<p>Is the SAT a test of natural aptitude or can it be greatly influenced by self-determination? I mean can I work assiduously hard and gain a +200 score in all my sections ( which basically around 500 the last time i took the test without any preparation, in December 09). Is it a measure of just hard work or you will need prior competence… I am caught between acknowledging that my dream of a 700+ might be unrealistic??(my GPA is a 92% average)</p>
<p>Natural aptitude can get a very high score for someone, but most likely some studying will always bumb up the score even higher…If your GPA is a 92 average, then i think you could score 700+ on all sections.</p>
<p>CR = more natural aptitude based, vocab =/= something u can just cram in
Math = depends, but generally if you are a somewhat good math student, you are fine
Writing (MC) = completely study-able, easiest section to improve in (for me at least)
Essay = in the middle-ish. natural bs-ing skills are great, but following a template also works.</p>
<p>I’d say self-determination. Having a knack for this kind of thing helps, but natural aptitude isn’t everything, or else everyone’s SAT scores would hardly change from test to test, while I’ve seen drastic improvements over a few years or even months.</p>
<p>There is a limit to how far you can push it study-wise, though with a 92 GPA 700+ isn’t too unrealistic.</p>
<p>Not all gpas are equal</p>
<p>Study can definitely help. However, if you’re naturally a good thinker, problem-solver, writer, reader, etc. and you can process the information/questions easily, than that will also act as a benefactor. But yes, studying and the use of techniques does help.</p>
<p>GPA’s have a correlation to test scores, but not a very strong one. People who have admitted to be A+ students (97-100% GPA) average a 606 per section. A- students like you average a 535.</p>
<p>If you deservingly got that GPA with all AP classes in a school with minimal grade inflation, then I’d say you can easily get in the 700s.</p>
<p>I have about a 90.5 gpa, and am sure I scored above 2100 prolly above 2150 on the May SAT exam.</p>
<p>GPA and SAT are not really related.</p>
<p>Natural aptitude will give one a great starting point and sometimes even allow one to score extremely high with little to no prep. However, I think self-determination can produce significant improvements even for those who do not naturally excel at standardized reasoning tests.</p>
<p>the SAT is definitely STRONGLY influenced by self-determination and self-studying. a little natural aptitude, of course, helps, but is not the main factor in determining your score. this is the SAT, not an IQ test.</p>
<p>Ironically enough, the SAT was originally an IQ test.</p>
<p>Though I do agree with your points.</p>
<p>^then it’ll be unfair to international students. ;)</p>