DS is trying to figure out test strategy going forward. Last fall, he took the PSAT and scored in the top 1%, then took the ACT and SAT scoring solid scores with room for improvement (I believe ACT32? Math was 35, SAT 1480? Math 720) With limited dates to retest (not conflicting with SS, sport schedule and other commitments), he is looking for advice on the best strategy for improvement. He is confident on his knowledge of the material covered but believes his problem lies in his reading speed. He did not have enough time to complete the reading section, then had trouble letting it go and spending his energy and focus on the rest of the test sections. Three of his top colleges accept super scores, one does not. He is able to take the ACT twice this spring. Should he try to complete the entire test to the best of his abilities that day or split the sections and focus between the 2 test dates?
DS is trying to figure out test strategy going forward. Last fall, he took the PSAT and scored in the top 1%, then took the ACT and SAT scoring solid scores with room for improvement (I believe ACT32? Math was 35, SAT 1480? Math 720) With limited dates to retest (not conflicting with SS, sport schedule and other commitments), he is looking for advice on the best strategy for improvement. He is confident on his knowledge of the material covered but believes his problem lies in his reading speed. He did not have enough time to complete the reading section, then had trouble letting it go and spending his energy and focus on the rest of the test sections. Three of his top colleges accept super scores, one does not. He is able to take the ACT twice this spring. Should he try to complete the entire test to the best of his abilities that day or split the sections and focus between the 2 test dates?
Well... this is a question that goes way beyond USNA. But since USNA superscores it's not a bad idea to take it again -- studying hard -- and see if he can improve. (I guess? But with scores like that you are nearly in the territory of "what else can I control/improve" with the caveat being that if this is a kid who has a serious shot at like a 1550 or 1600 well heck go for it). But remember... no one can "unsee" a terrible score. So let's use your example. Your son has a 720 math and a 760 verbal in one single test currently. If he were to take it again going ALL IN on math but mails it in for verbal and now he has a 780 math (woohoo!) and a 600 verbal (meh)... well... you can send it if you want but no one on admissions anywhere who sees that 600 can unsee it. So... you're dealing with a question of nuance. If his score can bump up without trashing another section, do it. But if you think he can ONLY focus on one area and then bomb the other... that is not a good idea.
Also know that some colleges require you to send / report your single best score taken on the same day. So do many scholarships.
Thank you. Unfortunately, we are not able to budget for private tutoring. There is an online group test prep option that is within our means and available to him. Would it be better to take the entire test again trying to get the best overall score, or take the test twice focusing on each section independently?
IronmanDaremo
What, me worry?
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How is the REST of the application looking? Rockstar test scores will only offset so much if there isn't a bucket of other good stuff on the resume.
And those buckets will easily offset a mediocre test score (which those scores given are not).
And those buckets will easily offset a mediocre test score (which those scores given are not).
Thank you. This is good advice that we will certainly take into consideration. It sounds like focusing on a perfect score on one section at the expense of the other is not a great option.
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I agree with IronmanDaremo, a good résumé with sports participation and leadership in different activities along with a strong CFA score are now important for your son. Many of my students will have strong scores and grades, but 'leadership' through different activities is often the area that they must improve, plus a focus on great fitness. Good luck to your son!
ChatterMom2
DD USNA '27
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@TIME2GO
If your son decides to retake the ACT/SAT he should focus most of his study efforts on his weakest area(s). Lots of free prep is available. If he really thinks it is slow reading bringing him down he may try reading more for enjoyment. Reading books on subjects he enjoys more often can improve reading speed and comprehension.
In regards to free prep available, google prepscholar. They have lots of free articles available with tips and tricks. Using Khan Academy is a good too. Using past tests for practice, gage progress, and determine weaknesses can help. You can find old tests on both SAT/ACT sites and on reddit.
If your son decides to retake the ACT/SAT he should focus most of his study efforts on his weakest area(s). Lots of free prep is available. If he really thinks it is slow reading bringing him down he may try reading more for enjoyment. Reading books on subjects he enjoys more often can improve reading speed and comprehension.
In regards to free prep available, google prepscholar. They have lots of free articles available with tips and tricks. Using Khan Academy is a good too. Using past tests for practice, gage progress, and determine weaknesses can help. You can find old tests on both SAT/ACT sites and on reddit.
galahadthebrave
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Overall Advice/Opinion:
I feel pretty strongly that nowadays paid, class-based tutoring services (although potentially helpful) are not necessary to do very well on the SAT. I haven't taken the ACT so I can't speak to that. I started with a 1420 practice SAT test score middle of Sophomore year, and over a few months I used Khan Academy (satpractice.org) to work on improving my score. I am (sadly) not paid by Khan Academy, but it really is a great free service that custom tailors practice to the student and can link to the College Board account to give feedback based on real test scores.
I tracked all of my hours practicing and it totaled to around 30 (very reasonable over a few months). I then took the December 2022 SAT and scored 1550. The only money I spent was on one math SAT book because I wanted to learn some "test taking strategies," although I honestly don't think that purchase was necessary. I don't plan on retaking the SAT, maybe I'll buy a new pair of running shoes instead of another $100 exam.
Specific to OP:
I have heard such a wide variety of advice on how to "do better" on the reading section of the SAT. I personally think that going through more and more high-quality, SAT style reading sections will eventually allow your son to interpret more meaning from the passages the first time around. The gimmicky strategies for reading such as read the first and last sentence for each paragraph or skim the reading and then try the questions never helped me. Instead, understanding more how College Board writes their questions will allow for clearer interpretation and more efficiency. As a side note, 760 reading (as assumed by your mention of 1480 overall with 720 math) is a very high score and will be very difficult to improve. I think that overall, maintaining that reading score and looking for easier points to improve on the math side will bring better success as far as increasing overall score goes.
