SAT score not commensurate with GPA/ AP scores / academic rigor despite prepping and tutoring

[Anonymous]

The blue book practice tests are skewing high right now especially beyond 1450. This is my experience. So a kid who averages 1580 is getting 1530 at most. I think the digital SAT has had some issues in its infancy. Too many high scores. That’s been remedied as of maybe March? but the practice tests still reflect that beginning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think her score is commensurate with her coursework. It’s not as high as some, but it also isn’t eye raising

You are a ghoul.

[Anonymous]

What are the diagnostic tests saying about what types of verbal questions she’s missing? Is she consistently missing the same type of questions? See if you can figure that out and focus on those areas.

[Anonymous]

SAT is indeed partially an IQ test, figuring out the questions and the answers quickly. Often there is an answer that "looks right" in the verbal if you misunderstand the question. Aptitude. Grades are work and perseverance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mine too. They will continue with tutoring and keep trying. We aren’t looking at ivys so it will be fine. Worst case test optional.

Anyone who would seriously suggest that a kid with a 1440 should be test optional is an insufferable AH. Why are so many outstanding kids stuck with absolutely horrible parents?

Some schools state that they don’t want to see scores below their middle 50%. It’s not personal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mine too. They will continue with tutoring and keep trying. We aren’t looking at ivys so it will be fine. Worst case test optional.

Anyone who would seriously suggest that a kid with a 1440 should be test optional is an insufferable AH. Why are so many outstanding kids stuck with absolutely horrible parents?

Some schools state that they don’t want to see scores below their middle 50%. It’s not personal.

So don’t apply to those schools, you moron. Send your wonderful kids to schools that are happy and grateful to have them.

[Anonymous]

Sad commentary on the prep/coaching industries' ubiquity among the striving families and on numbers game scorekeeping that scoring above the 96th percentile is a problem or failure.

[Anonymous]

If she keeps studying for the verbal, she will improve. Just keep at it. She probably had an off day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter is an excellent student taking on the most rigorous classes offered at her DMV private . As a junior, she’s already in AP Calculus BC and AP Lang and excelling in both. Based on the honors list numbers at her school , she’s around the top 10-15% of her class. She took 3 AP classes as a sophomore and scored 5’s on all three.

Here’s the issue: she just can’t seem to do well on the SAT in spite of studying hard for it and having excellent tutors.
She scored a 1460 on the first benchmark blue book practice test with zero prep back in June , so we thought it would be easy to get past the 1500 with some tutoring.
Fast forward 6 months, some 20 tutoring sessions, hours of studying on her own and her December SAT came in at 1440.
Kids at her school who are around her level have mostly scored 1530+.

Granted a 1440 is somewhere around the 96 percentile but it’s not even in the ball park of the schools she was hoping to apply for next year.

She’ll retake the test in the Spring but we are just perplexed at why this is happening. We are also doubtful that her score will go up much in the next 3 months if it hasn’t budged in the last 6 months. How can a student who is clearly capable, prepped so much, not be able to do well on the test?

Has anyone had this experience with their child before ? Would love to hear your thoughts.

No mean comments please.

TIA

Top 10-15% at a DMV private in a high math level with a high math SAT and a lower relative verbal is completely in line. Presumably the three APs she has 5s on are ones that are either math-based or not too difficult. All consistent. Once she takes AP lit, APUSH, likely will not get 5s. Have her try one more time focusing on Erbw but honestly it may not go up much but could go to 700-710. That’s enough for T30 from her private. Give her a break and support where she is.

[Anonymous]

My kid in the top 10% of her class with a similar profile never broke 1100 on the SATs despite tons of test prep. Did college apps TO. It’s so frustrating and made no sense.

[Anonymous]

This describes my DS. He was willing and able to take it multiple times, which is how he super scored a 1510. He had to get lucky to crack 1500, which just takes multiple attempts. His individual tests were all
In the mid 1400s. Not everyone has the bandwidth for it but he doesn’t mind standardized tests and it was totally worth it. Final attempt was August at beginning of senior year. Your DD is in a good position to take it many times.
Disagree about switching to ACT.

[Anonymous]

My kids grades don't match their SAT scores because of a learning disability. Under control now and doing well but damage was done. Sadly no retakes there so be grateful there are test optional options for your kid.

[Anonymous]

Is your kid top of the class?

[Anonymous]

OP have you explored the possibility of test anxiety? She might have all the ability and be blocked by anxiety when she sits for the test, and even beginning with sleep disturbance in the days leading up to it. A session or more with a therapist to explore this - by herself, without a helicopter parent present (no judgment) - might be a worthwhile investment.

This comes from a JD who went from an 85th to 98th percentile on the LSAT after learning some test anxiety management techniques.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mine too. They will continue with tutoring and keep trying. We aren’t looking at ivys so it will be fine. Worst case test optional.

Anyone who would seriously suggest that a kid with a 1440 should be test optional is an insufferable AH. Why are so many outstanding kids stuck with absolutely horrible parents?

Unfortunately some schools do prefer test optional below 1450. Just the reality of college admissions.