I get an average of 1530 on SAT practice test, but I want to improve my score.Answered
Hi! I solved almost every SAT QAS and practice tests, and I usually get around 1530-1540. I know that that is enough for me, but I might make mistakes on the real SAT, so I just want to be certain to get 1530 on SAT. When I analyze my mistakes, I usually realize why the correct choice was correct, but I don't know how I couldn't realize that during the practice test. So, I would like to know what I can do more to overcome this problem. Thanks in advance!
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2 answers
Well, I would recommend you to take one or two more practice test without time restriction and with a dictionary in your hand. By this way, you will see where your problem lies: is it the time that makes you stressed and make mistakes, or vocabulary, or simply you have a problem with your critical thinking. After identifying your problem, you will have a clear idea of what to do next. Hope this helps.
Hi @Tartarik,
Thanks for your question. This is a good one and I recommend that you follow my suggestions.
Take a few more practice tests in a large space like a public library reading room with other people around quietly reading. This will simulate the Saturday test day environment.
When you take the practice test at the library or a large reading room, pretend you are taking the actual test. So come prepared with your sharpened pencils, erasers, calculator, and a bottle of water and watch to keep track of the time on your sections.
Do take the normal SAT breaks. So leave your area, and go to the bathroom or get a drink or do what you would normally do on a break.
After you take the test. Take a break and then mark your score. Take note of all the incorrect answers. Work diligently on making sure you understand the errors.
Remember that in real life, you will not know which SAT will be given to you on test day. It may be curved toward the EBRW or curved toward the MATH SECTION. If the math section seems easier than normal then the curve will be very hard, and you can only miss 1 math question because it might be 50 pts off the 1st question and 30 pts off the 2nd question, something like that. If the reading and writing sections seem easier than normal, then you have to be super careful to give yourself enough time to go over your answers. Missing one extra question will put your EBRW score in jeopardy.
So if you normally are in the 1530-1540 range off of old practice tests, on test day depending on the SAT test, you may be in the 1450-1550 range. It's better to err on the side of not scoring as high on test day. The correlation between real test day scores and practice ones is not 1.0 to 1.0. It's quite common to have a 100 pt swing South on test day depending on the test and how you feel
During 10th/11th, I remember getting 1480-1490s on my practice tests and then getting 1370 and 1450 on real ones. I found the SAT was not suited for my test taking so I switched to the ACT and got a 35. You always have that option to switch format as well if you get stuck or don't hit your target score.
Good luck.
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This is the accepted answer? Take the test with a dictionary in your hand ?????? Dictionaries are not even allowed when you take the test so how is this helping?