<p>of ACT? </p>
<p>We are signing up DD (junior) for ACT. She hates writing and does not want to do that part of the ACT. Since it is "optional", do we have to have that? </p>
<p>BTW, she will take the next SAT I (3/10).</p>
<p>Many thanks in advance.</p>
<p>My son took ACT in Feb of junior year. He opted NOT to take it with writing and I didn't know it because he registered himself. Since he also took the SAT later in junior year and that had a writing section, it was ok. But many schools do require a writing score. It used to be a SAT II that many selective schools required but now don't because it is included in the SAT and/or ACT. So since she'll have a writing score with her SAT I, she doesn't NEED to take it with ACT. I can't remember if your daughter has already taken the SAT or if this is her first time. I'd be curious to hear from others whether the SAT and ACT writing tests are similar. I think ACT doesn't include the essay?</p>
<p>If you want to preserve the option of submitting ACT scores instead of SAT scores to the most selective colleges, I think she probably has to do the writing portion of the ACT. Otherwise, you are going to have to submit both sets of scores, or just the SAT, to most of the schools.</p>
<p>Thanks to both. </p>
<p>DD is taking the March 10th SAT I with writing so we will know her score on that by March 29th. Hopefully she will get above 2300 as this is the first time taking the new SAT and she refuses to do ANY preparation work. </p>
<p>If we are not satisfied with the score, we will sign her up for the June 9th ACT with writing.</p>
<p>My d just took the ACT with writing last fall. There was an essay. She actually liked the prompt so thought she'd kill it, but did ok.
The Sat had a prompt that she really could not get excited about and that probably didn't help. I wish they'd get some better topics for them to write about!</p>
<p>Many of the most selective colleges require 2 SAT II's in addition to writing, so the SAT I scores would be visible when the SAT II scores are sent. I'm betting your daughter will do great on all of the tests, laserbrother, even without prep.</p>
<p>Unless your daughter already has a firm list of colleges and can determine their preferences, I'd recommend keeping all options open at this point by taking the writing section if she's taking aready taking the ACT. </p>
<p>By the way, here's a good link for quickly checking test requirements of many schools -- click on the school name and it will give you a quick overview of the Subject Test requirements and whether the school prefers the ACT with writing: <a href="http://www.compassprep.com/admissions_req_subjects.aspx%5B/url%5D">http://www.compassprep.com/admissions_req_subjects.aspx</a></p>
<p>Hopefully she will get above 2300 as this is the first time taking the new SAT and she refuses to do ANY preparation work. </p>
<br>
<blockquote> </blockquote>
<br>
<p>Did she take the PSATs? What were her junior year PSAT scores like? That should give you an indication of the range her SAT scores are likely to be without any preparation, and whether hoping for a score of 2300+ is realistic or not.</p>
<p>Of course, there is also plenty of time for a re-take. Good luck to your daughter. :)</p>
<p>Thank you all. I got it. </p>
<p>Carolyn. My DD's PSAT is a dispointing 222 and she knew that. She is not a bad writter but just dislike the essay test format.</p>
<p>My dear laserbrother</p>
<p>222 would not be disappointing to most people. My son got about that and got 2340 on his first try at SAT I without studying. I do not consider this a disappointing score.</p>
<p>I agree completely with Bethievt. A 222 on the PSAT should not be considered a "disappointing" result in any way, shape, or form. It is, in fact, an outstanding score. If your daughter scores in that range on the SAT, or even a bit lower on the SAT, she will be in the running for every school in the country, even the MOST selective colleges, assuming, of course, other factors in her admissions profile are equally positive.</p>
<p>Do not worry about SAT prep- The PSAT is supposed to be preparation for the SAT (as well as being the NMSQT- remembered that acronym from eons ago), all she needs to have done is to have looked at the booklet that comes with SAT information (or go online) to understand in advance how they present questions and expect answers. The best students seem to get the top scores based on their native ability and background knowledge acquired through doing their schoolwork.</p>
<p>Addenda- as a parent do not obssess about your child's test scores or grades, she will do the best she is able to and should never be held to a perfect score standard. A perfect 2400 score will not guarantee admission to any college, my son is a case in point. Trust your child and don't add to her stress with your harsh or otherwise negative input, there will be enough stress in doing college applications during the next 12 or so months. Try to remember that it is her life, you have raised her well so far and need to start letting her manage it, giving advice, not controlling events.</p>
<p>laserbrother, you are back again, saying things that concern me. Repeat -- a 222 is an EXCELLENT PSAT score. Under no circumstances is it disappointing. What happens if your daughter scores 2290 on the SAT -- are you going to tell her that she failed? I really, really hope not. The messages that you are conveying to your daughter, and the pressure you are putting on her to be perfect, are troublesome.</p>
