SAT Prep for a low-scoring student

[Anonymous]

If the child has an IEP, see if he gets extended time in school. He should follow the procedures to apply for extended time for both the SAT and ACT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have the student take a sample SAT and a sample ACT. One of my kids had an IEP and scored in the 900s on the SAT and earned a 30 on the ACT. That was good enough for the colleges he wanted.

OP, your DC really needs to take diagnostics for both tests, then determine which one affords the most opportunity for your DC to improve scores. One of my DCs could've taken either ACT or SAT and the other, even though they had a crazy high verbal score, the test evaluator indicated that DC had a better chance of improving the math score on the ACT than the SAT. Think the ACT math was low 20s and the SAT math was 515. And the evaluator appears to have been correct as second DC's final ACT scores ranged from low 30s to 36s with an overall score of 34.

GL!

[Anonymous]

PP here. My DD has two close friends from childhood on who, although kind, conscientious and loyal people, scored extremely low on the SAT. One scored around a 900 (okay student grade-wise) and one scored a 750 (was in all regularly classes throughout k-12 and always struggled academically). They said this out loud on several occasions. The first student went to a 4-year school for a week, then withdrew and enrolled in a vocational associates degree program. The second is majoring in early childhood education and has done well in college. However, both come from very financially & emotionally supportive families and live at home during college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t said athlete apply test-optional like a non-athlete could?

Also, if you are concerned before the kid has even taken a test that he won’t be able to score a 900, then there is something going on that should be addressed before he heads off for college - learning style, necessary academic accommodations, etc.

+1
I’m not a big fan of how standardized testing is run but someone who can’t manage a 4 digit SAT score should seriously reconsider going to college or take remedial education classes

I would agree with this macro-aggression.

College is where college football is played, though.

Paying that much money to play football? What is the point? Is it really going to manifest into a career?
Low tier "colleges" sure know how to milk these mostly poor families.

The parents believe the student can qualify for scholarship money, but only if he scores above a certain amount on the SAT.
https://www.athleticscholarships.net/academic-requirements.htm

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t said athlete apply test-optional like a non-athlete could?

Also, if you are concerned before the kid has even taken a test that he won’t be able to score a 900, then there is something going on that should be addressed before he heads off for college - learning style, necessary academic accommodations, etc.

+1
I’m not a big fan of how standardized testing is run but someone who can’t manage a 4 digit SAT score should seriously reconsider going to college or take remedial education classes

I would agree with this macro-aggression.

College is where college football is played, though.

Paying that much money to play football? What is the point? Is it really going to manifest into a career?
Low tier "colleges" sure know how to milk these mostly poor families.

The parents believe the student can qualify for scholarship money, but only if he scores above a certain amount on the SAT.
https://www.athleticscholarships.net/academic-requirements.htm

My DC got a 1320 on the SAT with pretty good grades & was a first generation college student, and the absolute most they got (that resulted in the lowest COA among schools where DC received scholarships) was $40,000/year from a $68,000/year school (where you cannot live off-campus under school policy). Which is a lot, but nowhere near a full scholarship.

The schools that offer merit for a 900 (yes, they exist) are hanging on by a thread.

[Anonymous]

OP, the prep will be very worthwhile. Not just for the score. The prep will be filling in some essential gaps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t said athlete apply test-optional like a non-athlete could?

Also, if you are concerned before the kid has even taken a test that he won’t be able to score a 900, then there is something going on that should be addressed before he heads off for college - learning style, necessary academic accommodations, etc.

+1
I’m not a big fan of how standardized testing is run but someone who can’t manage a 4 digit SAT score should seriously reconsider going to college or take remedial education classes

I would agree with this macro-aggression.

Or, more compassionately, have him tested for ADHD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t said athlete apply test-optional like a non-athlete could?

Also, if you are concerned before the kid has even taken a test that he won’t be able to score a 900, then there is something going on that should be addressed before he heads off for college - learning style, necessary academic accommodations, etc.

