual. Today was 4th time taking it, and has scored 1690,1740, and 1730. The odd thing is when I take the tests in blue College Board book and Kaplan books I score on average from 1870-1930. I've studied for this test over a year, and did a Princeton review course and scored mid 1800's on their test by the end of it.

-The CR section is where the biggest discrepancy, in which on the actual test I score 510-540 and in the CB and Kaplan books I score on average 649-660.

- I think the big problem is that I get really stressed out about the test, and oddly can't go to sleep the night before the actual tests, even after taking benadryl (I tried this last night before today’s test), which I think I got the same score as my last two (1720-1750ish).

I'm still determined to take it for the 5th time, even after doing badly on my last 4. So im wondering as a senior could I take it in December? And what should I do about the sleeping before the test and stress. Also, how bad does it look for universities if I took it 5 times, because I’ve been told that the UC system no longer cares how many times u take the sat (they only look at one), and USC only takes super-scores.... I don't think it matters how many times u take it for these schools???

-Lastly, the on thing that's ****ing me off most is that the SAT is the one thing bringing me down. I have a 4.0 avg 10-12 gpa with 5 AP's and tons of extracurricular (varsity track that went to state meet, volunteer after hospital and other places that are around 300 hours, internship, and a few other things. If I don't improve on SAT (1740) what will be my chances on going to UC Berkley, UCLA, UCSD, UCI, and USC?

HopefulEagle86

Those schools will be a reach. Try getting it up to an 1820-1850.
Taking SAT 5 times doesn't look good on your report, even though you can absolutely retake it again in December.

skaterboy21292

u think UCI isn't?

owlice

You might want to try the ACT for grins, and see if you are calmer about taking that. Don't all those schools accept both SAT and ACT?

sweetdreamzzz

UC's usually look at numbers is what i've heard...
I suggest going to your local library (or buy) Up Your Score... It helped me with stress and has tips for relaxing while taking the test during the test. It's a pretty funny book also.
I would also suggest taking a lot of practice tests (but i think you have already XD).
I would take it a 5th time even if it hurts you a little because a higher score will help you more than it hurts you. Good luck studying!
As for your chances, my school college counselor collected data from class of 2009 acceptances into colleges (including UCs): http://iusd.org/UHS/Departments/docu...tudentcopy.pdf
According to my school data, UCI is a low target for you but I think all the other UCs and USC are reaches for you as of now