Is a 970 SAT Score Too Low?

Feeling kind of stressed out about my SAT score. I got a 970, which I'm not thrilled about. Is this considered a bad score? If so what can I do to improve it?

It's understandable that you're concerned about your SAT result. A 970 SAT may be limiting for some universities, but there are still a multitude of colleges where you could be a competitive applicant. Now, let's tackle your second question about improvement.

Keep in mind that the SAT measures a specific set of knowledge and skills, and you can improve these through effective study methods. For instance, online test prep can be a valuable resource. You'll find tailored guides for various topics and practice questions that can refine your understanding of the concepts being tested. The Khan Academy provides free SAT prep and you can link your College Board account to get personalized study plans based on your test results.

You can also consider investing in a prep book, as these generally offer comprehensive review materials, practice tests, and targeted strategies for achieving a higher score. It's best to simulate the test environment when taking practice tests so you're also honing your proper pacing and concentration for the actual examination.

Furthermore, the Bluebook™ app provides an actual digital SAT experience to preview and practice, which could be beneficial given that the SAT became fully digital in spring 2024.

Finally, make a point of analyzing your mistakes. Identify common themes in the questions you tend to miss. Are they mostly from a specific section or skew towards certain types of questions? This strategy can help you spot weak areas to concentrate on in your study plan, thereby increasing your overall score.

Be sure not to rush your preparations, and allow yourself plenty of time to study and retake the test if necessary. It is perfectly normal to take the SAT multiple times in order to reach your preferred score. Wishing you the best of luck with your studies and your next attempt!