Anonymous
Post 07/24/2025 12:53     Subject: DC didn’t do SAT prep

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP, is this more of an issue between you and Ex H? If you are earning 140K, you should be able to afford 1-2K prep class. I don't quite get it.


It isn’t just the money. It’s the fact that he wasn’t supportive of it which affected DC’s take on it. If Dad doesn’t think it’s important, than it must not be.

At the same time, Ex H is also encouraging DC to focus on highly selective schools and turning up his nose at schools that would be a fit with the stats we are currently working with. Like saying they aren’t worth the money and he might as well not go to college.


In that case, mommy prep works the best. Your DC can work with free online material on a schedule, and you can help him improve. That should provide the in person structure that is needed.


That might have worked, before RTO. The commute has sucked up every last bit of energy and time I have. At this point I’m counting my blessings that I’m employed and DC gets himself to work and sports practices.

No matter what way you cut it, having time or money to put towards this is a privilege. It’s a stupid game, and I’m partially angry at myself for even trying to play it and legitimatize this dumb system.


Don’t play the game. We spent tons of money for my older child to prep — they got a 1480 in the end — but it didn’t matter b/c their grades were not as stellar (similar to your kid’s). Middle child did not prep — got a 1380 — with slightly better grades. Both kids got into OOS schools with merit aid. Both are doing really well. The outlays of finances and stress is just not worth it.


The cost of test prep isn't that large in the grand scheme of things, and it pays for itself if it results in merit aid.
Anonymous
Post 07/24/2025 11:26     Subject: DC didn’t do SAT prep

Anonymous wrote:If you can’t get your kid to do the free online test prep, or a prep book from the library, how will you get him to do a more expensive test prep class?

Your kid must be motivated, or face the consequences of “doing his sport and goofing around with his friends.”

The window is closing for you to ensure his success.



This. Either pay for the class yourself.

Or, let DC tap into his own motivations with a reminder to check with his counselor about prep resources.

Neither of my kids did any formal prep or extra college counseling.
DS worked a few chapters of the sat prep book. DD was more diligent.

Both did well in HS, got into big 10 honors programs and worked really hard and did great in college.

Good luck.
Anonymous
Post 07/24/2025 11:10     Subject: DC didn’t do SAT prep

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP, is this more of an issue between you and Ex H? If you are earning 140K, you should be able to afford 1-2K prep class. I don't quite get it.


It isn’t just the money. It’s the fact that he wasn’t supportive of it which affected DC’s take on it. If Dad doesn’t think it’s important, than it must not be.

At the same time, Ex H is also encouraging DC to focus on highly selective schools and turning up his nose at schools that would be a fit with the stats we are currently working with. Like saying they aren’t worth the money and he might as well not go to college.


In that case, mommy prep works the best. Your DC can work with free online material on a schedule, and you can help him improve. That should provide the in person structure that is needed.


That might have worked, before RTO. The commute has sucked up every last bit of energy and time I have. At this point I’m counting my blessings that I’m employed and DC gets himself to work and sports practices.

No matter what way you cut it, having time or money to put towards this is a privilege. It’s a stupid game, and I’m partially angry at myself for even trying to play it and legitimatize this dumb system.


Don’t play the game. We spent tons of money for my older child to prep — they got a 1480 in the end — but it didn’t matter b/c their grades were not as stellar (similar to your kid’s). Middle child did not prep — got a 1380 — with slightly better grades. Both kids got into OOS schools with merit aid. Both are doing really well. The outlays of finances and stress is just not worth it.
Anonymous
Post 07/24/2025 06:22     Subject: DC didn’t do SAT prep

Khan Academy is the answer.