My son is not a test taker, never has been. Strategies to approach college testing.

[Anonymous]

My son is a junior at a public school. His grades are around 4.0 and he takes a lot of challenging courses including 5 AP this year. He is very bright, but has never been good at standardized testing all the way back to 3rd grade. He just stresses out for practically any test. He wants to Apply to several schools that will be out of reach if his test scores are not very good. How would you approach the testing? Are there any prep program you would recommend for a student like this? He is willing to take the classes. He is a very solid student, but not a phenom like some. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

don't stress it - there are really good schools like wesleyan (ct) that are test-optional

[Anonymous]

same way you get to Carnegie Hall.

[Anonymous]

No such thing as a bad test taker. You only think he's smart because of inflated grades. He's likely just above average.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son is a junior at a public school. His grades are around 4.0 and he takes a lot of challenging courses including 5 AP this year. He is very bright, but has never been good at standardized testing all the way back to 3rd grade. He just stresses out for practically any test. He wants to Apply to several schools that will be out of reach if his test scores are not very good. How would you approach the testing? Are there any prep program you would recommend for a student like this? He is willing to take the classes. He is a very solid student, but not a phenom like some. Thoughts?

how is he going to handle college?

[Anonymous]

My advice is to prep him and take tests a couple of times. prep him with someone experienced in putting kids at ease. Then apply to a range of schools including a few test optional. I would also seek advice from therapist on test anxiety. Psycho-Ed testing might help to see if he could qualify for accommodations.

[Anonymous]

Meds may also help

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son is a junior at a public school. His grades are around 4.0 and he takes a lot of challenging courses including 5 AP this year. He is very bright, but has never been good at standardized testing all the way back to 3rd grade. He just stresses out for practically any test. He wants to Apply to several schools that will be out of reach if his test scores are not very good. How would you approach the testing? Are there any prep program you would recommend for a student like this? He is willing to take the classes. He is a very solid student, but not a phenom like some. Thoughts?

how is he going to handle college?

Your an idiot.

[Anonymous]

Test optional schools.

https://colleges.niche.com/rankings/best-test-optional-colleges/

[Anonymous]

So he bombs tests at school too?
He bombed all the AP exams last May?

[Anonymous]

So let me get this straight. OP asks A pretty straightforward question. Several responses are rude and most of the rest aren't the slightest bit helpful. Wish I could help, but I'm a year behind you with a similar kid. Good luck with the rude and self involved world of DCUM

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So let me get this straight. OP asks A pretty straightforward question. Several responses are rude and most of the rest aren't the slightest bit helpful. Wish I could help, but I'm a year behind you with a similar kid. Good luck with the rude and self involved world of DCUM

the list of test optional schools is helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So let me get this straight. OP asks A pretty straightforward question. Several responses are rude and most of the rest aren't the slightest bit helpful. Wish I could help, but I'm a year behind you with a similar kid. Good luck with the rude and self involved world of DCUM

Here's what I think is helpful with my son: I hired a private tutor and they are practicing practicing practicing. We are making sure my son takes the test early enough to redo once or twice. We are not talking about outcomes at home, but only prep work.

[Anonymous]

What are his SAT scores? I think that some parents have unrealistic expectations and don't know a good score when they see it...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son is a junior at a public school. His grades are around 4.0 and he takes a lot of challenging courses including 5 AP this year. He is very bright, but has never been good at standardized testing all the way back to 3rd grade. He just stresses out for practically any test. He wants to Apply to several schools that will be out of reach if his test scores are not very good. How would you approach the testing? Are there any prep program you would recommend for a student like this? He is willing to take the classes. He is a very solid student, but not a phenom like some. Thoughts?

how is he going to handle college?

NP here. I think it's a fair question.