My parents think I'm stupid because I did bad on the SAT

ntktop · 03-07-2010, 06:08 PM

My parents think I'm stupid because I only got a 1950 on the SAT. I did alright on the math and writing sections (high 600's) but I messed up on the reading section with a 580. And because my parents compared my scores with my other friends who got 2200+, they are calling me stupid. And now apparently my grandfather was told as well and he's even complaining about my score saying how stupid I am because I can't pass a "simple" test according to him.

This is so annoying, and I'm Asian which makes it even worse. And it's like my parents aren't even confident in my intelligence. First they think I'm dumb, and then after their friends come over and see some of my work (I build web applications) they say I'm really smart. And only then do my parents say that I'm smart and praise me. It's so god-damn annoying.

/rant

Beautifulnights · 03-07-2010, 06:18 PM

awww im sowwy

feel better!

Whan · 03-07-2010, 06:18 PM

Eh, Asian parents... What can ya do?

MIThopeful16 · 03-07-2010, 06:25 PM

I read the first paragraph and thought, must be Asian. That really sucks. Well, remember that college is for you, not for them. And intelligence, regardless if we have the IQ, is not really quantifiable.

KnowledgeInChaos · 03-07-2010, 06:31 PM

Eh... Asian comparison syndrome in parents sucks.

There's no real way to cope with it, but I usually just start listing off all of the ways why my parents are wrong as they begin the critique train. I mean, I get why they do what they do (after all, wanting your kid to succeed isn't a bad thing), but sometimes they just don't get other perspectives.

schoolisfun · 03-07-2010, 06:32 PM

Don't worry about it too much, assuming this is your first SAT, practice a lot and take it again, you'll do better and feel good too

thisgirlisaG · 03-07-2010, 07:22 PM

my parents, too, kid. my parents, too. & i'm not even asian : P

herestothenights · 03-07-2010, 07:43 PM

i'm sorry! don't believe them when they say you're stupid though--you're not at all! 1950 is not a terrible score at all

kwu · 03-07-2010, 07:50 PM

I think they mean you're "stupid" in the sense that you're foolish not to take the SAT seriously, given how important it is in college admissions.

Not preparing for one of the most important exams in your life is very "stupid."

pierrechn · 03-07-2010, 07:56 PM

your score is not bad at all, but asians in general are usually very very very smart. Asian parents are very hard on their kids, but your score is good it will get you in a good school

pierrechn · 03-07-2010, 07:57 PM

with your score i probably wouldnt even retake it unless i was trying to get in an IVY league school

Batllo · 03-07-2010, 07:58 PM

Now they will complain about you to all their friends, family, whoever will listen.
Better get a thick skin, it's going to be a bumpy landing.

jerrry4445 · 03-07-2010, 08:12 PM

make your parents do the SAT. If they score low, rub that 1950 in their faces.

Besides, 1950 isn't that bad. It is above average and i believe it's above the 80th percentile.

fairy_dreams · 03-07-2010, 08:17 PM

Have you tried taking the ACT?

Lots of people do significantly better. It's worth a shot. I found it ridiculously easier than the SAT.

HopefulEagle86 · 03-07-2010, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Besides, 1950 isn't that bad. It is above average and i believe it's above the 80th percentile.

Uh, no. Actually it's in the 91th percentile. It's way above average compared to an 80th percentile. http://professionals.collegeboard.co...ite_cr_m_w.pdf

A 1950 is a very high score, but if you can do better, I would suggest you retake it to see if you can get a 2000 or higher. If you want to attend a top 15 school with a 1900+ score, it's possible, but req. charm & luck. Some of those kids have done it before.