<p>I always do well on standardized tests. After taking the PSAT twice my score projected me about a 1650-1850 on my SAT. I took a full length test from College Board and had my essay graded online and received a score of 570 on Reading and Writing, and a 590 on math. My essay score was projected to be between a 10-12. I did not have any tutors or prep classes prior to the practice test nor did I have any after. I went on the college board site and used the how to improve your score part (went through band by band and did the problems I didn’t understand). I also went through the big book and skimmed through problems and did the ones I was not sure how to do. I did this method for Math and Writing and also read all the notes for the writing section. The night before the test, I stayed up relatively late studying then couldn’t fall asleep due to anxiety and stress. Only ended up getting 2 hours of sleep. During the test I was not feeling well (I have a chronic illness) and did not get to finish my essay, struggled extremely on my first section of reading, then struggled on my writing section after that. On a side note after the essay and the first 2 sections I felt so sick I was ready to cancel my scores and walk out, however decided to push myself. The remainder of the test did not seem awful (reading and writing were always a tad more difficult than math). Also, on the PSAT’s and full length practice test I omitted a lot, however for the first time I found myself finishing most of the questions before the time was up. Because of this I had hope I may have done slightly better. After checking the scores today I did A LOT worse. I got a 540 on my math, and 480 on the reading and writing. The essay I got a 6 on however it is not surprising since I only thoroughly finished half, and quickly wrote a couple sentences for the last 2 paragraphs. I am sure this contributed to my low score. I still am extremely disappointed in my scores for reading and math (and writing) for I do not understand what I did wrong/different. Just wondering if anyone has any advice on what to do in this situation? I am extremely devistated with what happened and will be taking it again in May. I know this is not my best work, I truly believe I am capable of doing more than even my practice test. If anyone has any advice on how to increase my score and/or any test taking strategies it would be greatly appreciated. I am just terrified I ruined my chances of getting into any decent college. :(</p>
<p>Could we have some information on what you consider a “decent” college? Many colleges will either take your best score, or will “superscore” your tests, taking the best score for each section and compiling them to form your composite score. </p>
<p>Your score drop is quite understandable, having 2 hours of sleep and feeling sick. </p>
<p>I have heard from many people on CC that the online essay scorer isn’t reliable. On the real test, people grade your essay, not a machine. I’m not trying to negate your impressive projected score, but I thought you may want to know. :)</p>
<p>I think it’s a bit late to give you advice for the test last Saturday, unless you have a TARDIS, by any chance. 
However, if you’re taking it a third time, I would advise you to get the Blue Book and another prep book. I found Khan Academy immensely helpful: <a href=“SAT | Test prep | Khan Academy”>https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat</a>. IF you have the money, a tutor may be helpful, but I don’t have any experience it that area. Don’t stay up late studying. Go to bed at your normal time, eat a good breakfast…yada yada yada. </p>
<p>One last tip: many students perform better on the ACT than the SAT(and vice-versa). I took the ACT and my score was 10 percentile points up from my previous score on the SAT. </p>
<p>I hope this is consoling and not discouraging, but a projected score of 1650 to a “real” score of 1500 might not be considered a drop,since the PSAT lacks an essay section and there are so many variables. You could think of it as you still got an average score, even thought you were really sick and tired. :D</p>