what would you do for math in this case...

[Whitneyz]

My dd took TT's pre alg., alg. 1, and is now 3/4 thru their alg. II. I was planning on doing their Geometry beginning this summer. She is taking the PSAT this fall. She's will be a junior. She'll be taking her SAT that following spring. My concern is if she concentrates on geometry her junior year she might forget algebra. I was thinking maybe instead of that I should begin Saxon's algebra 1 because they weave geometry in. That would be a good review of algebra, but is it enough geometry? I don't think we would be able to fit in Saxon alg. II before the SAT. I have heard Saxon is much tougher than TT. Maybe it would be enough????

What should I do???? Any suggestions? I really like Saxon, but she's used to TT. Should I keep her in TT geometry and do some SAT prep math in addition. If so, what? She is not mathy; it'll probably kill her.....lol

Thanks,
Whitney

[Maverick]

Well, I think I would stick with the TT Geometry and add in some test prep as an algebra review. I would not give her a whole other algebra course--that feels too much like punishment. I like math but saying, "Here, honey, I know you already passed algebra I but we're going to do it over agian anyway" doesn't sound like a good idea. I'm sure my ds would not respond well. :tongue_smilie: You could pick up a SAT prep book such as Barrons or get that video SAT math course (Chalkdust, I think?) that people here have recommended. That way she's doing a math (geometry) and a test prep--not two maths and not redoing algebra at the expense of geometry.

[Whitneyz]

Yes, you're probably right. What was I thinking. I may look into the chalkdust.

Anyone else?

Thanks,
Whitney

[Brenda in MA]

continue with the TT Geometry. If she starts that this summer, she should have some extra weeks in the coming school year to focus on the PSAT & SAT.

The PSAT is really only for practice. In the majority of cases, the scores don't count for anything; the exception being that if she scores really high (>200 composite) she should qualify for National Merit Commended and possibly for Semi Finalist if she scores somewhat higher. The Semi Finalist cut-offs vary in each state.

If you have her do some PSAT practice exams and she's scoring 200+, then it's probably worth it to take several weeks prior to the PSAT and have her spend lots of time on practice with prep books.

If you don't think she'll score 200+, you could let her take the PSAT for the test-taking experience, but you should devote the majority of her prep time to the SAT in the spring.

I would suggest taking 2 - 4 weeks off of Geometry at this point and having her work through SAT prep books and/or use Chalkdust's SAT Math review, which is excellent. She'll be able to refresh her Algebra just in time for the test.

HTH,
Brenda

[Whitneyz]

Thank you. Great advice. I guess I'll probably do the Chalkdust Math review.

Do you have any opinions on how to study for the critical reading and writing portion of the SAT?

Thanks

[Brenda in MA]

(multiple choice parts), we found it most helpful to do practice tests and then make a list of the topics/items that were missed. We then did some focused review/study on those areas/concepts.

For the essay, practice again with sample prompts from books & websites. Since the graders seem to like answers with references to literature, it's very helpful for the student to be familiar with a few classic books so she will have some examples to pull from. We practiced spending the first 5 minutes of the time coming up with a brief outline of points to be made with supporting information. Then the student practiced being able to finish within the time limit.

HTH,
Brenda

[Kareni]

I second the Chalkdust SAT Math Review series.

Also, have your daughter do The Official SAT Question of the Day™ (http://apps.collegeboard.com/qotd/question.do). It's free and it's good practice.

Also have her read widely and as much as possible.

Regards,
Kareni

[Whitneyz]

Thanks!

There's a booklist in her McGraw-Hill SAT prep. I could begin there for the reading.

Whitney

[darlasowders]

Teaching Textbooks Geometry includes test prep for both ACT & SAT. Just wanted to mention that since you may not have seen that little blurb on the cover (unless you already have it in your house).