I felt really confident when I took the sat, I was so sure I would have at least got a 1000 because every single day in spring break I did a hour practice on Khan academy…I was devastated to find out that I got a 870! I plan to retake it this next year…pratice harder but if I can’t get a better score will i have any chance getting in a good college?
What year are you and what math class have you completed?
You might try the ACT to see if that test is better for you. It is also important to do full-length, timed practice tests before the actual test, whether ACT or SAT.
There are many test optional colleges, so take a look at some of those schools when you build your college list. Good luck.
@Heaven444637 Make sure to take the full-length, timed practice tests. Do at least six of them before you take the SAT again, leaving two in reserve for if you wanted to do another re-take. Taking full-length practice tests, reviewing all your answers and then concentrating your studying on the areas that you missed is the surest and fastest way to improve your SAT score.
What is your GPA? Where do you fall in your high school class? Top 10%? Top 30%?
There are some very good schools that are SAT optional. At least a few smaller schools will not even consider SAT or ACT results.
Can you afford a few hours of tutoring? A tutor can give you a practice test and see specifically where you need help, can focus on where you need help, and can give you some test-taking tips.
Define “good”. Seriously.
Do a full timed test - and then look at how you do on each section, starting with your worst section, and look at what went wrong. Do you just not know the material? did you not finish the section? do you disagree with the correct answer? Figure out where your weak spots are, and get help from a teacher or older student on those parts. Use online resources (such as Khan academy) and get practice books out of the library.
S practiced for SAT initially but ended up taking the ACT and did very well. The difference in format played to his strengths, might be the same for you so definitely worth checking out. Depending on your GPA and year in school I would definitely keep working to improve your score.
@collegemom3717 - when you say ‘define good’ are you referring to good schools that are test optional? There are quite a few; U. Chicago, Bates, Bowdoin, Colby, Smith, WPI, Wake Forest, Franklin & Marshall…the list goes on.
That’s a useful list, @Aug2019, but what I meant is ‘OP, what do you think of as a “good” college?’. That helps calibrate the response.