How do I gain motivation to study for the SAT and improve my score on the math portion?

Answered

First off, I get how overwhelming it can feel right now, but don’t beat yourself up over the past scores. Life happens, and it sounds like you’ve been through a lot. The important thing is you’re ready to tackle this now, and that says a lot about your determination. You’ve got time before the 24th to make some meaningful improvements!

Here’s what I’d do if I were in your shoes:

Focus on the Basics First: With math, especially if you’re aiming to bring your score up quickly, it’s key to focus on the core topics that are heavily tested, like algebra, problem-solving, and basic geometry. You don’t need to know everything for a big score bump. I’d 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’ve 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’re short on time, this can be a more efficient way to study.

Daily Practice: Don’t stress yourself with marathon study sessions. Start with small, manageable chunks—like 30 to 45 minutes a day focusing on math concepts, then increase if you feel up for it. Consistency is key, and you’ll find that the more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel.

Work on Timing: Since time management was an issue, try doing some timed math sections. It’s a great way to simulate the test environment and build up your comfort with pacing. Don’t worry if you don’t finish every question at first—just 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’t let that embarrassment hold you back. Plenty of people take the SAT multiple times and improve each time. This test doesn’t define your future, but your effort does. You’ve 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’t forget to give yourself a break now and then. Stressing out too much won’t help, so take care of yourself while you’re studying.