Any thoughts on why a kid that is 2 years ahead in math (AP Calc AB as a Jr) would get a 690 on the Math portion of the SAT? Granted he did not study as he took it to get a baseline, but it was still disappointing. He’s hoping for a 1500 (got a 1420). And is it even realistic to think he could raise that score 80 points???
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So he got the 90th percentile - and there’s concern.
No thought as to why he got an outstanding score - but like anything else, one can practice.
It could be they lack in certain areas.
It could be that particular test was very hard - my kid on the ACT went from a 24 to 32 on the same section, from one test to the next.
Can he get another 80 - sure - but it’s two sections.
Will he - who knows?
But 1420 is outstanding - in the 93rd or so percentile.
Strategies can be studied and learned.
Good luck.
First of all, a 690 on the math section of the SAT
without any preparation is only considered a “low” score on College Confidential.
My son was similarly advanced in math (took BC calc junior year). The SAT math section is mostly algebra - which I am guessing like my kid, your son probably took in 7th grade? Your son needs to spend some time brushing up on his algebra skills which are undoubtedly rusty. It should be very easy for him to raise the math score significantly with a little studying. The other thing to consider is that a lot of advanced math students prefer the ACT math to the SAT as it tests more geometry and trig than the SAT does. You may want to have him try a practice section or two from both the SAT and ACT to see if he is scoring significantly better on one or the other.
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Practice tests and a little Kahn academy prep should be simple and easy way to get the score up. If he hasn’t don’t that math in at least 3 years he may have forgotten some things or got confused.
I’ll chime in and also suggest a review of older math. It’s easy to miss questions on material you haven’t covered in a while - especially when you factor in the time element and any feelings of pressure. S24 is only taking AP calc this year and managed a 800 on the math, so it isn’t a question of how far ahead you are, but making sure you review any older concepts that are no longer top of mind.
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Agree that a 690 with zero prep should not be a concern.
The kid should spend some time becoming familiar with the format of the exam, reviewing the topics on the exam, doing practice questions, and then see how he/she scores. The student can get a review book, use Khan Academy, or take advantage of a host of other options (ex. tutor, review class, etc.) to prepare. FWIW I would have recommended doing some prep before sitting for the exam, but sounds like there is still ample time.
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Thank you everyone for your replies! Before we switch to the ACT I’m going to have him brush up on algebra. That makes me feel a lot better!
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Definitely do the prep and If you can afford it take both ACT and SAT once each. Some kids do better on one versus the other. Then focus on that test if you take it over
It is a timed test and that is the nut to crack if content is not really the question. In many situations students are used to taking all the time they need to arrive at the right answer. SAT is a race to the end in most cases. The more they prep, the better they do. I had a student make a 100 point jump in math just from taking real timed practice tests. How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice!
Going forward he will only be able to take the Digital SAT, so make sure he is practicing the content and timing on that test. Blue book app (the app the actual test is on) has some practice tests.
The ACT is much more a test of time pressure than the SAT, so if he does take the ACT prep under strict time limits for that too.
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HS junior here, also 2 years ahead in math with a 780 SAT math score. When I started, I was also scoring in the 690 range. Your son’s obviously great at math, and that’s a fantastic baseline. He just has to get used to SAT type questions, it’s rarely genuine content weaknesses. I had a huge improvement just having taken one practice SAT. I just went over every math question I missed, got down to the bottom of why, and worked on my mindset during questions and it made a huge difference.
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