Myth or fact?

Aceventura74
Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:13:54 +0000

Rewant24,

MYTH

On my PSAT, my score translated to a sold 1370 (out of 2400). I was distraught knowing that soon I’d be applying to college and that score just would not do. It is VERY VERY POSSIBLY TO RAISE YOUR SCORE TO 2000. I’m a living example of that :). I don’t mean to be cliche, but if you put in honest hard work, you will get that score. And no, it won’t be on your next exam, or the 5th, or even the 10th. I’ve done over 70+ SATs, and it takes awhile. You need to practice. The best advice? Get 2000 out of your head, just think to improve from your current score. There are 4 plateaus in my opinion:
1300-1700: You can take the exam
1700-1900: You know a decent amount about the exam
1900-2100: You have strong control over the exam, you know whats coming, and you know how to tackle a majority of the questions.
2100-2250: Now you’re a genius? NOT! Keep at it and get the perfect score
2250-2400: Genius.

Its easy to “level up.” Just keep practicing. What gives you trouble, math, CR, or writing? For me, it was all 3 sections. Tackle one section at a time; go slow, crawl before you walk, walk before you run, and run before you jump. Don’t just go Gung Ho and take full exams, you’ll see a minuscule improvement; in fact your score will probably decrease. Take 2 sections a day, or even 3. But take them untimed, learn the questions; learn the style, learn what they really are asking. Ask yourself, what does “not drawn to scale” REALLY mean? Really get to know the style of question. Then just practice. Do 2-3 sections a day. Maybe 1 math, 2 CR or vice versa. DO NOT DO 3 of ONE TYPE in one day, especially if you are trying to prove to yourself something, you’ll just waste valuable questions. I’ve been there before; one math section I got a solid 8 questions wrong, I stubbornly went on to the next one and got 10 wrong, then ended the last section with 11 wrong. This was because i just didn’t want to think i got 8 wrong. I should have just calmed down, taken a break, and learned why I got 8 wrong to begin with. Mistakes are your friends; really dedicate time to looking over the questions, reading the answers explained, and then moving on. I personally believe taking the test isn’t important; looking back and learning from your mistakes is the most important part of studying. So, do sections until you start getting that 1900s. Then, you can start with practice exams full out, but still, do sections alone if you need the practice. There is nothing to be ashamed of; yes you’ll see wise guys on the forums saying “yep, took it once, got a 2400, slept during most of the exam” and you’re friends will tell you dumb stores how they got intoxicated, were hung over, and received a phenomenal score. Don’t worry about it; yes it kills to hear especially when you’re working so hard and you can’t get that score. But keep at it, and you WILL. I did :)! Best of luck! :)!

~Aceventura74