Did Extra Tough December SAT I Mean Lower-Than-Usual Scores?

Archive Ask The Dean Archive
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<p>Question: My son, a junior, took the SAT I in Dec. 2010 and thought the test was far more challenging than the College Board’s blue book practice. He scored very well in practice (CR 720, M 800) When he received his scores, he was shocked to find CR 660, M 690. Some say the test […]</p>

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<p>I am responding to your question what was the rush in taking the SAT early as a Jr and I will tell you that in my opinion, taking it in March is actually the rush. </p>

<p>Fall semester of Jr year contains no standardized testing. Spring semester is full of testing: Midterms in Jan, school 11th grade testing in March, SAT in March, AP testing in May (my son has 3), SAT retake or Subject tests in June along with finals.</p>

<p>It makes a lot more sense to do SAT study in the fall, take your first shot in Dec, then retake in March. Reviewing for an SAT retake is a lot easier than studying for SAT and AP tests at the same time. I think every Jr who has multiple AP classes should strongly consider doing their SAT review and first shot in Dec/Jan.</p>

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<p>Thanks, Lakemom.</p>

<p>In my own high school era, 4+ decades ago, we took the SAT once or maybe twice and with no preparation at all, other than a quick look at the sample questions in the registration booklet. I took my SAT I in April of my junior year and the Subject Tests (then called “Achievement Tests”) in May. I got my scores back, glanced at them, and said, “These will do,” and never considered giving them another shot.</p>

<p>AP exams were fairly uncommon, too. My school didn’t have AP classes, but I did take one AP test. It was a casual endeavor. A day or two before the exam, the English teacher said something like, “Anyone who wants to try this test should come at 9 o’ clock on Friday … .”</p>

<p>How the times have changed! Rarely does a day go by that I don’t wonder, “What are we doing to our children?”</p>