What am I doing wrong and how should I proceed? SAT&ACT #ReallyFrustrated

Test Preparation
1

Hey guys, I’m really confused and needed some crucial advice atm.

Okay, so I’m an Indian international applying to the US. I have sat for the SAT 1 twice and my scores have been 2160 (M:770 W:700 E:9 CR: 690) - First attempt and 2120 (M:800 W:670 E:7 CR:650) - 2nd attempt.

Should I try my luck with the SAT once more taking into account the fact that my score actually significantly decreased in 2 sections? Or should I give the ACT instead?

The most worrying thing about re-taking the SAT is that I don’t know what else I could do to prepare and where am i going wrong.

I have completed the Blue Book, ALL released SAT papers since 2005, learnt DH by heart, SAT Black Book for strategies and Erica Meltzer Guide to SAT Grammar for Writing. The sad thing is, the hard work seemed to be working as I don’t remember getting a score below 2200 on any of the past papers i had given, with most of my scores being in the range of 2300-2400. I don’t what happens to me in testing conditions, idk if it’s the stress or what,

And I always timed myself properly, the only thing I could be guilty of during practice was taking the tests whenever I pleased and felt comfortable and not taking it early in the morning ( during the hours I’m usually fast asleep, tired and generally not at my best ) and hence was not able to stimulate actual test conditions or maybe that I always finished at the every end of the time limit during practice.

Btw, I got 31 on the first ACT practice paper I gave without preparing AT ALL.

Please suggest how should I proceed with the whole standardized testing drama. Choosing between ACT/SAT and how to rectify my mistakes on the SAT 1 and what more to do. I’m feeling really frustrated with SAT 1. But I don’t want to let all that hardwork for SAT go to waste. Hence, I’m hoping to really nail that 3rd attempt, but HOW? :confused:

Btw, I also have a 740 on Lit. Subject Test.

2

BUMP! I really need the advice and the help guys! :confused:

3

I really don’t understand the distorted view some kids have about this stuff on this site. You have a super scored sat in the 98th percent tile. It’s 2190, and I got that by adding up your best sub-scores together, which colleges will do for you. Move on to other parts of your application. A couple of sat points will not determine an acceptance or rejection.It’s your grades, which I assume are good, and everything you’ve done outside of your classes that start to matter once you reach a certain score. Work on selling yourself and stop killing yourself over this stuff.

4

I definitely agree with you. I don’t know if it’s stupid or not, but I just can’t let it go due to this strong feeling that I have not done my best eating at me. Hence, looking to improve. If you have any suggestions, please do help me.

Thank you so much for your response!

And my grades are decent. 10/10 CGPA without upgrade in 10th Grade. 84% in 11th Grade - Rank 3 in Class.

5

The difference between your two scores is statistically negligible, and the odds that you can do much better with another testing is small. It is a fine set of scores. A projected 31 on the ACT is about the same.

6

Hahaha, I beat the odds it seems! :smiley:
My dad motivated me to take both the tests this June. I got a 2290(CR-770 M-780 W-740), with a 2310 superscore, and a 35 (E- 34 M - 35 R- 36 S- 36) on the SAT and ACT respectively! Still waiting for my Writing result.