My Success Story

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>I know most people on this board, get 2200+ but if there are any ‘average’ kids who are reading this, that are worried or have anxiety about their scores I thought I share mine. I live in New York and am part hispanic. I go to a competitive public school but my gpa and grades were just average. I always considered myself weak in anything english oriented including reading and writing. Never obligated to do summer reading and didnt care.If I remember correctly I think i got like a 142 on my PSAT as a soph and then a 157 as a junior. My GPA was a UNW: 3.57 W 3.76 – towards the end of 10th grade I kind of fell into depression and knew the schools that i always wished to go to would now just be a dream. </p>

<p>In april of 10th grade - my parents signed me up for one of those generic SAT courses, mind happened to be from Princeton Review. The class consisted of 15 kids all at different levels with one teacher. For me, it didnt help at all - since that environment personally has never worked for me including in school. Well that May, my parents complained how I didnt improve the 200 points guaranteed like they claim every student would - so they forced me to take the june SATs blind. I scored R:430 M:640 W: 490 = 1070/1560</p>

<p>It was during that summer going into 11th grade that I had an epiphany, my life flashed before my eyes and I saw where it was going. I suddenly got motivated and hungry for success. Visually seeing my friends getting 2000+ on the SAT and me having to be embarrassed and hide/lie what i got put me in a deep depression. During the summer around early july, one day I got motivated and headed straight to barnes n nobles which is a block from my house. I took my ipod, money and stayed there from 10 am to 3 pm just reading tips/tricks. That day sparked a new fire in myself and I started to get really hungry. going to barnes n nobles 3/week studying for 3 hrs. a day. </p>

<p>In the spring of 11th grade I took my second SAT and received my scores of R:570 M:650 W:550 1230/1780</p>

<p>Although this was a huge improvement for myself I did not think it was enough, the amount of hours spent studying at 9:30 at night wasnt worth that score. That is when I got a second adrenaline push to stay motivated. I had exactly 3 weeks before my last SAT of 11th grade. I got the SAT BARRONS BOOK and DIRECT HITS VOCAB BOOK as it was recommended by a friend. Although the time period was short, I was really able to focus on writing/reading. I studied essay tips mostly on how to get a 10+ and really created some concrete examples before going into the test. For the Direct Hits I put the 200 or so words all on index cards and memorized them. The reading comprehension part I started to do practice tests casually while reading independently all the time WSJ, NYTIMES etc… </p>

<p>On the May SAT I received: R:670 M:660 W:600 1330/1930</p>

<p>I know this score is nothing to some people who score 2000+ but to me it means the world. I am trying to inspire any other average people who are feeling discouraged from their first or two SAT tests. I plan on taking the October SAT my senior year, and breaking 2000.</p>

<p>Thanks for Reading!</p>

2

<p>I am in litearlly in the same boat. Same GPA and SAT scores but i’m a junior, which sucks. SO this summer i’m just committing myself to the collegeboard sat book and the direct hits book, I’ll keep this in the back of my mind when studying! Thanks</p>

3

<p>great job! Keep up the good work!</p>

4

<p>Very nice story.
But you’re going to take the SAT for a 4th time? That’s a bit much isn’t it? There are ways in which you can excel. An SAT score isn’t everything.</p>

5

<p>I love how you got that fire inside you, I have it too and will be studying this summer to take the SAT for the first time. Borders use to be my study zone, where I read, study and write stories but they closed the one near me so now I have to go to Barnes and nobels. But whatever that’s not going to stop me. You’re story is amazing, keep going :slight_smile: best of luck to your studies</p>

6

<p>Wow man, that’s motivation right there, much more than I’ve ever had in anything lol. Good luck with these your future sat’s, and keep on applying this mindset to everything you do, and you’ll end up far in life.</p>

7

<p>This is an incredibly inspirational story. Congratulations and good luck!</p>

<p>And in my opinion, this would make a great college application essay.</p>

8

<p>Thx so much . you are my inspiration. I think this June, my first SAT, I will score around yours (but likely to less than you 100 points)</p>

<p>I still want to break 2000 too. Let’s hope and done it.</p>

<p>which U do you want to get in??</p>

9

<p>I was wondering if you wrote this story on yesterdays essay xD</p>

<p>and good job, i am also a Hispanic student from NY hoping to get to the 2000 range, but this is my first time taking an SAT</p>

10

<p>Every time I feel disappointed or discouraged, I read your story and I feel inspired~
(i’'ve probably read it so many times I can repeat it word from word lol ^^")</p>

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<p>I wish you the best of luck on the upcoming SAT :)! It’s great to see someone that has the support of his or her parents (paying for an SAT course) coupled with an internal drive, a desire, to succeed!</p>

12

<p>Your awesome! Keep up your inspiring work!</p>

<p>If it is to be, it is up to me…</p>

13

<p>This makes me want to study…hmm </p>

<p>Love ur story :)</p>

14

<p>this story is terrific, i kind of have a fire burning inside me as well right now. I think I’m going to make flash cards as well. Thank you very much for sharing this!</p>

15

<p>I’ll be honest. I don’t read things that are this huge, because of my low attention span and fear of ■■■■■■. But I read it for the hecks, and that was inspiring. You were motivated, and you struggled. </p>

<p>That is what colleges like to see. Hope you get into a good one, where you are happy at.</p>

16

<p>theottoshow,</p>

<p>Great story; I remember reading these types of motivational stories whilst studying for the SATs myself. With your dedication, I’m sure you can break that 2000 goal of yours. Best of luck with the admissions process, and no matter what college or university you attend, be proud and know you’ve worked hard to get there. I hope you do get into your dream school; best of luck with the entire admissions process my friend.</p>

<p>~Aceventura74</p>