I'm so worried about my SATs...any advice, please?

Question

I took a practice test and didn't score as well as I thought I could...I need at least above-average scores to look into the schools I would like to attend. My GPA is strong (I'm planning to work it up to a 3.9 unweighted by my senior year--all honors classes) but I scored in the 50th percentile in all subjects, except math--in which I scored a 30th percentile in on the practice SATs. I'm getting preperation this summer (I'm an incoming Junior) but I'm still nervous...any tips? I've never been a fabulous test-taker and after a hemmorhage in my brain, some things have been affected--though not substantially, I think.

Answer 1

If the verbal/vocab is a problem, make flash cards with words they use a lot (a practice book like by Princeton Review) will tell you, and learn the definitions. I think it would be helpful to have a sentence you use it in that might remind you how it's used, or of it's definition when you take the test. I had a friend who started writing at the end of every day, and it really helped her with the essay on it.

As for the math-practice problems. You said you're getting prep this summer...They'll teach you some really helpful tips for the math part.

Leading up to the test, make sure you eat well and get lots of sleep! It really helps if you're at least rested at the ungodly hour they start :)

Don't worry-I'm sure you'll do well! It's not the only thing colleges look at, so it's not necessarily going to make or break it, especially since you have a great GPA.

Answer 2

Well I would take the SAT at least twice. The second time I took it I scored 1000 more points. All I can do to help you is to go to collegeboard.com and take as many practice tests as you want to. That's really the only thing they can do.