some SAT questions....

[Anonymous]

Is it true that some colleges don't want kids to take the SAT more than twice? I remember hearing that somewhere. DS (a junior) just got his first scorees back and would like to improve his math score. Should he retake in spring, wait till October, or do both (assuming he is still not happy with his spring scores)? He already did an in depth prep course. Wondering if some private tutoring would be wothwhile on the math, and if so, how many sessions. I am also trying to encourage him to take the ACT, but he is reluctant to learn the ins and outs of a whole different test. There is about about a 100 point spread between his math and reading/writing scores, which puts him in about the 75% percentile for the colleges he likes in reading/writing but 25% or below on math. Thanks for any advice!

[Anonymous]

What's his dream school and why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What's his dream school and why?

Not OP but what does that matter as it pertains to the question?

[Anonymous]

No it's not true.

Depending on the school it can be more (takes only highest score) or less (averages scores) helpful.

[Anonymous]

I tried to encourage DD to do the ACT and she even started to study for it, but got the results of her second SAT before she had to take it which were above her self-imposed goal of 2100, so she bagged the ACT. And the ACT gives refunds!

Some kids to better with the ACT. The ACT seems to test actual knowledge a little more, while the SAT tests more aptitude, but the College Board will deny that.

We heard from several college reps who all said that maybe three times for the SAT is okay,but definitely not more than that.

From personal experience, both of our kids went up more than 100 points between junior year and senior year. One studied to improve the other did nothing. Don't take it too early junior year, but not too late either. That means March!

[Anonymous]

Does the dream school require reporting all test dates or allow score choice? My DC took it 3 times but in most cases was able to only report 2 of the times to schools as those 2 times contained the top scores in each section. Even 3 times isn't a big deal, many kids take it 3 times.

I would definitely try to maximize the math score. Based on our current experience the scores are a huge factor at selective schools.

[Anonymous]

Ok, thanks. I checked two schools that he is interested in. One said they take highest scores no matter how many times you take the test, and one said they look at all of your scores. One also said they encourage students to sit for both tests. So I guess it depends on the school. Thanks for the advice!