<p>No, it’s certainly not the norm. The SATS aren’t meant for 13/14 year olds. Most (and I’m including your top 5%ers here) take them at the end of the J1 year/middle of J2 year. Why do it and get a mediocre score rather than taking it at the appropriate time and getting that 2350-esque score? I think it’d be a better investment of time to improve your school GPA to involve yourself in rigorous CCAs and develop lifelong interests early: that’s certainly my personal regret, if any, for my secondary school years.</p>
<p>It’s really an ego-exercise to take it so early, even if you son is a savant. For the record, I don’t think schools take the SATs to be a sign of brilliance: Olympiads, debates, essay awards, dean lists show that, not a grammar/vocabulary test (which is what the SATs ultimately boil down to). It’s brilliant that you’re thinking of college admissions this early (I certainly wish I, or my parents, did) but I think the SATs are not the way forward at this stage.</p>
<p>@ your point regarding RI. No, I don’t think the route is tough per se: it’s rigorous and challenging sure, but you never ever feel utterly inundated and hapless. The education you get at RI, for the top 5%er, isn’t at all overrated (another story for the more ordinary IMO).</p>