@lesender I think it just updates after a while. I would also try it on your phone. For some reason, when I checked on my phone, it worked, and it has from then on. Also try googling a direct link to SAT scores; that’s what I did on my phone also.
@iamnotironman I am feeling the same thing. I just find that score very hard to believe. Do you think the frameshift type error would be one of the “obvious errors” defined on the college board website? I also could have accidentally marked two answers for one question (one of the answers pertaining to the following question) which could have caused a similar error; however, I feel like the first error is more plausible.
Here is what CB has to say about the qualifications for rescoring.
“If we can determine that you made an obvious error in filling in the information on the answer sheet (such as, but not limited to, placing your answers in the wrong section of the answer sheet or improperly recording the test identifying code), your score may change.”
Unsure as to what to focus on next. First time I took the SAT (actually the second because I walked out of my first SAT and canceled scores) I got 800 CR, 710 M and 720 W, this time I got 800 CR, 730 M, 750 W. My essays blew both time though (9 the first time and 8 this time) and I’m wondering, for all of y’all with good essay scores – how do you do it?
I fill the whole two pages up when I write essays (like CC says to) but I can’t even get a 10 essay score. Do y’all high essay scorers have a system? Do you establish some kind of Vulcan mind meld w/ the essay scorers and just intuit what they want from the essay that way?
Next time I take the SAT, I want to at least crack 10 on my essay.
I got CR 620, Math 610, and Writing 650. On my essay I got an 8, which was surprising to me. Since my second time, my CR jumped 20, my Math stayed the same, but my Writing increased by 80!
I was upset with my score as this was my third time taking it. Honestly, I feel as if I did significantly better on the sections deleted (I remember even saying something along those lines to myself during the test). It’s sad because I’m sure my CR/Math scores would’ve increased more, but what can you do.
Now, my next struggle is taking the subject tests! So, if I retake the SAT for free again in October and take my three subject tests in November, would I still be able to apply EA at schools? This could be solved with an earlier test date, lol. Or just give us a choice between the scores before removing the two sections and after…obviously unrealistic, but I like to dream! 
When you study all day and night for an entire month and your score decreases significantly…praying that my ACT score (that hasn’t come out yet) gets me into Georgia Tech :-SS
In other news, I’m proud of my 11 essay 
a 9 essay being equivalent to 750 is amazing
@DressingIron My 10 essay was not even two full pages. It was maybe like 1.5 pages at the most. I also failed to use scholastic literary examples, historical examples, or any real, empirical examples at all. All of my “examples” and “support” were abstract and hypothetical. I did, however, incorporate an extensive vocabulary without making my essay sound like a paper filled with superfluous, improperly used words. My psychotic AP Lang. teacher made us do a comprehensive 1,000 word vocabulary notebook, so I basically have a set of elevated words that can be used in any prompt or situation. My grammar was very clean thanks to that insane AP Lang. teacher (-5% for every grammatical mistake). Varied sentence structure helps, but I think the main reason I got a 10 with 1.5 pages and no real examples is because I effectively worded my argument. Many students and teachers have told me that my essay writing style is extremely formal, which I think is a good thing when it comes to the SAT. It makes up for my lack of true, concrete evidence. I could probably get an 11-12 if I filled up two pages and had actual support, but a 10 is good enough for me since I tend to do well on the MC (disregard the June 6th 2015 SAT).
For some of you this may seem very obvious, but this is my strategy for getting consistent 10s:
1.) Highly elevated diction: avoid ordinary/colloquial terms and clichés at ALL costs. Do not reuse eloquent words or sentence structures in the same essay.
2.) Advanced sentence structure/strong command of English language: just make things “sound good.”
3.) Be very mindful of grammar and syntax.
4.) Make up scenarios that prove your point. Obviously you will look more educated if you have real examples.
5.) Acknowledge the validity of counter arguments.
6.) Use transitional phrases sparingly, especially those in the form of adverbial modifiers.
7.) Aim for 2 pages.
8.) You do NOT need 3 examples for support. I only had 2 body paragraphs but developed them significantly. I would not have finished if I had done 3 body paragraphs.
9.) Finish. If your essay does not have a concluding paragraph, there goes the 10+. The first time I ever took the SAT I got an 8 because I ran out of time. I finished with an incomplete sentence… did not even end with a period.
Other tips:
1.) Do not overuse parentheses.
