I'm Feeling Pessimistic About SAT's On Saturday....Any Advice??

Test Preparation
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<p>I took the SAT in Oct and got a 520M, 610 CR, and a 650W (9 e). I am happy with my writing score but I want a 10 essay. I am not happy with my math and reading score. I want at least a 580M and a 650 CR on Saturday. I’ve been feeling really pessimistic lately though. I want to do better so badly that I am thinking that I will do worse on the SAT I am taking on Saturday.</p>

<p>All I want is an 1880 and I feel like I wont even be able to reach that even though I’ve been studying for math and reading.</p>

<p>Any words you would like to say to me to boost my confidence? I’m not as smart as people on here since y’all get 2000+ but i have not had many opportunities throughout my life and I’ve fought for my education all my life and I’d love a score in the high 18’s or low 19’s.</p>

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<p>Rule #1: do NOT feel pessimistic. If you go in worried and stressed, you will never reach your full potential. I know this is much easier said than done (Trust me, I’ve taken the damn thing 3 times), but you really need to convince yourself that you WILL do well.</p>

<p>Rule 2: I know it’s a little late for this, but try solving some practice problems on Collegeboard by Saturday. The more you can get used to the types of problems on the test, the better. </p>

<p>For the writing, I can’t help much w/ the essay, but here’s some tips on the MC section. I would say almost, if not more than, half of the questions deal with dangling and misplaced modifiers. If there is ever a long prepositional phrase describing something, it is ALWAYS describing the next subject in the sentence. However, there’s a trick. For example:</p>

<p>Known for his excellence in the fine arts, the artist’s masterpieces truly reflect his artistic prowess.</p>

<p>^^^College board LOVES this one. It seems “artist” is being described, but if you notice the real subject is “artist’s masterpieces” so the masterpieces are what are being described. It needs to be along the lines of:</p>

<p>Known for his excellence in the fine arts, the artist truly reflects his artistic prowess through his masterpieces.</p>

<p>This is the kind of stuff you have to watch for.</p>

<p>As far as math goes, I can’t help much there, but the BEST way to improve on that section is just practice, practice, practice (I went from a 660 to a 770 on this section just by taking more practice tests). Whenever possible, create an algebraic expression out of a word expression. Since you’re only going for a 600+, don’t delve into a problem you know you probably won’t be able to solve. Skip it. Know that the questions get harder as the section progresses.</p>

<p>For CR, this is the hardest section to improve on unfortunately. But you already have a 600+ so don’t worry too much. It comes down to your liking of reading and vocab knowledge. Just try to genuinely ENJOY the passage you are reading, no mater how confusing it is.</p>

<p>SAT’s are stressful, but don’t let them ruin your life. Set a target score to be much higher than you actually need, so you may fall short but still be happy. This was my case:</p>

<p>1st Time, aimed for a high 1900, got a 1990
2nd Time, aimed for a 2200, got a 2150
3rd time, aimed for a 2300, got a 2210.</p>

<p>you see, its all about the mentality. If you go in with a positive mentality, I think you will succeed. If not, who cares? It’s just one test and will not define the rest of your life. If you have any other specific questions on sections, feel free to ask me. Good luck!</p>

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<p>^ Thanks so much :D</p>

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<p>130 point jump last test. There is hope!</p>

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<p>^ hopefully I’ll have the same luck tomorrow, thanks</p>