Does my son really need to take the SAT tomorrow?

Test Preparation
1

My son is registered to take the SAT tomorrow, but we are having a family discussion as to whether or not he benefits from doing so.

He has already taken the ACT and received a 35 composite score. He took SAT subject tests last year in Math II and Physics–received 800s on each. He has a great GPA and is in a special magnet school for math and science.

So he is well-positioned for the colleges that interest him, as well as for scholarships and honors programs.

Historically, he has not done as well on the SAT when he has taken practice tests (1990 SAT mini diagnostic test last weekend, 210 PSAT). And he has not had time to prepare for the SAT tomorrow the way he wanted to because of his recent school priorities. My concern is that if he takes the SAT tomorrow and does not do as well relative to his ACT score, that may muddy the waters despite the fact that all colleges seem to use your best scores. I’m also worried that a lower score could impact scholarships.

I have said that he could just not show up and think about it some more and then devote more time to preparing if he feels it’s really necessary to take the SAT.

I have read previous threads on CC on this subject but am looking for any current insight. How would my son benefit from taking the SAT tomorrow given his scores and situation?

Thank you.

2

A similar thing has happened to me before. I didn’t show up one time because I simply was underprepared, and I ended up just taking the next one after more preparation. He definitely doesn’t have to rush into things, especially since some of the top schools still require a complete testing history (so he’d have to send this score).

3

That was my point to him. He would not be penalized in any way for not showing up, and that fact is never apparent to any college receiving test scores. He could always take the May or June SAT instead.

Seems like your decision was a wise one for you.

4

Generally speaking, I would not have him take the SAT tomorrow. Did he take ACT w/ writing? and what was his subscores? With a 35C ACT and two subject tests, he maybe done.

5

Yes, he did take the ACT with writing. His subscores were 35 English, 35 math, 34 reading, 36 science, 32 combined English writing.

6

I’d have him pass. Those are solid numbers. No need to take chance. Some top tier schools will require to send in ALL scores. My two cents.

7

Thanks for your input. It’s greatly appreciated.

8

Good luck. He must be a TJ kid.

9

Definetely no need to take the SAT. A 35 and 2 800s is more than enough, if he’s getting rejected from a school, test scores were not holding him back.