SAT probs... | ADHD Information

I didn't even know I had ADD when I took the SATs in high school so I can't answer the question about meds, but I had trouble finishing a few sections my first try and I did bring my score up significantly after taking an SAT prep class.  What specifically is your problem with staying within the time?  Does it take you a long time to read or comprehend the questions, or is it actually getting the answers?

The rule of thumb I used for myself was that if I spent a minute on a question and still didn't have an answer, I'd move onto the next one.  At the end of the section I'd go back and answer any questions I skipped.  Because of the way it's scored, if I remember correctly, you get more of a penalty for leaving a question blank than for having the wrong answer, so get as many answers as you can before going back to the tougher questions.

For the reading, the first time through I'd underline the main point of each paragraph.  Don't be afraid to take notes in the margins too.  I'd then read through all the questions and re-read the passage scanning for possible answers, then go back and fill in my answers.  Notes and underlining really helped me with visual reference points when I was scanning back and forth quickly to get the answers.

I'd also recommend doing as many practice tests as you can, I think they may offer practice tests online at the collegeboard website but I'm not 100% on that.  Meds may help you concentrate, but building good test-taking skills will ensure you'll do fine regardless and you can apply them to any test you take.  Good luck!

Oh and I wouldn't worry too much about slightly lower scores if you're an A student.  My problem in high school was procrastinating and skipping homework, which brought my grades down quite a bit in some classes, so even though my SATs were 1430/1600 I only got into my safety schools.
I have trouble with the reading b/c I can't concentrate when I read--it takes forever. with the math, math is my strong point, I think I just need some practice and I'll be okay. b/c I spend a lot of time figuring out how to do the problem rather than actually doing it. If I get used to those types of questions, I'll probably know how to go about solving them right off the bat. that one-minute rule sounds like a good idea, I'm just worried if I do that I'll leave the whole exam blank, because I take more than a minute on pretty much every question! so with the reading, the main issue is focus, and with the math, I just need practice. problem with the exam in general is that I spend half my "free" time doing homework and cannot find the time to practice other exams. And, if I do get some time, I put it off or am so mentally exhausted from doing so much schoolwork that I can't bring myself to do a whole 4-hr. exam.

Thanks for your advice. I will try sticking by your rule of thumb. :-)

[QUOTE=soberxinsanity]I am a straight A high school student and I would like to know if anyone here has had experiences with a change in thwir SAT scores while on meds for ADHD??

I took it in december and I got an 1150, but I'm aiming for upper-1200s to 1400, I'm currently not on any meds for ADD. My biggest problem with that exam is that I don't have time to finish 1/4-1/3 of each section, especially the reading section. does anyone know if meds would help me do better on the SAT? my first choice college wants scores in the range I listed above, so that's my goal. any advice??[/QUOTE]

ADHD medication will not make you smarter but rather it will allow you to meet your full potential. Hope this helps

I am a straight A high school student and I would like to know if anyone here has had experiences with a change in thwir SAT scores while on meds for ADHD??

I took it in december and I got an 1150, but I'm aiming for upper-1200s to 1400, I'm currently not on any meds for ADD. My biggest problem with that exam is that I don't have time to finish 1/4-1/3 of each section, especially the reading section. does anyone know if meds would help me do better on the SAT? my first choice college wants scores in the range I listed above, so that's my goal. any advice??^ yes it does :-) that's exactly what I was getting at. Giving meds a shot wouldn't hurt then.. I've been on Concerta for almost 2 weeks and can already tell a difference in my ability to tune out the background noise and read for my classes, although I still have to tweak the dose a bit.  I'm lucky that it seems to be working for me so far though.. it seems that few people find a useful drug on the first try.  Keep in mind that it's not going to be a quick fix, you'll still have to put in the effort to study and it may take a while to find the right drug, but it can definitely help with the concentration.

In the meantime I'd suggest just practicing your reading skills with your regular schoolwork.. if you have a chapter to read for a class, take notes on a separate sheet and underline with pencil if you don't own the book.  Practice picking out the main point of each paragraph quickly and write out the details that seem most important.