Anonymous wrote:I have the exact opposite question. And I am genuinely not trolling. At what point can you not worry another getting your DC’s scores up?
My sophomore had a 1440 (out of 1520) completely unprepared PSAT sophomore year— 700/760 V and 740/760 M. That’s consistent with PSAT 9 and SSAT sore ranges, so probably not a fluke. At that point, mid year junior PSAT scores could be well above 1500 without much effort. So, my thought was to get DC a PSAT and an SAT prep book this summer, and hav them work so practice tests, especially in heading. Then get the PSAT done in Oct and the SAT in Nov. If the SAT score is at or above 1520-1540, then just stop. And not worry about SAT vs ACT it trying to get the score 40 points higher. 2 SAT subject tests done today, Math 2 and history, and it would be great to let DC focus on junior year grades, AP tests and college applications, with SATs out of the way.
Is 1500 plus SAT realistic based in the sophomore year PSAT? Is there a point where the SAT score is just fine and the kid can stop? If so, what is that number? Or should DC fight for every point? Is a 1540 vs a 1560 vs a 1580 going to matter?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Before starting serious prep, see if he will take timed SAT and ACT tests to see if he performs better on one than the other.
Some kids probably don't take the 10th grade PSAT very seriously - you need a new baseline and it probably won't be 1200 since it sounds like you have a high achieving student.
I think you should at least tackle studying on your own first. That may be enough for a 50-100 point boost. Most test prep classes guarantee a higher score from their first practice test to their last. For us, we studying a bit on our own, taking practice tests and reviewing to Get a new baseline. THEN will take a prep course to see if they can help us improve 100poimts from there.
I am a math major, so I think I can help DS a bit with review (hence the “we”). I do think a test prep pro has a lot more to offer so will turn it over to them after we give it a shot.
I am an actuary and I didn’t even bother helping my two kids review or prep. They need to know tricks on how to calculate quickly since no calculator (unless you have a calculator accomodation) hence use a prep place.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Before starting serious prep, see if he will take timed SAT and ACT tests to see if he performs better on one than the other.
Some kids probably don't take the 10th grade PSAT very seriously - you need a new baseline and it probably won't be 1200 since it sounds like you have a high achieving student.
I think you should at least tackle studying on your own first. That may be enough for a 50-100 point boost. Most test prep classes guarantee a higher score from their first practice test to their last. For us, we studying a bit on our own, taking practice tests and reviewing to Get a new baseline. THEN will take a prep course to see if they can help us improve 100poimts from there.
I am a math major, so I think I can help DS a bit with review (hence the “we”). I do think a test prep pro has a lot more to offer so will turn it over to them after we give it a shot.
Anonymous wrote:Before starting serious prep, see if he will take timed SAT and ACT tests to see if he performs better on one than the other.
Some kids probably don't take the 10th grade PSAT very seriously - you need a new baseline and it probably won't be 1200 since it sounds like you have a high achieving student.
Anonymous wrote:Extended time
Anonymous wrote:Private tutoring. We used prep matters. Ds did one hour of tutoring once a week an full length practice tests almost every weekend for 10 weeks leading up to the test. He went from a 1250 PSAT to a 1480 SAT.