Don't panic on Georgetown. My kid scored high on last paper test. Then about 100 points lower on two on-line tests that he shouldn't have taken (one in particular was the school SAT). He submitted all three tests, and got in. They told us the other two bad ones wouldn't hurt him, but conversely seeing scores go up can help him. They were right. (His high SAT, even in the 1500s was probably the weakest part of his application).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do a real test. Unless applying to G’town, taking practice tests stops being useful

How does Georgetown use the information? Do they calculate the average across the scores? How much does it impact their decision?

Georgetown (and some other selective schools) requires applicants submit their entire testing portfolio. Low scores and or repeated testing could be seen as a negative.

Anonymous wrote:Do a real test. Unless applying to G’town, taking practice tests stops being useful

How does Georgetown use the information? Do they calculate the average across the scores? How much does it impact their decision?

Have your student try the ACT. Our DD had near perfect Digital SAT practice tests, but struggled to break 1500 on actual test. She switched to the ACT, and was able to get a 35 with little effort. And for those kids that prefer paper tests, that’s only an option on the ACT.

Do a real test. Unless applying to G’town, taking practice tests stops being useful

My DS said he would take the actual test as often as we asked but he would not take a test that didn't count.
DD was more agreeable to practice and prep.

Do a real test. Unless applying to G’town, taking practice tests stops being useful

If you are in DC area, try taking one at Prep Matters (a test prep services). A different setting could help kid or give you a better idea how they do when they take an online practice test in a different setting.

where do you get practice tests if you went through bluebook ones

What kind or prep are they doing in addition to practice tests?

The digital test is not terribly consistent for scoring. Do a practice test every week leading up to the test date, for 6-8 weeks.

Kid did one yesterday. 1350. It was 1410 four months ago. Is it better to do a full practice every month? Every two weeks?