SAT question

willyboy

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Aug 15, 2015
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I have taken the SAT three times now, and my best score is a 2020. However, my math score is fairly weak. I have gotten a 610 on both of my last tests. My breakdown is:
Reading: 720
Math: 610
Writing: 690

My question is: Is it worth taking it again in November,? I desperately want to raise my math score, but I'm not sure if there's time. Thanks!
 
It's always worth taking again if you can improve. 610 isn't terrible bt higher would be much better. Besides raising it helps your backup plans too, not just WP. You've got plenty of time to improve if you focus on it.
 
I have taken the SAT three times now, and my best score is a 2020. However, my math score is fairly weak. I have gotten a 610 on both of my last tests. My breakdown is:
Reading: 720
Math: 610
Writing: 690

My question is: Is it worth taking it again in November,? I desperately want to raise my math score, but I'm not sure if there's time. Thanks!

My DS is almost in the same situation. He cannot get over 600 in Reading. After 3 tries, his breakdown is
Reading: 590
Math: 720
Writing: 680

He is considering taking SAT again in November.
 
Have you considered switching to the ACT? My USMA grad detested the SAT and did much better on the ACT. He took it several times since West Point superscores.
 
My DS is almost in the same situation. He cannot get over 600 in Reading. After 3 tries, his breakdown is
Reading: 590
Math: 720
Writing: 680

Both my sons smoked the Math SAT, but had problems with Verbal. We used a private tutor for each, spending about $30-40/hour for 6-8 hours. BTW, we didn't pay the tutor to watch them take the tests. He taught them the techniques which they employed while taking the practice tests at home. He then analyzed the results with them looking for consistent weaknesses, most of which were correctable.

In both sons' cases, it was intimidation by and dislike of the Verbal section feeding off of each other. Once they learned the "tricks", it became more of a game. There are general strategies for test taking, but also tactics for standardized tests. The SAT and ACT even have their own individual peculiarities. There is a specific way to read each question. For instance, one can eliminate answers almost without reading the question, thereby giving more time to go back and check one's work before the buzzer sounds. The tactics are few and they are simple. Learn the skills and then employ them with practice tests. After doing that, you will walk into the test looser and with greater confidence.

Whatever you do, don't simply grind through endless practice tests. You'll only frustrate yourself. I'm sure you've heard of "practice with a purpose." The best athletes arrive at the game with a few butterflies, but also with confidence based on an attention to detail and technique during practices which he/she made meaningful. Make sure you walk in with that same mindset.

Best of luck!
 
Thanks so much for your responses! I will analyze my weaknesses and study smarter this time. Best of luck to your candidates!
 
Thanks so much for your responses! I will analyze my weaknesses and study smarter this time. Best of luck to your candidates!
Willyboy, I echo Dixieland's comment about taking the ACT at least once. My DD did great on the SAT, but was just average on the ACT. It is worth a try. The tests are totally different and usually you do better on one than the other. You have nothing to lose by taking it, expect money out of your pocket. You might surprise yourself.
 
Give the Nov SAT and if you are not happy with results, you can take the Dec ACT as suggested above.
 
Thanks for the insight! I'm taking the ACT for the first time this Saturday. However, I have never studied for it because the SAT has been my focus. Maybe I'll like it more!
 
cb7893 had some great advise. You will usually platuea after the 3rd or 4th time taking the test. Then leaning the technique of taking the ACT/SAT will be of great benefit.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
Willy, are your math scores/grades from school reflected in your SAT?
 
Willy, are your math scores/grades from school reflected in your SAT?

I go to a very rigorous school and earned an A in algebra 2 and Honors Pre-calculus. I'm taking AP Calculus this year and have a B so far. I'm not really sure why I struggle with the standardized test math sections. I felt great on the ACT so we will see!
 
I received a 28 on my ACT. This is pretty disappointing, and I'm wondering if it's even worth submitting? Also, is it too late to take another test?
 
Depends on whether any of the percentiles of each composit score are better than the percentiles for the SAT.

Yes, plenty of time to retest if you haven't missed the deadlines for signup. There is usually an early December test that interferes with nomination interviews, as well as a couple after the new year that can get the scores in before the Feb deadline if you aren't waiting on the writing portion.
 
Took SAT five times (to best of my recollection), averaged around 600 on my math first three times and got lucky and scored hight 700 on Math on my fourth try. Went back down to 600s in my last try. My verbal was lower than math, so that's why I keep taking it.
 
I received a 28 on my ACT. This is pretty disappointing, and I'm wondering if it's even worth submitting? Also, is it too late to take another test?

28 on ACT is 90% on national percentile

For SAT, they don't give composite precentile, verbal 720 is 96 precentile and math 610 is 76 percentile. Don't know how West Point does composite percentile for SAT, but is we assume even weight (96+76)/2 = 86 percentile. If they do uneven, they will favor math more than verbal. So your ACT could give you a higher national percentile.

For Dec and January SAT tests, the scores are supposed to be sent to colleges Dec 22 and Feb 11, all before the application deadline.
 
If you can afford a retake on the ACT, then do so! It seems, if MemberLG's stats are correct, that the ACT is a better test for you. Keep practicing, keep studying.

And if that's the best you can do, then it is your best.
 
Would West Point superscore the SAT if you have one score on the old SAT, and other scores on the New SAT? I'm not sure I should take the old one in January before the New SAT comes out. Thank You!
 
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