Need knowledgable parental advice.

<p>"It DOES cost money to take the SAT, and if you do not have to, perhaps you should not."</p>

<p>I don't suggest taking the SAT I as a freshman or soph as those scores will remain on one's permanent record. I do recommend that Katie take the PSAT this fall. The only time that she can take it is in Oct. It will be important practice for the SAT I and for the junior year PSAT. High scores in the junior year PSAT could qualify her for merit scholarships.</p>

<p>If she's completing any AP courses next school year, it could be a good idea to take the SAT II in that subject at the end of the 2005-2006 school year. The top colleges usually require 2-3 SAT IIs (subject area tests). </p>

<p>The best time to take the SAT IIs is right after one completes that subject. There is no benefit to waiting until one is a senior if one would have completed the course years ago. The material will be forgotten by then.</p>

<p>One last thing, depending on her family income, she may qualify for fee waivers for ACT, SAT and for college applications. Her GC can help her with this. If she needs more help, contact the College Board (which is responsible for the SAT and the colleges she'll apply to.</p>

<p>I knew you'd chime in Northstar. Thank you all so much for taking such an interest in my situation. Your advice has helped me so much, and I can't believe the response I've gotten. As it stands know, I will speak to my counselor on August 10 about all the issues I've brought up here. I will report back then. I'm also trying to figure out how to self-study some APs.</p>

<p>The good news on self studying APs-- you do not have to report the grades if it does not work out well. There are numerous books that you can order on line-- AP prep books that cover the material to be tested.</p>

<p>Go for it. A hint, you will never know whether or not you may have a chance somewhere unless you try. So try! Your GPA is good for your school courseload. I think you've got the willpower. Don't let people around you tell you no. My GC wasn't used to sending kids outside of NC typically. He was not the most supportive person in the world (most at my school are within 200 mile radius as well.) So go for it, sweetie, I know you can do it if you really want it, and you try.</p>

<p>Katie,</p>

<p>Consider this. Something about you and your post struck a chord. Follow that data. Give whatever you most want a shot.</p>