When I first took the PSAT as a sophomore, I scored a 570

on the math section, and I was beyond disappointed. My

English section grade was even worse, but I was more

appalled by my math grade. I lived in China for 8 years,

so it was understandable that I couldn't understand half

of the English section. To be honest, 570 really isn't even

a bad score. It's above average, but to think I tried my

absolute best and I even walked out of the testing room

feeling confident, just to get a sub-600 on math was truly

devastating to me. ​​​​​​​​​​​

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My change of mindset

Let's be honest, who actually likes the idea of standardized tests? Why does my one-time performance get to decide my future? It was even more unfair to me that I was practically sneezing every other second on the DAY OF THE PSAT. See, ladies and gentlemen, this is the EXACT mindset you DON'T want 🥲View the SAT as an opportunity. If you plan on applying to competitive colleges, this is YOUR CHANCE to stand out. Your grades and extracurriculars to show colleges have been built over time, from the start of high school to now. Your SAT score is the ONE EXCEPTION. By junior year, your GPA is practically set in stone. You can try your best throughout the entire year, but realistically it won't boost your GPA by that much (obviously, you should still focus on your grades). But what I'm trying to say is that studying an extra 2 hours for that math test isn't going to benefit you as much as studying an extra 2 hours for your SAT in the long run.

 

It is easier to improve your math score than English score

Even if English is your strong suit, I PROMISE you it is a lot easier to improve your math score. The English section of the SAT is mostly reading comprehension, that is a SKILL you need to build up OVER TIME. Math, however, is mostly about your strategy. There are certain tips and tricks you can learn in a small amount of time that will make a noticeable difference in your math score. When it comes to strategy, there are two types: strategy BEFORE the test and strategy DURING the test; here are all the quick tips and tricks I've learnt for both cases.

 

Game-changing techniques I wish I knew earlier

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BEFORE the test

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1) Practice with real test conditions.

I remember the week before the test (I don't recommend this; I was cramming studying for the SAT). I would wake up at 6:30 every single day. I would bring my laptop and iPad and go to my local library and take a practice test. This was to mimic the conditions and environment of the actual SAT. I remember I would even go as far as to eat gold fish and drink water during my 10-minute break for the practice tests, because my plan was to eat gold fish and drink water during my break for the actual SAT. You should not be snuggled up in your bed with your sheets on when you are taking a practice test. BE UNCOMFORTABLE, because you will not be comfortable during the test; might as well get used to it.

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2) Try your best on your first test

I know many students are all relaxed and laid back for their first SAT test, because they plan on taking it again. But it is still a good idea to study and try your best for the SAT, no matter if its your first time taking it or not. You never know, you might end up being sick on your second SAT, and plus it's always good to get that extra practice in.

 

3) Don't let your practice go to waste

It's obvious to take many practice tests before the SAT, right? But many people let their practice tests go to waste. After your practice test, GO THROUGH every single question you got wrong, ask yourself: why did I get this question wrong? What does this tell me I need to improve on? And FOCUS on those areas that you struggled with more. You should be spending as much time going through your practice tests after you've taken them as time you've spent taking the actual practice test.

 

4) Make your own practice routine

Don't just blindly follow some random guy's SAT practice routine you found on TikTok; make your own. You are a completely different person; you require different routines than others. Find what works best for YOU.

 

5) Practice using Desmos

Desmos is the actual cheat code on the math SAT. I'm sure you've heard this many times, but I am honestly still confused on why they even allow it! Make sure you are using it to its FULLEST advantage. There are many YouTube videos out there on how to use Desmos for the SAT.

 

DURING the test

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1) USE. YOUR. SCRATCH. PAPER. You can ask your proctor for as many as you want during the SAT (I would know😌)

 

2) Mark questions for review if needed

If you come across a question and you're stuck on it for too long, mark it for review and SKIP IT. You can come back to it later.

 

3) Don't leave ANYTHING blank.

You will not get points deducted for guessing the wrong answer, even if you have no clue at all. just put SOMETHING. When in doubt, choose C.

 

4) Calm down!

Remember that this test is not the decision maker of your entire future. You can apply to test-optional schools, you can take the test again, you can try for the ACT instead, just try your best!

 

5) Process of eliminationSometimes it's easier to eliminate the wrong answers than it is to choose the right one. Bluebook (the application you'll be taking the SAT on) has a special tool for this!

 

6) Focus on accuracy over speed

I know it's stressful to see the timer tick down as you answer your questions. There's actually an option to hide it during the SAT if it really bothers you. Always focus on accuracy over speed; speed will come naturally.

 

Final Thoughts

Going from a 570 to a 750 on math wasn't magic

(we don't talk about my English score tho 😬). It

took time and consistent effort, trial and error.

The techniques I learnt throughout this journey

didn't just improve my SAT score; they helped

me become a better student in general! Thank

you so much for taking time out of your day to

read my blog post, and I genuinely hope you

found this post helpful :)