SAT I scores

[BLD]

Just took a look at the score posted online, and I'd like to read some opinion from others out there who have experience with the test.

My dc is in 8th grade, and took the test in January. This is the first time.

Scores where as follows:

Critical Reading = 620
Math = 660
Writing = 750

We are looking at another try in June, just to see if this experience helped.

I'd love to hear what you think. Thank you all :-):)

[Barb F. PA in AZ]

Those are excellent scores, even for a Junior/Senior, and I would caution you to avoid trying to better them this year. Let him rest on his laurels for the time being and look at them as baseline scores. There is a possibility they could go down....let's face it, it's a really long test and many factors can go into how well a student does. He may have an off day and then wonder if the first scores are a fluke. If he takes them too many times before they "count" he will be so sick of them that he will live in dread of them by senior year. Let him be and enjoy the achievement (yours and his).

Barb

[Sandy in Indy]

I agree with Barb. There are many high school students who would be absolutely thrilled with those scores. Your son has a long time to take these tests...I wouldn't burn him out, especially since he's already scored so well.

(Just realized you said dc not ds...so put the appropriate gender in my note!)

[BLD]

Thank you, ladies!

Although it may appear that taking the test might be a bit too much, it is not I wanting to try it again in June, but dc. The test itself is more of a way to prove that dc can do even better, and as long as there is no real pressure, it feels more like fun.:)

[Beth in SW WA]

BLD,
Would you care to share your writing curriculum/method w/ us? (any specifics would be appreciated) :)

You must be so proud of your dc!
Thanks!!

[Gwen in VA]

I would be careful of a child "having fun" by trying to improve scores.

It is SO easy to look at numbers and think that they actually mean something. (My dd got a 2400 in one sitting on the SAT, so this is not a sour-grapes mom talking....) The numbers themselves are almost meaningless. If a child has a 2400 score but isn't motivated, or a child gets an 800 but isn't reliable, or a child gets 100% but isn't curious, the scores in the long run won't be a predictor of success at all!

Yes, it is an ego-booster to get good scores. Yes, colleges get excited by good scores. It is satisfying to do well, and it s tremendously satisfying to see scores go up. But as the parent of a good tester you need to stress how really meaningless in the grand scheme of things those test scores are.

My son got a 2360 on the SAT's and wanted to retake them to see if he could get a 2400. We refused to let him -- what would be the point? What would he gain except ego gratification?

Attributes such as curiousity, honesty, perseverance, and reliability are better indicators of long-term success than top scores.

Enjoy your son's scores, but encourage him to now put them behind him for several years. He can play the "numbers game" in high school with SAT-II's, SAT's, and AP scores, but junior high is not the time for that.

The time and money you and your child will spend retaking the SAT's (in 8th grade) would be SO much better spent on something else -- a day at a museum, a good book, a lunch out together.........

JMHO -- I'll get down off my soapbox now! I don't mean to give a lecture, and I apologize if the tone of this is negative. :o