+1
I’m not a big fan of how standardized testing is run but someone who can’t manage a 4 digit SAT score should seriously reconsider going to college or take remedial education classes

I would agree with this macro-aggression.

College is where college football is played, though.

Paying that much money to play football? What is the point? Is it really going to manifest into a career?
Low tier "colleges" sure know how to milk these mostly poor families.

The parents believe the student can qualify for scholarship money, but only if he scores above a certain amount on the SAT.
https://www.athleticscholarships.net/academic-requirements.htm

My DC got a 1320 on the SAT with pretty good grades & was a first generation college student, and the absolute most they got (that resulted in the lowest COA among schools where DC received scholarships) was $40,000/year from a $68,000/year school (where you cannot live off-campus under school policy). Which is a lot, but nowhere near a full scholarship.

The schools that offer merit for a 900 (yes, they exist) are hanging on by a thread.

How well did he play football?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t said athlete apply test-optional like a non-athlete could?

Also, if you are concerned before the kid has even taken a test that he won’t be able to score a 900, then there is something going on that should be addressed before he heads off for college - learning style, necessary academic accommodations, etc.

+1
I’m not a big fan of how standardized testing is run but someone who can’t manage a 4 digit SAT score should seriously reconsider going to college or take remedial education classes

I would agree with this macro-aggression.

Or, more compassionately, have him tested for ADHD.

Yes, the student has ADHD and learning difficulties. But, he’s great at football.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t said athlete apply test-optional like a non-athlete could?

Also, if you are concerned before the kid has even taken a test that he won’t be able to score a 900, then there is something going on that should be addressed before he heads off for college - learning style, necessary academic accommodations, etc.

Student has an IEP. Parents are not very college/test prep savvy. I am the one assuming the student is not likely to score 900 without prep.

1 - make sure the student has every accommodation available to them due to the learning difference. I can't find a good link right now - but there are options and the student should have access to them.
2 - I am not up on the #s - but the NCAA used to require a minimum SAT / GPA combo. Find out now what the floor is for both to make sure not only are you working the SAT side but the GPA is a focus as well. They used to not count certain classes in calculating the GPA - see if you can find someone with a definitive answer.
3 - preparing for the SAT - Use the resources you can. For the SAT math, you can use a calculator. Bring the right one - and know how to use it. Some test prep companies have calculator apps they have created. You do not need to go over board here - just be aware and get the simplest for the student to be successful.: https://blog.arborbridge.com/what-types-calculators-allowed-act-sat-past
4 - Finding a tutor / test prep program - I would reach out to schools like Siena and Lab School and see if they have test prep tutors on their websites. Possibly call McLean and ask if there is a test prep organization that students work with. Link to Siena Tutors: https://www.thesienaschool.org/siena-plus/siena-tutors.cfm Link to Lab School Tutors: https://www.labschool.org/sites/default/files/2022-04/TutoringList_4.1.22.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t said athlete apply test-optional like a non-athlete could?

Also, if you are concerned before the kid has even taken a test that he won’t be able to score a 900, then there is something going on that should be addressed before he heads off for college - learning style, necessary academic accommodations, etc.

+1
I’m not a big fan of how standardized testing is run but someone who can’t manage a 4 digit SAT score should seriously reconsider going to college or take remedial education classes

I would agree with this macro-aggression.

College is where college football is played, though.

Paying that much money to play football? What is the point? Is it really going to manifest into a career?
Low tier "colleges" sure know how to milk these mostly poor families.

The parents believe the student can qualify for scholarship money, but only if he scores above a certain amount on the SAT.
https://www.athleticscholarships.net/academic-requirements.htm

My DC got a 1320 on the SAT with pretty good grades & was a first generation college student, and the absolute most they got (that resulted in the lowest COA among schools where DC received scholarships) was $40,000/year from a $68,000/year school (where you cannot live off-campus under school policy). Which is a lot, but nowhere near a full scholarship.

The schools that offer merit for a 900 (yes, they exist) are hanging on by a thread.

How well did he play football?

