monkeycloud

Hi everybody: I'm faced with another dilemma regarding my plans for this summer. Originally, I planned to go on a highly selective, renown summer study abroad program for foreign languages for 7 weeks during the summer. However, people have cautioned me to study for the SAT instead, because they are a huge indicator for colleges. (I'm looking into Ivy League, btw)

So, which should I opt for? The summer program would practically guarantee me an 800 on SAT II and 5 on AP test for French, plus the unique experience. But that also means 7 weeks with no English/studying and I would be faced with taking PSAT and SAT in the coming months afterward of my junior year, which I also kind of need to study for since my current scores range about 2100-2270 and I wish them to be higher.

In the overall scheme of things, which would be more worth it?

I<3Pi

If I were you... study abroad without a doubt. Your SAT scores are already great and you will have other chances to study for it. The language program is a much rarer opportunity. Plus I'd imagine that it would be more enjoyable than studying for the SAT the whole summer :]

stefanysoccer

STUDY ABROAD.

your SAT scores really are fine! are you a sophomore now? definitely study abroad. you will have plenty of time junior year to study for the SAT.

also, I'm sure you'll speak some English when you are in France, and you could study on the plain or train if you really wanted to. or simply read english books.

monkeycloud

Really? My mother seems to think that I will not get into any of the Ivies with less than a 2350 or something...although I would like to increase my scores anyway.

Yes, I am a sophomore. And another reason I became hesitant is that I might lose some English ability in Crit. Reading/Writing since this program has very strict rules about no English anywhere. Do you think that will be a problem?

Debbie427

Even if your SAT score were bad, studying abroad during the summer is a MUCH better decision. Studying for the SAT might not even change your score that much *it didn't help me...*, but your score right now needs no changing. If, however, you're concerned about getting into an Ivy, just take the test again when you're prepared to, but don't sacrifice a summer to study for it.

I studied in Japan for 10 months in 2006. I don't think it made my English skills worse, because I'm awful at the reading section anyway. You shouldn't be concerned. Your English will not change much, if at all, in a summer program.

tokenadult

Those people don't understand how college admission works in the United States. I also think they overestimate the need to spend huge amounts of time in formal study for the SAT.

Do You REALLY Believe in Expensive Test-Prep Courses?

tokenadult

DEFINITELY wrong. The pigeonhole principle (the limited number of students who get such high scores) guarantees that many Ivy League students got in with lower scores.

SAT Score Frequencies and Freshman Class Sizes

icy9ff8

Study abroad as operating only in a foreign language and culture will probably sharpen all of your senses, thereby enhancing your SAT performance. I also agree with tokenadult that college admissions in the U.S. is much different than that of many stats focused countries.

menloparkmom

Take advantage of your opportunity to study abroad!! You can take the SAT 2-3 times between the time you get back and the time you submit your college applications if you want to increase your scores. But your time abroad will give you so many great experiences, as well as juicy topics for your college essays!
[I suggest you take a PSAT prep book to read while there or on the plane, when you have the time]

brillar

STUDY ABROAD.

Most people would kill for that kind of opportunity- don't waste it by studying for SATs! You have plenty of time for that, and your scores are good already. Don't let your mom stress you out more than needed. Believe it or not, but not all Ivy league students are perfect in every way. (They're not even as great as most CCers would think).

eg1

You may find studying in France HELPS your verbal score. I certainly found studying French helpful with English vocabulary, as so many words in both languages share the same Latin roots. A summer spent prepping for the SAT seems like a wasted summer.

stefanysoccer

Yes really, your scores are fine. Although their is nothing wrong with wanting to do your best, you'll have time for this the next two years!

I think eg1 made an excellent point: the French WILL HELP YOU. Anyway, IMO good critical reading scores don't come from speaking English with your friends (unless your friends are extremely precocious), but rather from reading English. Which you can do, even if you're in France.

And, not really related since it won't impact your SAT score IMO, in my experience kids cheat and speak English even in the most strict programs. Unless, of course, you're staying by yourself with a host family. But, I wonder what other CCers think ?

classic3020

I cannot even believe you're thinking about it. STUDY ABROAD!

deutsch

btw which study abroad program are you going to?

monkeycloud

Thanks for all your support guys! I think all your suggestions helps me lean towards going to the program, which I was planning to do anyway until all of this SAT stuff came up.

eg1, thanks for your advice. Come to think of it, French has helped me in vocab and roots and all, I just never thought of it that way until now.

I'm would be doing the IU Honors Foreign Language Program so that would also mean staying with a host family by myself.