Got a 157 on my diagnostic back in August and have since brought my score up to the higher end of the 160s, peaking at 170. For the schools I'm aiming for, I really just want to score a 168 or higher, but I'm averaging one point below that.
At this stage, I feel like literally one point can mean the difference between getting into my dream school and not. The scary part is that my scores section to section feel so variable, most especially on RC but even occasionally on LR. Sometimes I feel like I'm doing quite well and meeting pacing checkpoints, and then turns out I got -6 on the section or something like that. On the other hand, sometimes I feel like I'm bombing a section, and then turns out it was -1 to -3, more in line with my peak skills.
I've heard that the recent tests are even trickier with trap answers giving you a false sense of security. I've been taking all the most recent PTs leading up to test day and doing my best to replicate test center conditions, but this feels like the one factor I can't mitigate or control for. And it's extremely nerve-wracking. Any advice?
5 comments
You can’t guarantee a specific score, but if you usually average around 167 and have hit 170 before, 168 might be within reach for you.
How you feel during a section doesn’t really show how you’re doing, so avoid trying to guess your score while you’re taking the test. If a section feels rough, just reset and focus on each question as it comes. For Reading Comprehension, only pick answers that have clear support in the text, and if you’re stuck between two options, flag the question and move on so you don’t lose your paceon’t lose your pace.
During this final week, avoid changing strategies or taking PT after PT. Take one final realistic test early in the week, review every missed or uncertain question, and then taper into lighter sections and targeted review. The best way to maximize your odds of reaching the top of your range is to arrive rested and execute the process that already got you there.
@Asma I think thinking about how I'm doing and getting stuck between two answer choices are the main things that can cause me to panic, which then phases me, which then throws off my practiced pacing - so I'm definitely going to keep everything you said in mind. Like, "don't think about how you're doing, just DO." Thanks so much for the advice!!
The best advice I can give you is that no matter what, trying to achieve a score on the higher end of your variance is basically luck. Based on your data, you'll likely achieve a score between 162-170. If this is your first exam, don't be surprised if you score on the lower end or even lower than that. Most people score much lower than their average due to first test nerves. On the positive note, the worst thing that can happen is that you need to take it again and possibly apply instead next year. And the positive with that is that you'll be more comfortable and a significantly higher chance of scoring in the range you want to be in, or higher.
I've been in the same boat. We all have. Everything that comes after is essentially luck and acceptance:
Either you get the score you want and apply, or maybe you don't, and still apply, or apply next year instead with a significantly stronger application when you retake it.
@selinie @SelinI Thanks for your honesty and for sharing your experience! I was looking at your profile - that 164 drop must have been brutal. I'm definitely scared of something like that happening to me.
I'm doing everything possible to replicate test-day protocols and calm my anxiety, and overall I think I'll be okay in terms of nerves. Beyond that I'm just trying to trust the actual data, which shows that average test-day performance is usually within 1 to 2 points of recent PT average and that the majority of test takers are one and done. It's just that I really want to make sure I'm in that one-and-done majority.
So my question is less about luck and more about any last tips to keep my recent 167.7 average solid or even move it a little higher in this final 10-day stretch, whether that be tips on PoE methodology, trap answer recognition, etc.
@ys25 My first score was 157! I scored a 172 just a few days prior... I got a 164 just a month later. So, now I'm applying next year instead. I don't want to rush anything until I was scoring well above my goal score.