Exactly. OP, ignore the folks here who don’t know how college athletic recruiting works. If the kid is truly a talented, recruited athlete, & if he can get his 900, he can get a full ride and the school will provide all the help he needs to stay in school. This is not an uncommon scenario. Why do you think highly regarded UNC had an entire “sports” curriculum? Beating Duke in the Final Four was worth it.

I’d be surprised if his high school coach doesn’t have suggestions for tutoring resources. If they don’t, I’d check with coaches at high schools that have big sports programs. They will have encountered this issue many times.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t said athlete apply test-optional like a non-athlete could?

Also, if you are concerned before the kid has even taken a test that he won’t be able to score a 900, then there is something going on that should be addressed before he heads off for college - learning style, necessary academic accommodations, etc.

+1
I’m not a big fan of how standardized testing is run but someone who can’t manage a 4 digit SAT score should seriously reconsider going to college or take remedial education classes

I would agree with this macro-aggression.

Or, more compassionately, have him tested for ADHD.

Yes, the student has ADHD and learning difficulties. But, he’s great at football.

The SAT is the least of his problems then. He will likely fail out his first semester. He needs to be medicated for adhd and he needs to know what the learning issues are. I bet he has a reading issue and can’t actually read very well.

And football won’t save him unless he is a top recruit to a D1. Plenty of football players go to D3 schools and fail out of school quick.

[Anonymous]

Here is a tutor for students with learning differences:
https://rockcreeklearning.com/about

[Anonymous]

I would recommend you post a similar question on the forum for children with special needs. People on that forum are really supportive and will help guide as opposed to knock you down

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t said athlete apply test-optional like a non-athlete could?

Also, if you are concerned before the kid has even taken a test that he won’t be able to score a 900, then there is something going on that should be addressed before he heads off for college - learning style, necessary academic accommodations, etc.

+1
I’m not a big fan of how standardized testing is run but someone who can’t manage a 4 digit SAT score should seriously reconsider going to college or take remedial education classes

I would agree with this macro-aggression.

College is where college football is played, though.

Paying that much money to play football? What is the point? Is it really going to manifest into a career?
Low tier "colleges" sure know how to milk these mostly poor families.

The parents believe the student can qualify for scholarship money, but only if he scores above a certain amount on the SAT.
https://www.athleticscholarships.net/academic-requirements.htm

My DC got a 1320 on the SAT with pretty good grades & was a first generation college student, and the absolute most they got (that resulted in the lowest COA among schools where DC received scholarships) was $40,000/year from a $68,000/year school (where you cannot live off-campus under school policy). Which is a lot, but nowhere near a full scholarship.

The schools that offer merit for a 900 (yes, they exist) are hanging on by a thread.

How well did he play football?

Exactly. OP, ignore the folks here who don’t know how college athletic recruiting works. If the kid is truly a talented, recruited athlete, & if he can get his 900, he can get a full ride and the school will provide all the help he needs to stay in school. This is not an uncommon scenario. Why do you think highly regarded UNC had an entire “sports” curriculum? Beating Duke in the Final Four was worth it.

I’d be surprised if his high school coach doesn’t have suggestions for tutoring resources. If they don’t, I’d check with coaches at high schools that have big sports programs. They will have encountered this issue many times.

No this is not always true ot I bet even the norm. Yes he might be offered help and he might even try to take advanatage of it but unless he is an amazing player, he can fail out easily.

I watched this happen to a couple of work friends. Their sons got recruited to D3 schools. They got full tuition scholarships. Their kids got almost zero playing time and of course had a very difficult practice schedule. They were in english and math classes that were lower than 100 level and didn’t count towards their degrees. They had tutoring and scheduled study hours. By the first few weeks into the semester it was clear they weren’t going to pass any class and neither kid did and both dropped out. One kid just gave up on school and the other one went to local community college and got lucky bc someone in the student support office realized he was struggling with reading and they actually helped him get signed up for a reading tutoring group and now he is going to graduate with his associates this year.