How do I gain motivation to study for the SAT and improve my score on the math portion?Answered
Hello, current senior here!
I'm working on my college applications I took the SAT a total of two times and my scores were really bad since I wasn't able to manage my time and something happened in my personal life which affected me. The main thing I know is that the math portion is stopping me from achieving a higher score. I'm taking the SAT on the 24th of this month. I know I don't have that many days left and I haven't studied either but I need help. I'm embarrassed of my SAT score that I got last time and I don't want to use it on my applications. This is also important to me because I want to get into a science major in college. The score for my math portion was 430, how can I bring that up? If anyone could provide any suggestions I'd appreciate it a lot, thank you!
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1 answer
First off, I get how overwhelming it can feel right now, but don鈥檛 beat yourself up over the past scores. Life happens, and it sounds like you鈥檝e been through a lot. The important thing is you鈥檙e ready to tackle this now, and that says a lot about your determination. You鈥檝e got time before the 24th to make some meaningful improvements!
Here鈥檚 what I鈥檇 do if I were in your shoes:
Focus on the Basics First: With math, especially if you鈥檙e aiming to bring your score up quickly, it鈥檚 key to focus on the core topics that are heavily tested, like algebra, problem-solving, and basic geometry. You don鈥檛 need to know everything for a big score bump. I鈥檇 suggest starting with diagnostic practice tests or questions to figure out exactly where you're struggling the most, then zero in on those areas.
Use Khan Academy: They鈥檝e partnered with the College Board, so their SAT practice is spot on. And the best part? It's free. The site tailors practice problems to your weaknesses based on past test results. So even if you鈥檙e short on time, this can be a more efficient way to study.
Daily Practice: Don鈥檛 stress yourself with marathon study sessions. Start with small, manageable chunks鈥攍ike 30 to 45 minutes a day focusing on math concepts, then increase if you feel up for it. Consistency is key, and you鈥檒l find that the more you practice, the more confident you鈥檒l feel.
Work on Timing: Since time management was an issue, try doing some timed math sections. It鈥檚 a great way to simulate the test environment and build up your comfort with pacing. Don鈥檛 worry if you don鈥檛 finish every question at first鈥攋ust focus on making steady progress.
Practice Your Weak Spots: You mentioned your score was 430, and bringing it up is possible if you put in focused work. Pay attention to what types of questions tripped you up last time. Once you identify them, find targeted practice to drill them.
Stay Positive: Don鈥檛 let that embarrassment hold you back. Plenty of people take the SAT multiple times and improve each time. This test doesn鈥檛 define your future, but your effort does. You鈥檝e got this!
Read motivational quotes: I love reading motivational quotes as they get me pumped up!. You can find some awesome ones here: motivationping.com/quotes/
Lastly, don鈥檛 forget to give yourself a break now and then. Stressing out too much won鈥檛 help, so take care of yourself while you鈥檙e studying.
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Thank you very much, I'll 100% follow your advice.