The highest SAT score any student can hope to earn is 1600. To get this, you have to score a perfect 800 points on both the Math and EBRW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) sections. Yes, it’s possible to achieve this score. However, a look at this report by College Board may give you a more realistic perspective. The odds of earning the perfect SAT score are a bit daunting.
The SAT Results: Class of 2019
These are some of the highlights of the report for the year 2019:
- The average score of 2.2 million students who took the SAT in 2019 was 1059.
- The mean Math score was 528 and the mean ERW score was 531.
While College Board doesn’t specify exactly how many test-takers scored a perfect 1600, the report indicates that only 7% of the total test-takers in 2019 scored between 1400 and 1600. That translates to fewer than 154,000 test-takers (out of the 2.2 million total) scored between 1400 and 1600. Even fewer would have scored perfectly.
Therefore, the numbers show how challenging it can be to earn the highest SAT score possible. Striving to earn 1600 could leave you with little or no time to complete all of the other college-related tasks that are just as important. It may be more realistic to set your own goals and aim to get the highest SAT to score that you personally can.
These three tips will help you reach your SAT score goal without compromising on all the other tasks that you need to attend to.
Take SAT Practice Tests
Taking SAT practice tests will help you get familiar with the format of the test so you are better prepared on test day. When taking SAT practice tests it’s important to simulate the environment on the actual test day. Keep everything you need ready the day before, shut off your phone, and set a timer when taking the test.
Timing is very important for the SAT. Answering timed practice tests will give you a good idea of well you performed and how much more you need to prepare so you can score the highest SAT score possible.
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Getting One-On-One Help
Some students perform better with one-on-one help. If you think this may help you, look for a SAT tutor in your neighborhood. This can be an expensive option. However, you might be able to bring down the cost by organizing group tuition with a few of your classmates. You could even join an SAT review class at school for free.
Master the Art of Taking the SAT
The SAT is different from other standard high school tests. It has a format unique to itself, an intricate scoring system, and plenty of regulations within the testing room. It’s important for you to go in knowing how the test will proceed. Along with taking a timed practice test, put some time aside on a weekend to take a full SAT practice test in complete silence, without your phone. That way, you can simulate what it’ll be like to take the actual SAT. You’ll end up feeling more prepared on your test day.
Make a Study Schedule
You don’t have to spend hours upon hours cramming for the SAT the week before (not to mention that cramming doesn’t really work). Instead, make a study schedule that spans at least a month. Decide what you want to study each day (i.e., Monday is for reviewing math, Tuesday is for improving your reading abilities, etc.). Limit yourself to a few hours. Also, don’t forget to take breaks! Making a study schedule helps you pace out your studying, so you won’t find yourself cramming the night before.
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