How to Earn Your Highest SAT Score
Like high school grades, SAT scores determine what colleges a student can attend. For this reason, it is important that students set out to earn the highest SAT score possible. Many students will find the pressure of the SAT to be difficult. Standardized tests do not often allow students who are better at expressing themselves through speaking or through writing to shine. Furthermore, the atmosphere during the test and the fact that it is so important to the student's future can lead to a student's doing less than his or her best.
Regardless of the pressure, there are ways that students can achieve their highest SAT score. For example, eating a healthy breakfast can make a student more alert during the test. Studying using approved SAT material is one way to achieve a high SAT score. Taking practice tests so that students are familiar with not only the questions, but also the test format is another useful method.
Understanding the SAT and Scoring
But before you can prepare to face the SAT and to earn your highest score, you have to understand the test and its scoring. The traditional SAT test is divided into three parts: reading, math, and writing. Each of these subsections can range from 200-800, with 200 being the lowest score possible and 800 being the highest score possible. Thus, a perfect SAT score is 2400.
Test professionals determine the SAT score through adding up the points that are correct and incorrect. One point is added for each correct answer, and 1/4 of a point is subtracted for each incorrect answer. No points are subtracted for questions that are not answered. The raw score is then converted to the 200-800 scale.
Different colleges require different SAT scores for admission. The good news is that these colleges often publish their SAT data. This means that students who want to attend these schools can find the score that they are shooting for with little hassle.
According to About.com, the average SAT score is 500. If the highest SAT score a student earns is between 500 and 800, then this student has scored above average. This makes getting into college much easier.
If you want to get into college the easy way, or if you want to compete for a top rated school, it is important to achieve the highest possible SAT score. You can achieve your highest SAT score by being prepared, testing well, and re-taking the test. By following these steps, you'll have a better chance of spending less time on the SAT and more time at your dream college.
Preparing to Take the SAT
Being prepared is the first step to earning your highest SAT score. Every student has strengths and weaknesses, and the SAT is meant to discover those strengths and weaknesses. However, just because you are worse at math than you are at English doesn't mean you have to have a low math score.
Instead, you can remember this important fact--the SAT is an assessment of what you should have learned in high school. So, you can relax. Even if you can't recall the information immediately, you can recall it with proper studying materials.
And proper studying materials are easy to come by. Many SAT study booklets exist that describe the test in detail, offer practice questions, and explain answers. SAT study guides on CD-ROM are now popular as well.
The PSAT is another popular method that younger students use to ready themselves for the SAT. Many high schools give the PSAT, and even give awards for high scorers. The PSAT is a good way to gauge your readiness for the SAT in a lower-stress environment.
If you're struggling with a certain part of the SAT when studying, you can always ask a qualified individual for help. High school teachers often offer SAT prep courses, and many are willing to help students on-one-on. In addition, SAT tutors and special prep courses are available--along with online tutoring and resources--for those who want extra instruction.
Preparing the Day of the Exam
While studying and understanding the test is an important component of achieving your highest SAT score, being prepared for the day of the test is another method to ensure you will score highly. You should get enough sleep the night before the test so that you can concentrate with ease. Eating breakfast so you won't be distracted by hunger and arriving early so you are not rushing and panicked are also good strategies for earning high numbers.
But being prepared will only get you to the proctor's first instructions. After that, you have to learn to test well. Remember that you are not penalized for not answering questions, so go slowly. Make sure you are deliberate when you color in the letter choice, so as not to create confusion.
Testing well also includes minimizing test anxiety. You will want to breathe deeply and slowly, leaving yourself time to check over your work. Also, try to keep a calm and positive attitude. Without one, you can easily lead yourself to panic mode.
Have extra pencils on hand, and make sure to raise your hand if you have a question. The proctor and his or her helpers are there to aid you. The faster you get your questions answered, the faster you can go back to concentrating on your test.
Minimizing Disctractions
Finally, earning your highest SAT score requires that you are able to shut out some of the distractions around you. Proctors generally do a good job of minimizing distractions in the testing room. If you are a nervous test taker, however, you'll benefit from concentrating on your work and trying to tune out the other pencils that are moving and the coughs or whispers from other students.
Once you've completed the exam, there are still some methods that you can take to make sure you achieve your highest score. Retaking the test is always an option. According to the College Board, students who retake the SAT are more likely to earn their highest score.
According to the statistics noted by the college board, 55% of students who retake the SAT earn a higher score when testing first as juniors and again as seniors. Retaking the test can help you earn your highest SAT score because you will know what is coming. And because you can choose not to have your scores sent to universities for each setting, retaking the test does not have to be embarrassing.
If you want to earn your highest SAT score, then you need to take the steps to ensure your score is as high as it can be. Before you take the test, be sure that you understand how the scores are calculated and what score you need to get into the school of your choice. Then take the steps to get there by being prepared, testing well, and retaking the test if needed. When you follow these steps, the SAT doesn't have to be a scary experience. Instead, it can open doors for you as you head to a future of higher education.