Disappointing SAT score

[Anonymous]

My kid just took the August SAT, and he got a disappointing score. He’s a junior; he did pretty well on the PSAT last year without doing any prep. For the SAT he took a prep class but his score on the SAT was lower than the PSAT when converted (was 92nd percentile in the PSAT and fell to 87th percentile for the actual SAT).

I realize this is not the end of the world, and DS was disappointed but not super upset. But I think he’s capable of doing better. He’ll take the PSAT again in October, so we’ll get another data point then.

Any suggestions on how to proceed? I’m inclined to wait and see how the PSAT goes before making any decisions. Should we look at the ACT? Try private tutoring for the SAT? Not worry and just go test optional? (his grades are great so far) I’d appreciate any tips from those who have BTDT.

[Anonymous]

Why is he taking to PSAT after the SAT? Are you saying he took the SAT before junior year even started? That's too young. You're pushing him too hard.

[Anonymous]

Why is he taking to PSAT after the SAT? Are you saying he took the SAT before junior year even started? That's too young. You're pushing him too hard.

I am not OP, but I disagree. I had my son take the SAT in August (Junior year had just started) and it was super useful in getting information on which subtopics he needed to focus on to prepare to the next time he takes it. For example, he now knows that he needs to review geometry, but not other math areas.

[Anonymous]

All juniors at his school take the PSAT in October. He wanted to do the Aug SAT because he has a challenging schedule this year and plays a sport that’s pretty demanding throughout the school year, so wanted to get the prep class over with before school started

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why is he taking to PSAT after the SAT? Are you saying he took the SAT before junior year even started? That's too young. You're pushing him too hard.

many people do this - get it done and over with. you got all the tools already by sophomore and the whole summer to prep. i say it's great time

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All juniors at his school take the PSAT in October. He wanted to do the Aug SAT because he has a challenging schedule this year and plays a sport that’s pretty demanding throughout the school year, so wanted to get the prep class over with before school started

But...he could have done the test prep over the summer (which I wouldn't have a kid do for the PSAT but you do you) and taken the PSAT in October like he's going to do.

[Anonymous]

You guys are all cray cray. So much pressure. To what end? Competing against the hooked kids who will have lower school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why is he taking to PSAT after the SAT? Are you saying he took the SAT before junior year even started? That's too young. You're pushing him too hard.

Another disagree. A lot of people have their kids prep over the summer before 11th grade and take the SAT/ACT in August/September, to get it out of the way before the busy school year (and to prep before junior year PSAT). That’s what we did. Daughter took ACT once last September and was done, and could spend last year focusing on grades and this past summer working on her essays and applications.

[Anonymous]

Jesus Christ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All juniors at his school take the PSAT in October. He wanted to do the Aug SAT because he has a challenging schedule this year and plays a sport that’s pretty demanding throughout the school year, so wanted to get the prep class over with before school started

Which section that is good? i say if it's reading - then look into ACT. It has more reading there.

[Anonymous]

My daughter just went hard on Khan academy the summer before senior year. The math especially can be mastered through lots of repetition and practice tests. She went up from 1390 junior spring to 1520 (800 math) in August.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You guys are all cray cray. So much pressure. To what end? Competing against the hooked kids who will have lower school.

it's a good time management and spread the load. many kids take a lot of APs in junior year, no time to study SAT/ACT.

[Anonymous]

OP, I feel your kid. Most kids take it in August so it is very competitive. my son will take in December.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why is he taking to PSAT after the SAT? Are you saying he took the SAT before junior year even started? That's too young. You're pushing him too hard.

many people do this - get it done and over with. you got all the tools already by sophomore and the whole summer to prep. i say it's great time

+ 1

Both my kids finished with the SAT by October of junior year.

If kids do well, it's great to have it finished. If kids don't do well, you have more time to adjust -- either with additional prep or with more realistic expectations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why is he taking to PSAT after the SAT? Are you saying he took the SAT before junior year even started? That's too young. You're pushing him too hard.

many people do this - get it done and over with. you got all the tools already by sophomore and the whole summer to prep. i say it's great time

+ 1

Both my kids finished with the SAT by October of junior year.

If kids do well, it's great to have it finished. If kids don't do well, you have more time to adjust -- either with additional prep or with more realistic expectations.

yes, adjusting for more realistic expectations is also very important.. then you can start visiting colleges in that bracket.