<p>Recently I took a practice test from the Barrons practice book, I got a 27 (E:28 M:25 R:28 S:27). I heard that Barrons was usually harder so I was kinda happy with those results. HOWEVER, after studying and reviewing, I just took a test from the Red Book and score a 27 (E:28 M:27 R:25 S:26). </p>
<p>This was a serious bummer for me. I’ve always heard people talking about after a certain point your score won’t go up anymore. I’ve always dismissed this as just arrogant people running their mouths or lazy people not willing to study anymore, but now I’m really considering they speak the truth. Have I reached my limit? Am I destined to go to a state school and become a nameless number in the work force? ugh thoughts?</p>
<p>Also The passages in the Red Book seemed really HARD! esp compared to Barrons. Though it could have been the fact that I started the test at 12am and was really sleepy.</p>
<p>The practice tests have there limitations but yes once you have adequately prepared you will find your score doesnt go up much with additional studying. </p>
<p>Think of this as more of a practical thing then a real limitation. You have other things you can do with your time…like taking AP courses or applying for scholarships If you have reached the top of your score curve it just isnt that useful to dump a lot more time into test prep.</p>
<p>A limit does exist for a little while - take a break from studying and the limit should be gone. I was stuck at the 29-31 limit for a while but I took a 2 week break and I’m at 32-34</p>
<p>I certainly hope you didn’t mean this to be as condescending as it sounds. Assuming that graduates of a “state school” are destined for mediocrity is flawed thinking…almost as much as assuming graduates of a “prestigious” school are destined for greatness. </p>
<p>The October test may not necessarily be the last opportunity for you. If you’re aiming for “elite” schools, you may find your application deferred along with many other students pending a transcript of first semester or possibly even third quarter grades. If so, that may give you time to sit for another testing session if necessary, and sanguinee’s advice may indeed be applicable to you. Good Luck!!</p>
<p>@Woverine I didn’t mean it as that. Its just I have all this pressure from everyone (family, friends, classmates, teachers, etc) to go off to a “elite” school. I feel like if I don’t get in I’m worthless…but that’s a different subject lol. There is nothing wrong with state schools and went into my senior year with the mentality that I will most likely end up at one. </p>