Does math course sequence affect math performance on SAT?

[Blessed]

I am trying to figure out where I should go after Alg 1 (already). It's early yet but dd is doing fine. She is a young 9th grader turning 14 in 3 weeks and so she'll be 14 when she begins 10th grade.

I would like her to take the SAT in 11th grade but if she is just starting geometry at that point would she likely bomb the geometry questions...the test is every October right? How far into Geometry are those questions geared? could she say, do Keys to Geometry over the summer prior and be ok?

Sharon

[Barb F. PA in AZ]

I am trying to figure out where I should go after Alg 1 (already). It's early yet but dd is doing fine. She is a young 9th grader turning 14 in 3 weeks and so she'll be 14 when she begins 10th grade.

I would like her to take the SAT in 11th grade but if she is just starting geometry at that point would she likely bomb the geometry questions...the test is every October right? How far into Geometry are those questions geared? could she say, do Keys to Geometry over the summer prior and be ok?

Sharon

Maybe you are thinking of the PSAT. The SAT is given seven times each school year: SAT Dates (http://http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html). I'm a little confused as to why Geometry is a problem. She is taking Algebra I in 9th grade, and I'm guessing Geometry in 10th?

Barb

[creekland]

Most people take the SAT spring of their Junior year - I had mine take it in March. However, for the PSAT purposes, I'd go with Geometry next so she'd have that in before the PSAT.

Otherwise, it doesn't really matter whether one does Alg 2 or Geometry after Alg 1 (they can also be done together). I've had good scores doing it both ways with different boys. The key is making sure they KNOW what they are doing and aren't just memorizing for a test. Once they know what they are doing they can do it moments later or years later. SAT review helps keep skills current so they make less 'dumb' mistakes.

[Blessed]

Ok, good.

Barb, I guess I was thinking of the PSAT. I have to look into prep for that. To clarify, I was wondering if not taking geometry until 11th grade and just going into Alg 2 in 10th right after Alg 1 in 9th would be a problem.

I am glad to know, Creekland, that in your family either way has turned out fine.

I'd be interested to see what other's experiences are.

Thanks so much.

Sharon

[Night Elf]

The PSAT is only given in October.

The SAT is given in October, November, December, January, March, May, and June.

More information can be found at The College Board (http://www.collegeboard.com/).

My dd17 took Algebra 1 in 9th grade, and doubled math with Geometry and Algebra 2 in 10th grade. This is her senior year and she took the SAT last month. I think the year without math was a huge mistake as her math score was way lower than it should have been considering her grades and understanding of the material when she took the classes. She even prepared for the SAT by using the College Board prep book and she was devastated with her low scores.