Best of luck!
I feel pretty strongly that nowadays paid, class-based tutoring services (although potentially helpful) are not necessary to do very well on the SAT. I haven't taken the ACT so I can't speak to that. I started with a 1420 practice SAT test score middle of Sophomore year, and over a few months I used Khan Academy (satpractice.org) to work on improving my score. I am (sadly) not paid by Khan Academy, but it really is a great free service that custom tailors practice to the student and can link to the College Board account to give feedback based on real test scores.
I tracked all of my hours practicing and it totaled to around 30 (very reasonable over a few months). I then took the December 2022 SAT and scored 1550. The only money I spent was on one math SAT book because I wanted to learn some "test taking strategies," although I honestly don't think that purchase was necessary. I don't plan on retaking the SAT, maybe I'll buy a new pair of running shoes instead of another $100 exam.
Specific to OP:
I have heard such a wide variety of advice on how to "do better" on the reading section of the SAT. I personally think that going through more and more high-quality, SAT style reading sections will eventually allow your son to interpret more meaning from the passages the first time around. The gimmicky strategies for reading such as read the first and last sentence for each paragraph or skim the reading and then try the questions never helped me. Instead, understanding more how College Board writes their questions will allow for clearer interpretation and more efficiency. As a side note, 760 reading (as assumed by your mention of 1480 overall with 720 math) is a very high score and will be very difficult to improve. I think that overall, maintaining that reading score and looking for easier points to improve on the math side will bring better success as far as increasing overall score goes.
Best of luck!
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Over 1400 on a single sitting … you are already above the 95% … possibly above the 96% …. There is Not much to gain by taking it anymore if your Math score is respectable, since the SAs are heavy math & science …
Btw … the SAT is a Marathon … Super-Scoring is ludicrous.
Move on … prove that you can do something else
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Over 1400 on a single sitting … you are already above the 95% … possibly above the 96% …. There is Not much to gain by taking it anymore if your Math score is respectable, since the SAs are heavy math & science …
Btw … the SAT is a Marathon … Super-Scoring is ludicrous.
Move on … prove that you can do something else
.
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I've written this many, many times on this forum. All three of my kids, and any of their friends that bothered to listen to me benefitted from this advice...
As you stated, your son does not need help with the material. He needs help learning how to take the test. He does he do that? By taking practice tests. As many as possible, with a timer. That's the best way to establish a quicker pace. He'll figure out how to skip questions to be answered at the end, how to read the question(s) before reading the passage, how to narrow it down to two best choices and then making a best guess... But it needs to be timed. He needs to get used to the pressure so it doesn't bother him during the actual test.
As you stated, your son does not need help with the material. He needs help learning how to take the test. He does he do that? By taking practice tests. As many as possible, with a timer. That's the best way to establish a quicker pace. He'll figure out how to skip questions to be answered at the end, how to read the question(s) before reading the passage, how to narrow it down to two best choices and then making a best guess... But it needs to be timed. He needs to get used to the pressure so it doesn't bother him during the actual test.
navy27hopeful
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I would highly recommend Kahn Academy for test prep. Free, online, and can be done whenever fits in with his busy schedule. Super helpful and effective and such a great resource
FYI, when my DS went for his interview at Nuclear Reactors last spring they had his ACT scores as part of the package for the interviews. That may have been because he is a tier 3 major. But it surprises that those scores had some value after admissions.
Thank you for that piece of info. I don't think he has even considered that. Just on the first steps of trying to present the best package for an offer into the class of 2028.
This is absolutely, in my mind, what will help most. It's a tough sell for a busy kid to carve some time away to practice an already long and daunting test. Practice practice practice. Thank you
As stated previously, your ds already has a competitive score. My ds is sitting in the same place and we are trying to figure out if retaking is worth it because of the same conflicts you state. The only options for him are May or August. I'd prefer him not to do August because he'll be focusing on applications and essays by then. That leaves May. We'll find out on Friday when he gets his March score if he wants to retake to score in the 1500+ range. My first thought is not to leave points on the table but can that time be better spent studying for AP exams, finishing his Eagle project, or practicing for the CFA? Is he more interested in an elite, private university where 1500+ is more important?
If you decide it is worth it, there is no substitute for time when studying for the SAT. I 100% agree with Brewmeist that with kids in your ds's situation, the best prep is taking practice tests. They are free, easy, and timed on Khan Academy. I'd recommend using the summer to prep because it is easier mentally (no tough classes and homework) to focus on the tests. After he takes the test, sit down and review each and every problem missed and ones they got right but aren't sure why they got them right. Khan Academy has great video on test taking skills like elimination and shortcuts.
I think you bring up a good point which is there is more to consider here than USNA. There are many colleges/universities that absolutely DO want to see that lovely number 15 before the score... and as high in that as you can really does help. Not that you asked, but if you have a kid who is looking at (and competitive for) top schools, and get back scores that are great-not-exceptional, and think there is a shot at making them exceptional, then shift gears this semester to finish senior year strong because after all grades matter more than anything... and then take the SAT again in August after a summer of prep. No reason that can't be fit in with job, community service, working out etc.
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A perfect SAT is perfectly boring ….
Now this is perfection … every kid should know how to do this … Chopin’s Waltz in A minor … this guarantees an Appointment …
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A perfect SAT is perfectly boring ….
Now this is perfection … every kid should know how to do this … Chopin’s Waltz in A minor … this guarantees an Appointment …
While he can play a pretty mean Hot Cross Buns on the recorder, he is no virtuoso. He better give the 1600 SAT another go.