<p>The SAT doesn’t seem like a super hard test… after all, it’s a reasoning test that doesn’t cover anything that I’ve learned past 9th grade. Why are my scores always in the 2100s/2200s? How is it possible that I do really well on the AP English Literature and Composition multiple choice questions but miss 10 questions in the critical reading section of the SAT?.. Why do I make perfect scores on the ACT reading section but not the SAT critical reading section? Why do I get 100s on Calculus tests but miss stupid questions on the SAT math section? Why, oh why?</p>
<p>I’m being over-dramatic… Sorry if I sound ridiculously arrogant… but… does anybody have the same problems as I do? Doing well on hard tests and making mistakes on easy tests? Don’t get me wrong though, I take the SATs very seriously, and I have been studying for it intensely. My score simply won’t increase. :S</p>
<p>I know exactly how you feel. I pretty much ask the same questions as you do and get the same results. Consequently, I can’t give you much more than sympathy, but I do recommend you double check every single problem on the math section.</p>
<p>Oh, goodness! It sounds like you are missing a lot of problems considering you are in the 2100/2200 range!</p>
<p>On another note, no one can truly help you if you can’t figure out which problems you are missing. If you are missing the same types of problems that test either the same subject or thinking style then you need to review those types of problems. If you are making silly mistakes then make an effort to review the last sentence of each problem to see if you are answering the question.</p>
<p>With reading, I always make the mistake of speculation when it comes to answering questions. My mind infers a lot more than can be cited, which is why I ask myself, “can I take out text to support this answer?” before bubbling.</p>
<p>Simply because the SAT is a VERY, VERY different test than anything you’ve been presented in school.
Let’s take the most prominent thing –
100s on Calc exams are very different than an 800 on the math section of the SAT. The SAT does test reasoning ability and it’s best to think of each problem on the Math portion of the SAT as a puzzle. Calc problems are not puzzles in the more simple sense [though I’m not aware of how your exams in this class are set up] that the math problems on the SAT are.
Another thing is, the SAT is DESIGNED to trick you. They pick answers that seem reasonable, that are reasonable, to the untrained mind…if you are aware of this, through studying, you can do better on the SAT. Just get into the computer/test-maker’s mind.
So this is how school and the SAT are different.
I mean, it’s that and you being whiney - a 2200 is nothing to sneeze at, dear. ;)</p>
<p>Thanks Prep8 for the advice. My mind infers a lot too… when it should be doing more looking-in-the-text for the SAT.</p>
<p>Jamesford, if your way of logic worked with everything, the world would be a much simpler place to live in. Also, that IS my problem! I think the SAT is easy and the problems aren’t super hard, but why am I NOT ACING it? Sorry, but your post did seem kind of mean… =</p>
<p>Vertigo220h, I think I sort of get what you mean about the SAT being designed to “trick” the test-takers. Especially with the critical reading questions, I tend to pick the answer that seems reasonable… Gr… I always get stuck between two answers that both seem to work… I really have high expectations for myself. My parents have high expectations for me as well, so I would like to break the 2300+ score.</p>
<p>But my logic does work! I assume you’re a straight A student. Imagine if every straight A student in the US were able to achieve a 2300+ on the SAT. The exam wouldn’t mean as much! Getting straight A’s is one thing, but acing the exam is another. The two require different skills (school tests require a good memory and little more, SAT requires reasoning ability).</p>
<p>I do apologize if I sounded mean. I am going to give you some advice. You consider the SAT easy, right? If you think it’s easy, then I assume you are finishing each section early. Assuming all of your mistakes are stupid (i.e. you could’ve gotten the right answer had you not misread the question, made a multiplication error, etc.), then you’re going TOO FAST on the exam. Maybe lack of knowledge isn’t the problem here. Slow down, reread the question before you bubble the answer. Check your math.</p>
