I'm taking the SATs for the third time next month. I'm a horrible test taker in general, but sitting in room for several hours is not my cup of tea. First time I took it, I had more math sections than I did English, and I am incredibly weak in math so my scores weren't the best. Plus, I was a year behind what I should have been in, so that affected me as well. My second time I had more English sections (seven, I think) and I was incredibly happy. They mix the math, but if I remember correctly, it's geared more towards algebra.
My advices are;
Don't freak out, or at least, try not to. It's a test, yes, but don't let your nerves take over. Usually after the first section or so, you stop feeling that way 'cause you're like, 'oh hay, this isn't so bad
' Although this differs from person to person, don't freak yourself out -- you have many more opportunities to take the test again.
Taking the test the second time, in my opinion, is much better than the first time. You're not as nervous, and you have some knowledge as to what is on there. So, if you can, plan to take it more than once, it might well just pay off
Ask colleges about their views on the SATs. I asked one college I'm applying to how strict they are on scores, and they said they just look at your scores to see 'where you are'. Another college I looked at was the opposite (unfortunately the school I
really want to go to lol), and they're very strict on your scores. So, after the first time taking it, look at the SATs scores for the colleges you want to go to. If you're above or somewhat close to what they're asking for, awesome, if you're below, you know now you'll have to improve. But again, GPA is also very important, and some schools may look at that than your SATs.
And the usual; eat breakfast, bring a snack/drink and get a good nights sleep.
Hope that helps~
