SAT Practice Test Disaster-Help!

macdee · 10-06-2010, 02:49 PM

Ok so my son took the SAT once after taking only a school-based prep course led by a teacher and and got a 1680 on all three parts, trying to do better he went to Kaplan and everytime he takes the practice test he does worse..the latest he scored half his original score. They say he may be eligible for their guarantee but the next available class is not until after he has to apply to his top choice schools for early action. The SAT is 3 days away and not sure what to do, have him not take it again? Kaplan advises he postpone taking it until next month and do tutoring but not sure its the best thing to do plus next months test is being given a week before the college EA deadline so not sure they would get scores in time anyway. Do schools see all scores or just the highest? How is it viewed if a kid bombs a test but has one minimally decent score?

SoulReaver · 10-06-2010, 02:57 PM

Depends upon the college if they factor in all scores or just the highest. If he bombs the test but does well in one section, then it could be okay if he retakes the test and sees an improvement in the sections he did poorly on.

Why is he getting worse each time he takes a practice test? Is he not reviewing the answer and process to each question?

Maybe he isn't feeling confident from getting all these poor scores, and it is further affecting his scores. Seems like perhaps he should focus on doing practice questions and not tests

salzahrah · 10-06-2010, 04:31 PM

tell your kid to drop tutoring and read all the threads on this website. This website has more knowledge about the SAT than Kaplan and PR combined.

Valinum · 10-06-2010, 04:42 PM

cant agree with salzahrah more

BusyMei · 10-06-2010, 05:10 PM

Has he try the ACT? Some students just do better with the ACT since it is a different style of testing.

Has anyone analyze why he is getting worse? Half of original score is a lot worse. There must be some reason. Whatever method he is using is not working. He needs to try something else.

As for what the colleges see, it really depends on the college. Usually you can find out on their web site. If not, call them.

Some colleges look at the highest score in one single seating.
Some colleges super scores, highest score in each section in multiple seatings.
Some colleges allow score choice so you can select what you want to send them.
Also most colleges app dealine is for the app only. The supporting material like SSR, test score can be a little later. Again, depending on the college.