<p>One last thing: the material covered on the SAT is in fact easy. The math doesn’t go much beyond basic algebra/geometry. The reading passages aren’t chock full of college level vocabulary words and allusions. The essay is broad and formulaic. With that in mind, the test is made difficult because of the time restraints. The multiple choice are full of “2nd best answers.” The questions are sometimes poorly worded. Just take some practice tests to stop making stupid mistakes, try to slow down, and good luck :)</p>
<p>It makes more sense when you say that not every A student can make a 2300+ score. I’m probably one of those who will have to struggle to score above 2300. I really just want to break that limit, and I’ll be pretty statisfied the day that happens.</p>
<p>One thing that really irritates me: sometimes, after I finish a practice SAT test and miss 10 questions on the critical reading section, I go to the section of the book where it explains why I got it wrong. Usually it looks something like this for all the answer explanations: “You can rule out Choice A, because Choice A is not the right answer. Choice B is similar to choice A, so it isn’t right, either. Choice C is not the right answer. That leaves D.” </p>
<p>D:</p>
<p>About the time thing, sometimes I have time left after math sections. Maybe like 2 minutes. 3 at the most. I can usually check 4 problems in that period of time, but I never catch anything. =(. I usually miss 1-3 on the math section.</p>
<p>What books do you use to review? Collegeboard exams are the only ones you should use for reliable scores. </p>
<p>Also, your problem is that you’re one of those people are are intelligent when it comes to “tough” subjects, but not so smart for “SAT” subjects. The SAT is not a hard exam, but it is different from a normal exam. Thus, you have to approach it differently. For example, calculus involves using a method [derivative, integral] to evaluate a problem. You apply certain “universal” ideas to reach some conclusion. In the SAT, there are specific ideas you need to know for specific problems.</p>
<p>Just try to learn the questions that you miss. Over time, you’re bound to get your answers right.</p>
<p>“I think the SAT is easy and the problems aren’t super hard, but why am I NOT ACING it?”</p>
<p>First off, you’re getting a 2200, which is competitive nearly everywhere. This is certainly a generalization, but I think that anything above a 2300–if that’s what you’re seeking–can only be achieved by naturally good test takers or by students who prep intensely to become good test takers.</p>
<p>Secondly, if you’re as good a student as you say you are–100s on calculus exams, killing APs–then your grades, which are doubtless more indicative of your academic achievement, will surely make up for what you lack as far as standardized tests go.</p>
<p>Last point: of course the SAT is easy! But mostly in retrospect.</p>
<p>The SAT tests basic concepts, but it is NOT easy. Funny story, actually.</p>
<p>My friend and I both took the SAT on the same day. I’ve prepped for the test, he’s taking it cold turkey. He comes out and goes, “wow, that was a really easy test, I probably 2400ed it” I say, “what are you talking about, that test was really hard, it had quite a few tricks in it.” He goes, “really? I didn’t notice”</p>
<p>Scores come out: He gets a 1950. I get a 2150. There are a LOT of traps to look out for on the SAT. It’s very easy to think you did well and get a bad score.</p>
<p>Yeah, the answers are specifically designed to give you false confidence if you’re not really in tune with the exam. </p>
<p>One girl in my school, “OMG THERE WAS ONLY LIKE 2 ALGEBRA 2 QUESTIONS ON THE TEST, IT WAS THOOOO EASYYYY”</p>
<p>…630 math, 1750 composite. </p>
<p>Me: “Oh, crap, I think I got nailed by that exam”
2340.</p>
<p>Doing well in school is just being able to regurgitate and mimic what the teacher shows you. Even if it’s “calculus” it’s just doing the same damn thing, “find dy/dx, calculate the area under the curve, blah blah”. With SAT math, they’re basic concepts, but you’ve gotta be pretty sharp to apply them correctly. </p>
<p>The reading section also tests reasoning. There is a JUSTIFIED REASON for every answer on a CR question. There just is! If you can’t see the right answer, it’s because you lack the ability/skill at this point, not because the questions are ambiguous or w/e. </p>
<p>Sorry, but I hate it when straight A kids get *****-slapped by the SAT and complain about how “easy” it is and how they should “easily” ace it.</p>
