<p>It worries me every time some student on the board claims his scores are XXXX because that’s what they got on practice tests. Those are not real. Even if there is a strong correlation and you are practicing under “test conditions” there is no way to be SURE about a score until you take it. If you are counting on merit aid as a substantial part of your plan (not to mention you need high scores for Ivies), then waiting until March to find out what your options will be sounds late to me. I would try and take it in Jan and then you have time to retake and improve and you can then come up with a list of schools to consider. </p>
<p>No point in fighting with parents over schools that may all be reaches.</p>