Just got the SAT score. REALLY Depressing. Retake?

Question

Okay. Here's the breakup.

Math - 710.

CR - 550.

Writing - 590.

1850 Total.

The thing is i KNOW i can improve, and i WILL! I took MANY of the practice tests (at least 15 from Kaplan & PR), before sitting for the "real" thing.

This was my first attempt, and i THINK i SUCKED. i NEVER got anything lower than a 2150 on the practice tests Once, i even got a 2210. But i think that was a fluke. :P

Anyway. My question. Should i retake? Considering I only have 3 more SAT's left (Oct, Nov & Dec) and i also need to take the subject tests?

P.S - i think i know why i scored so less. I wasn't able to simulate the "actual" environment of the "real" test, while practicing. I believe (NOW) that knowing the actual format of the paper contains half of the marks. Does anyone else agree?

Chow!

Answer 1

Honestly, CR is the hardest section to improve on. There are tricks here and there (such as those mentioned by the people above me) but it really takes skill that grows over time. I have some trouble over it myself! So over the summer, you should definitely read a lot and get your mind going. It'll help with vocabulary, reading speed, and I think it really just develops that part of your brain. You'll be surprised at how much you can improve over a summer of dedication ;) And of course, get some study material. But don't over-study. I think people fall into that habit and weirdly enough, too much studying can get to the point where it becomes useless.

Answer 2

haaa. you think 1850 is depressing?

definitely retake it. it feels easier everytime. i retook mine twice and it went up at least 100 points each time.

Answer 3

tell you the truth 1850 isnt that bad. but if you think you can do better, then go for it.

Answer 4

1850??is actually good, well u can always take it again.

Answer 5

Hmm, CR is actually one of my strong points. I made a 34 on reading for the ACT my first time taking it. (I know you're not talking about the ACT; sorry if I digress). I'm not sure as to exactly how I do so well on the reading section, but I've always been a pretty strong reader so I think that has something to do with it. If you read a lot, you're able to better understand what you're reading.

As for the environment, try getting a parent or someone who will act as proctor and time you like you will be timed during an actual test. This might increase the pressure for time that is usually placed on test-takers. And yes, now that you know how the format is, you're more familiar with it and you should be able to increase your score next time. As for the subject tests, most good colleges either recommend or require it so it's a good idea to take those for the subjects you are most strong in.

ANYWAYS, onto the point I'm trying to make. You should practice more vocabulary, since that is a pretty big part of the CR. Try collegeboard.com's "SAT word of the day," that should help you out some. Also, when you read the passages, make little notes on the side to help you understand what they are saying. Do these first for practice tests though...you don't want to try out new techniques on the actual test. Underline, circle, scribble, anything that will help. Read the questions first and see if that helps.

Good luck your next time!

Answer 6

I do think you should consider retaking, since the difference between your practice tests and the real test was so high.  When you are practicing though, make sure to do it all within the normal time limit and do all the sections one after the other, like you would on the real test (many people don't run full length practices, and then they burn out on the real thing). after all, on the real test you don't get to break for half an hour between sections, so don't do it on the practice!  

For critical reading, part of it depends on how fast you read.  I suggest reading the questions BEFORE you read the passage; that way, when you read the passage, it is easier to find and circle the parts that the questions refer to.  Also, when you read the question the second time and go back to find the part in the passage that it refers to, SKIM (don't read) for key words that will help you find the relevant section (usually they direct you to the specific line, but if they don't, this is what you do) --if you reread the whole thing, it will take too long.  

When you are answering the questions, read ALL the answer choices.  There will usually always be one "trick" answer--this is the answer that seems correct at first glance, but if you look more closely, it is wrong because of sneaky things like how the question/answer is worded (e.g. "which is NOT the author's main idea", as opposed to "which is the author's main idea").  Many should be fairly easy to answer if you can find the relevant passage and read it carefully (these types of questions usually trip people up on carelessness).  

The harder ones will probably be the ones that ask you "What is the main point of the passage" or other such "summary" questions, that don't quote a section verbatim.  To this end, I can only suggest that you practice summarizing things.  

In your spare time, brush up on vocab (tons of online sites) and practice mentally summarizing things that you read (eg if you're reading a book/article, stop and think "what was the main point of that paragraph").  You can also practice skimming a passage for certain words. If you're going to retake, you do still need to study; retaking it without preparation won't help.  Fortunately, critical reading skills are something you can hone while you study for your other subject tests (summarizing and skimming are useful skills for study, regardless of the subject).