<p>My rant is over. I do see that some schools don’t have APs, so the option of taking a SAT2 is a good one to show competency. It’s a good option for those students. However, the problem I see is that as each “generation” of students figures out how to optimize the college admittance game, a new parameter becomes available that again requires super human effort. I do understand that there are really, really smart students out there who will get into HPY with a lot of work, but who for the most part were born capable of those types of admissions. Good for them. It’s the student who is not an 800 SAT student that I just see going bonkers over this whole ordeal. My DS and DD13 will take APs, SAT2s and Regents. They will study for the AP and hope that will be sufficient for the SAT2 and Regents. They are good well rounded students who will do well in life. I know that. The rat race is difficult to see and not join. I will do my best as I am sure so will they.</p>
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<p>Man, that is so true! </p>
<p>I liked your rant, even if I did a ‘devil’s advocate’ number on it. I agree with you about the feeling that you can try to stay sane and not get sucked into it, but then you feel like you’re just getting passed by when everyone else jumps on board. </p>
<p>I have the feeling we will all come to this thread to rant many times over the next year and a half!</p>
<p>Mizzbee: You are correct to be concerned re the school curriculum being adequate for the SAT II - some are, some are not. A safety net is the use of an AP study guide (Barrons, Kaplan, PR, etc.). If your DS or DD sets aside enough time to go through the book and practice tests, looking up all that he or she gets incorrect, it will prove adequate preparation for the SAT Subject Matter test of choice.</p>
<p>" . . . it is too easy to get sucked into the game too much and go crazy thinking you (or your kid) have to have perfect grades and close to perfect scores on all kinds of tests. I guess as parents, one thing we can contribute to the college admissions process for our kids is to nudge the ones who haven’t yet figured out that any of it matters, and “talk down” the ones who are getting too stressed out about it."</p>
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<li>Pinot Noir</li>
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<p>So good - worth another read.</p>
<p>Yes, it is very hard not to get sucked into the game!</p>
<p>And it’s important to remember also, that even if the kids have perfect grades and perfect scores it is still a lottery for Ivy and tippy top schools. And rejections from these schools are no reflection on the kids ability to succeed in college or life!</p>
<p>I agree with Glido: PinotNoir - you are very wise. Good luck to PinotNoirson on his physics test. </p>
<p>Well, the PSAT results were put up on Naviance last night. They are ok, not great. So, I’m hoping that some prep between now and March will raise his scores about 150 to 200 points (dreaming?) and then we can be done. We were looking at top 50 schools. If his scores stay where they are in March, June and next Oct, he will still have some nice options, but some 50ish ranked “match” schools will become more “reach” schools. We can afford in-state and a bit more. Those others will require aid and these scores probably won’t get it for him. I guess we shall wait and see.</p>
<p>That’s so true. Hard not to get sucked in. It may be easier for kids to resist. They are still a little oblivious and preoccupied with their interest.</p>
<p>My D had a great masterclass experience last night and threw me a curve ball. She may go into music. Oh no, no no was my silent reaction to that, Sure think about it and give it a shot was the audible one. I don’t know how hard it is to get into an Ivy but I get the feeling it’s nothing compared to making it in music. Not to mention it’s a little late getting into that game. People alter their genes just to be there, I think.</p>
<p>Thanks for calling me wise - please turn some of that wisdom back on me when I show up here needing someone to talk me down - I’m sure it will happen sooner or later!</p>
<p>Iglooo - wow, whoever led that masterclass must be a true inspiration! What kind of music does your daughter perform? Keep in mind that it is possible to make a living in music without “making it” or becoming famous! I can understand your concern though - my younger son really enjoys music and would love to have some kind of career in it, and I have that same little voice inside my head saying the same old joke over and over - “How do you get a trombone player off you front porch?..Pay him for the pizza.”</p>
<p>Please don’t anyone be offended - as a semi-professional musician myself, I have a million of these jokes. But I can also tell you that i know a ton of people making a living through their music, either just performing, performing and giving lessons, teaching, working in sound studios, etc. And some of them grumble and some of them love it - just as you would find in any profession I’m sure.</p>
<p>She must have had a wonderful experience at that workshop!</p>
<p>Remember a few days ago D was frantic about a Spanish presentation, sure that her poor skills and the teacher’s animosity were going to result in a bad grade? She practiced like crazy (thank goodness for the snow day on Monday) and received a 93, high enough to exempt her from the final. 
And… I was volunteering at the HS this morning and the principal took me aside to give me her PSAT score - 211. I am absolutely thrilled for her. That is just at or below the state cutoff for the past 4 yrs, so NMSF is not a sure thing, but the important thing is that this should boost her confidence - she is so insecure about her abilities, always comparing herself to the tippy-top students.</p>
<p>She has one more final tomorrow and then she is done, with two great accomplishments in a week - what a great way to start break! :)</p>
<p>Congratulations to PRJ’s daughter! Brag away - your DD worked hard and it shows. You must be so proud of her. 211 is STELLAR!</p>
<p>Good for her! It is always difficult when teachers give what seem to be very subjective assessments. My 2014 son has given speeches/presentations in three classes lately and he’s said the teachers often tune out after the first few. He was determined to be first in his AP Env’t Sci class to present today, just to make sure the teacher would pay attention. I hope your daughter’s PSAT score will make the cut. I’ve found that a high SAT or ACT score gives comparable merit aid at some state schools (a good thing because I expect that my 2012 daughter just missed our state cut-off). Good luck!</p>
<p>Yay! for PRJ’s daughter! Great job on the presentation and the PSAT!</p>
<p>Congratulations to PRJ’s daughter!</p>
<p>Way to go PRJ’s daughter! It’s so nice when a couple confidence boosters hit right in a row! Nice way to head into winter vacation. </p>
<p>OK everyone - send good weather vibes to the Midwest. We have a snow storm predicted over night, and we must NOT have a snow day - S needs his final to boost his semester grade! no-snow…no-snow…no-snow…</p>
<p>PRJ, Great News! Wishing that your D will make the state cut. Great Score.</p>
<p>PinotNoir, Your joke is so true as well as funny. Every musician I know have 20 jobs. I am hoping this will blow over. Joining the chant of no snow no snow in the midwest.</p>
<p>Great job PJR’s D! Way to go.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the well wishes! We’re doing the happy dance as well as the no-snow dance ;)</p>
<p>211 is magnificent!! Congratulations to your D, PRJ-- that bodes well in so many ways.</p>
<p>PRJ that is wonderful! We all need to focus on how amazing our kids are.</p>
<p>So D finally picked up her PSAT scores. Now I have a question…Does the commended cutoff vary by state of just the semifinalaist cutoff? She is above the commended cutoff posted on this thread, but miles away from the MA NE boarding schools cutoff for semifinalist.</p>
<p>BTW Congrats to PRJ D!</p>