Starting your SAT prep journey can be overwhelming, especially when your initial practice test doesn't meet your expectations. From my own experience, the key to improvement isn't rushing or harsh self-judgment, but a combination of gentleness and persistence. When I first scored a 1240, I felt like the top scores were out of reach — but that mindset changed once I embraced consistent daily practice. One valuable approach is not to run away from incorrect answers. Initially, I used to skip over my mistakes, which only limited my growth. However, by facing each error directly and analyzing where I went wrong, I gradually converted weaknesses into strengths. Tools like the Lumist AI tutor made this process smoother by encouraging me to spend time 'sitting with' each mistake, fostering deeper understanding. Moreover, it’s important to trust a structured study plan rather than relying on fluctuating motivation. I found that pressing myself to follow a daily regimen, even on days I didn’t feel motivated, created momentum that carried me forward during tougher times. Lumist’s course and challenge exercises provided that reliable framework, which helped me maintain steady progress toward my goal score. Remember, your starting score is not a limit — it’s merely a reflection of reps you haven’t taken yet. With patience, determination, and smart study tools, any score improvement, like moving from 1240 to 1470+, is within reach. Returning to your prep each day, no matter what, is what truly defines success on this journey.