How can I raise my SAT score?

Question

I'm taking the SAT in October and I have taken 4 full length diagnostic tests to practice and here are my scores:

Test 1: Math: 530 Reading: 550 Writing: 480 TOTAL: 1560

Test 2: Math: 660 Reading: 470 Writing:630 TOTAL: 1760

Test 3: Math: 600 Reading: 490 Writing: 630 TOTAL:1720

Test 4: Math: 610 Reading: 530 Writing: 620 TOTAL: 1760

My essay scores (they were graded by my SAT teacher) were: 8, 12,9, 11 (12 is the highest)

I really need to get in the 2000's and 2100's but it seems like I'm stuck on a 1760 as my score. I have been studying before each practice test but I can't seem to improve. I am using the Princeton Review Book and have been studying the Hit Parade Vocab. Words in the back of the book. Please give me any tips to raise my score in a major way (especially in reading). Thanks!!

Answer 1

Have you considered the ACT? For many folks who struggle on the SAT but do well in school, the ACT is a great test.

But back to your question...

I hate to say it but Reading is the HARDEST part of the test to improve.  You can improve your math by using elimination and some of the strategies in the Princeton Review book - but learn WHEN to use the strategies, that is as important as what the strategies are.

Next, read the OP/Ed section of the newspaper EVERY DAY and ask yourself these two questions:

1) What is main point the author trying to make?

2) How does the author feel about it?

That should naturally help improve your reading comprehension, but your scores will only improve if you do this and practice the techniques you're learning in the book.

Finally, if you're still not getting where you need to be, you might want to consider a tutor/classroom prep.  This does cost money, but if you NEED a 2000+ then you are looking at some elite colleges/universities which means you'll have to make an investment in your education before you planned.

If you're not too keen on spending the money, there is a free test prep and college planning website called MyStudentEdge (www.MyStudentEdge.com) that can help you prep with guided lessons for the SAT, ACT, or PSAT.  You'll need to register as a new user, but just use access code: XULGFRAD and you'll be fine.

Good luck!

Answer 2

take a Princeton SAT class.  that's what i'm doing.  i got a 2280 on the the first practice test, but that is just because i'm brilliant.

Answer 3

study harder

Answer 4

wow sunmaid r what a beeeeotchh!! people like smart people but not when they brag about it. and just so you know, mr. 'intellegent' your not the only smart one out there, and if you were truly smart you would have known that. and if your so gifted, why didn't you get a perfect score?

(sorry, that person just POed me...)

Anyway, look over the tests, see what you messed up and study that. You've defientely improved. Test 2 was definetly your best (a 12 on the writing? Dangg, thats good!!), so try to remember what you did to review and then just try and remember that test. Study hard!

Answer 5

i was going to say try to retake it but i guess you have more than once how many times are you going to take it before you realize that the score you got is what you got i wouldn't worry to much about it their is a school for everyone you can always attend a communty college and then transfer to another school.Also one thing i learned when it came time to take my SAT's was you can get a book and study the book left to right side to side up or down once your taking the test its a completley diffrent thing.i say just have a good sleep the night before that way your ready and try your best dont stress it colleges look at your scores but they look at your school grades too so do what you can.

Answer 6

I would spend more time reviewing the fundamentals like...god..i took my SAT last year and im trying to remember the word phrases..like parrallelism and etc.  Math was key for me, cuz i was confident i could get 700.  But the main trick for math is to make sure u know the trick to the trade. Eliminating answers that in ur eyes dont look rite.  Even if the diagram say "Not fit to scale"..pretend like it is anways.  It really helps.  For vocab, try to look over the tests you have recently taken, for some reason the practice tests always seem to have the most common words. Im sure u always have the CollegeBoard official SAT book with 8 practice tests already rite?