2.) Using dashes, represented as “–” in handwriting indicates sophistication in writing, according to my AP Lang. teacher. Use once or twice in place of semicolons.
3.) Try to avoid 1st and 2nd person point of view.
4.) Keep verb tenses consistent throughout essay.
5.) If prompt asks you to persuade [insert noun], explicitly mention that individual, group, etc.
6.) Effectively embed quotes when quoting. Never begin sentences with quotations.
7.) Underline book titles.
7.) Avoid passive voice.
9.) Be direct and incisive.
10.) Neat handwriting helps.
11.) I despise reading my own writing, but proofread.
12.) If time is your issue, create a set of strong introduction backbones with key phrases that can be used in multiple situations. This will help you create a cogent intro in little time, leaving you with plenty of time to develop body paragraphs and finish the essay.
13.) No contractions allowed.
To expand vocabulary, that SAT Power Vocab book is great
To improve grammar and syntax, the Elements of Style is good.
Thanks, will definitely consider when I go to retake in October. I’m just roiling mad over my essay score because it’s mostly what’s holding back my composite score – if I had gotten a 9 or 10 essay instead of eight I would have cleared 2300. Bleh.
It’s crazy to think that people who take the SAT next year won’t even have to worry about writing; I envy them.
Has there been a consensus about the curve on this SAT? Harsher? Lenient? About the same? Just curious. My D took it (second time) but has decided to move on to SAT subject tests.
For math, the consensus seems to be that -2 is 730. Which is superrr harsh but only two sections were graded, so, eh. Writing wasn’t impacted by the error and it seemed pretty identical to the posted curves in the Blue Book. For me, I got one MC question wrong and an 8 essay and ended up with a 750. Reading I have no idea. I assume -1 was an 800?
And the subject tests are so much more fun. The curve (for most subject tests) is more generous than the curve on most sections of the SAT, the subject tests aren’t as harshly timed /and/ I’ve found that subject tests in general are just way more fun to study for/take. Plus, there’s much more camaraderie in the subject test testing rooms. I remember the first time I took a subject test, one kid was sharing red vines with everyone and a group of us were discussing the differences between the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates.
The math curve was pretty standard for a PSAT
@DressingIron I got a 10 on the essay and to be honest, I thought my essay was one of the worst I’ve ever written. I just followed the typical pattern: introduction, one literary example, one historical example, conclusion. Just make sure your conclusion ties everything back together and that your examples are detailed and tie back into your thesis statement. I had a few solid vocabulary words but nothing too esoteric that would impress any graders. Make sure you know basic grammar rules and that you’re not making errors in your writing, and be sure to vary sentence structure.
I think the main thing that got me a 10 was that I had somewhat of a full circle ending: I started my essay with a quote by Zora Neale Hurston (that just happened to be on the wall of my testing room… I guess I got lucky, but I had other quotes prepared so it would’ve been fine anyways) and my last sentence tied my entire essay back to that quote, in a non-cliche way. I think it depends on your execution, a full circle ending could work really well but you have to make sure it’s not cliche.
PS - the SAT essay is still there next year, it just isn’t required, like on the ACT. I’m sure most top colleges will require it for admissions.
TBH idk how i got 12, when i was practicing and had someone score, I always got 9s, 10s. I used napoleon, lord of the flies, and some modern day even about china and space exploration as my 3 examples
My essay was a 10 and I used a strong intro, literary example (slightly added some fluff to this lol), personal example (completely made this up), and a strong conclusion.
It seems like a lot of people (including myself) received an 8 on the essay. I personally felt that the topics were very challenging. I found myself scrambling for examples and my brainstorming took a large chunk out of my time.
Also, am I the only one here who despises writing essays by hand? I’m great at writing essays on the computer and ideas come to me very easily on that medium, but writing on paper seems cluttered, disorganized, and daunting. sigh Oh well. Tis what it is.
800 M (80 on psat, 720ish practice tests)
780 CR (70 on psat, 680ish practice tests)
710 W (74 on psat, 700ish on practice tests)
On the reading section that was not counted, I omitted 5 questions.
I am so so so lucky
how do i get the free october waiver? and if i get it, will my june sats be canceled?
@itzkillerc - Just call them and ask for one, they’ll register you for the October SAT over the phone. Your scores won’t be canceled.
I think the curve for math was really harsh 
how much does one need to get wrong to get a 710 in CR?