<p>Over the summer, my parents want me to take an SAT prep class at MJ Test Prep. The class runs mid-June through September, and meets 3 days a week for 8 hours a day and assigns several hours of homework. While I do want to prepare as I am planning on taking the SAT at the start of next year, this particular course will not allow time for all my other summer plans (which included a job at the library- using the money to pay for French and film and photography classes, volunteering at an animal shelter, intense cross country training, and a possible service trip abroad.) I would be forced to work any activities around the prep class instead of the other way around and even if I managed to wedge a decent number in, I would be very busy.
For reference, I am a sophomore and I got a 209 on my PSAT. I am aiming for a small not-super-selective liberal arts school. I have straight As in honors classes and will be in IB (International Baccalaureate) next year.
How do I convince my parents to let me take a less intensive course? (Providing I do a fair amount of studying on my own.) Or is it a better idea to suck it up and take the class anyway? Thanks!</p>
<p>Not really sure how to deal with your parents, but you definitely don’t need to be taking that rigorous of a course. It sounds like you’re very smart (209 as a sophomore) and you will probably think that the class will be a waste of your time (SAT material is pretty basic stuff). Personally, I got a 207 on PSAT as a junior and then got 2270 on the SAT 2 months later (no prep in between). I then really decided to study CR and W, mostly by taking practice tests and getting used to the types of questions they ask. I opted NOT to take my school’s SAT prep class, because I honestly thought it would be a waste of time and thought my time would be better spent self-studying. After taking the March SAT, I feel that I improved a lot (predict my score will be 2350+). Basically, what I’m trying to say is that I don’t think you need to take that class or that you will really benefit from it much. If your parents force you to take it, then obviously you will need to, but try to reason it out with them. Tell them that you will study a lot on your own and that you feel that you will benefit the most from doing that. Good luck!</p>
<p>Study on your own. 8 hours a day sounds excessive to me.</p>
<p>Take practice tests and score a lot higher to prove to your parents that independent study is just as useful as an 8 hour a day course. You really shouldn’t be wasting your Summer on that class.</p>
Online courses are a great option if your parents have trust in your self-motivation. Ultimately it boils down to you doing the work.