<p>I'm sure laserbrother really loves his daughter and is proud of her. I can tell from many of his other posts. There is just too much focus on test scores, something that is common on CC. I'm glad my son scored well, because it may widen his options, but I would never have suggested he repeat, to try for a "perfect score". He's done a good job with school work throughout HS and enjoyed his ECs. He wrote good essays and put some effort into showing his colleges who he is. Anyone who doesn't feel he's good enough, he can do without--their loss.</p>
<p>One more vote for the 222 being an EXCELLENT PSAT score. It should be high enough for NMSF in almost every state. Ironically, sly_vt, the 2 scores you give as an example are exactly what my s got, and I was thrilled!He may retake the SAT, may not... still debating it.</p>
<p>By the way bethievt, congrats on that GREAT SAT score!</p>
<p>Numbers just get one into the competitive pool. 222 gets OP's D into the ballgame at every college in the country. The question is: at which ballpark does <em>she</em> want to play? </p>
<p>DS1 takes the SAT for the first time next weekend. Assuming he's within range of his PSAT, he will probably be "one and done." After that, it's back to the part of his life that doesn't involve test scores and DOES involve what he loves.</p>
<p>I agree with what's been said about focusing too much on improving a score that is so close to the ceiling. If the OP's D got a 222, she missed about 8 questions total on the three sections of the test. Planning on a score above 2300 in a test taker who a)hates writing and b) won't prepare is setting yourself up for failure. On the other hand getting a lower than expected score on the writing section of the SAT may motivate her to prepare for ACT.</p>
<p>Come on, L & G. What part of "I got it, thank you very much" you don't get.</p>
<p>I came to ask a simple question and by the first two answers, I got what I need to know to plan. </p>
<p>Look, it is my DD so why can't I feel "dispointing" about 222 PSAT. Did I ever say you should feel one way or the other? To be honoest, if my DD got a 2300 on her SAT I, I will not be happy. I will probably accept it but definitely not happy. Because I know what she is capable of and it is the culture we are in to make her not wanting to study.</p>
<p>The other day, we were trying to sign up a graduate student to do some basic research in advanced polymers. The professor has to apolozie for the lack of US born graduate students. I guess we know why and how more than 50% of graduate students in Engineering are foregein born.</p>
<p>Standard test scores, just like GPA, EC or whatever, are part of who she is. What is the problem for me to push her to be the best she could be? </p>
<p>PS, DD is at science olympia today. Other than test scores, she has many many other things going for her. I support them all, including the best standard test scores.</p>
<p>Laserbrother,
I understand your wanting your daughter to do her best. Every parent hopes for that in our children. And, it is good that you understand that test scores alone are not the ticket to admissions. But, please, for your daughter's sake, be happy with the wonderful young woman she is, even if she is not able to reach perfection. </p>
<p>I will share a story with you. My daughter had a very dear friend who had parents with very high expectations. She did her best, but her best was never "good enough" in the eyes of her parents. By the way, like you her parents were new to this country, and felt that the culture here was "preventing" their daughter from reaching her true potential. Her mother told me several times exactly what you are saying, "We want her to be the best she can but she is distracted here in America!"</p>
<p>My daughter's friend is no longer with us. </p>
<p>She committed suicide at age 15. </p>
<p>I remember having a conversation with my daughter's friend just before she died where, through tears, she told me how she afraid she was of letting her parents down because she did not get all A's on her report card. </p>
<p>I am sure her parents would give anything to have their "less than perfect" daughter who did not "live up to expectations" with them today. </p>
<p>Now, obviously your daughter probably is much stronger than this girl so I am not implying that this is in any way her fate. But even STRONG and talented girls can feel relentless pressure, especially when the subtle message given by their parents is always "Good, but not good enough." </p>
<p>There is no one in the entire world who is "perfect". I often wonder how we, as parents, would feel if someone - say our spouses - constantly put they type of pressure on us that we sometimes put on our children to be "perfect" and "Try harder." Would we really stay married to someone who kept implying that our achievements, no matter how wonderful, were never "good enough?"</p>
<p>Love your wonderful daughter for WHO she is, not what she DOES. Please try to remember this. Yes, expect your daughter to try hard, and do her best, but do not consider her a disappointment if her best doesn't live up to YOUR expectations. I had to learn this lesson the hard way--after my friend's daughter died, I realized that I, too, sometimes had unreasonable expectations for my children, and very often gave the message that their efforts were not "good enough". I hope you will learn the lesson sooner, and in a less painful way. You time with your daughter right now is precious - soon she will no longer be in your home. Make every moment with her a positive one, not one consumed by fear and disappointment. Your daughter sounds like she is a wonderful young woman -- focus on her many talents, not any perceived faults. And, tell her how proud you are. Every single day.</p>