<p>My son is retaking this Saturday. He’s hardly looked at the practice tests since March. Sigh.</p>
<p>I stayed up for the ACT scores (DS is fast asleep.) Logged in at 12:01am… When I saw the composite score of 36… my heart skipped a beat. This is his first time and last time taking the test. I am so excited but can’t wake up DS or DH. I am just going to type instead…He will need to focus on the SAT now :).</p>
<p>Wow – 36! That’s excellent 4beardolls – worth staying up for!</p>
<p>I got S’s scores this morning – a good start for him – now we know where to focus before the June test.</p>
<p>Congrats to 4beardolls DS!! That is super! :)</p>
<p>Just wanted to thank akmom124 
for a post back in mid-April regarding a student who was kicked out of the ACT testing room bc of insulin pump beeping. Since then I have been in contact with ACT representatives questioning this and I was informed my S, who also is on a pump, can be tested in a separate room so as there is no disturbance to anyone else (also he can’t get thrown out!). In addition to extra time and a separate room, they will also allow food/drink to maintain his glucose levels. Without akmom’s post, I would not have thought about the pump alarming!! So…thank you…and let’s keep sharing info for we never know what info might be helpful to someone else!!</p>
<p>4beardolls - congrats on DS’s 36! But why take the SAT then, unless for NMF?</p>
<p>Way to go DS of 4beardolls! Sweet!</p>
<p>@student4ever, it’s so nice that your S was able to benefit from akmom124’s shared knowledge. This thread is such a wonderful place to be.</p>
<p>RE: DS taking SAT - yes, to satisfy NMF requirement is one of the reasons. The other reason is that DS will showcase a few SAT Subject test scores on his college application next year (he has taken 2 and will take 2 more in June.) I have heard that if you provide ACT score and SAT subject test scores but without providing the SAT score, colleges might think that you must have a low SAT score. The idea is that colleges think you would take SAT if you take SAT subject tests. So the lack of SAT score would make college admin suspicious. Does that make sense? This is what I have heard and certainly welcome any other opinions.</p>
<p>My understanding is that Subject Tests can improve your case because they corroborate your grades. With so many high schools with different grading systems (and runaway grade inflation), the Subject Tests find out whether you have a clear understanding of the material. I’ve heard that even if you submit the ACT, you can’t go wrong submitting strong Subject Test scores. Given that so many kids have high scores on the SAT or the ACT, it can differentiate you. I’m not a fan of more testing but I get it…especially for a kid who many not have AP or IB classes available at their school.</p>
<p>On the SAT, ACT w W, SAT2 tests
Our k1 took all of them…and submitted the ACT w W and SAT2s since the U accepted either SAT or ACT w W and required 3 subject tests.
Since some parts for the nation are bigger proponents of the ACT, I don’t think it is a issue.</p>
<p>About 28 days left of school in this area. I substitute teach from time to time–and the 6th graders were happy to say that!</p>
<p>@student4ever - so glad I was helpful to your DS! I just thought it was so unfair to DD’s friend. She actually has three close guy friends in her group who are all on insulin pumps but luckily only one of the twins was affected. I’ll have her let them know that they can get accommodations if they need them so it doesn’t happen again! I think it didn’t help that they weren’t at their own school also.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, DD’s ACT scores weren’t anything that made decisions for us! She scored exactly the same as she did on the SAT, and again her English was her highest (34) rather than the anticipated math! She did take this one without any studying and had worked as much as she could with a tutor for the SAT. So maybe that means that she should concentrate on the ACT this summer and take it again in September? I just don’t know! I guess some will depend upon the writing part when that comes out. She scored a 710 on the SAT with a 10 essay which is much higher than we expected so maybe that’s a better test for her. It’s the reading sections that are really bringing her down and I’m not sure how much she can improve. It may be that she needs to try to study for both tests this summer and see how she does in the fall. Ugh!</p>
<p>Congrats to 4BearDolls DS on the ACT and to momreads on DS’ track record!! </p>
<p>And welcome to all those who have joined us here recently!</p>
<p>Well, after 7weeks of tutoring with the place that “everyone” recommends, sometimes twice/week, DD’s ACT score went DOWN a point. 
I’m trying really hard not to think about the $$ we spent! We knew she was in a range where it may be hard to bump it up, but honestly, never considered that it would go down! Math was her high score this time, and did go up 2 points, and her Science went up 3…somehow her reading and English went way down though? I feel terrible for her because she is SO upset…fortunately, that is somewhat offset because she is still on a high after prom on Saturday. But, she can’t help but compare herself to her twin brother, who is one of those lucky few that just scores ridiculously high with no prep.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, he has SATII’s coming up this weekend. I hope this is a case where he miraculously does well without studying, because he hasn’t done any, and has zero time this week, with 25% of his AP Bio grade on the line between tomorrow and Friday! On top of that, he has a Physics test and an Honors Precalc test in the next two days, and has decided (rightfully) that his focus must be on immediate grades rather than Subject tests. As much as I’m not ready for Senior year, I am counting down the days until the end of Junior year - only 28 to go!!</p>
<p>Congratulations to 4BearDolls’ DS ACT score. That’s impressive.</p>
<p>My D is also taking 2 SAT II tests this Saturday (Lit and Chem). We figured that she can take these because she is currently on AP Lit and AP Chem. </p>
<p>She is taking 6 AP tests this year (AP Lit, AP Chem, AP Art History, APUSH, AP Calc AB). She calls May as Hell Month. Last week, they had their CST testing (CA state test), then subject tests this Saturday, then AP tests after that, then finals, then ACT in June.</p>
<p>Congrats, son of BearDolls! So nice to be done. Spygirl is just a hair shy of her goal so not sure if she’ll retake in June or not. It was the pre-algebra stuff that tripped her up. She hasn’t taken that since 7th grade and forgot so much of it.</p>
<p>Subject tests next Saturday. It never seems to end…</p>
<p>2018dad–six AP classes? When does she sleep? That’s a brutal schedule! </p>
<p>4beardolls-Nice going on the 36! You must be so proud!</p>
<p>agent99–now that Spykid has gotten through the test once, she’ll be less nervous next time. She knows what to expect. go2kid nailed the SAT math but for some reason, has not been able to have a comparable score on the ACT. So, we’re sticking with our SAT test results for now. She spent quite a bit of prep before the April ACT self-studying–it just wasn’t enough. Not sure what happened as she’s an excellent math student. She has the AP chem test in just a week then heads to Mock Trial Nationals. It’s been a challenging month–between practice, no end to homework and getting ready for testing. </p>
<p>I keep telling her, in seven weeks–junior year is over. And you’re not alone. All of these amazing kids are dumping water out of a leaky boat while balancing seven plates of china and a glass of merlot on top of their heads. It sucks. But it’s almost over. </p>
<p>Our goal has been to get all of the testing out of the way by June. If she has to go back and retake a subject test in the fall, it will be fine. But at least the burden of tests are out of the way. Our school has not been very proactive in suggesting kids take at least one ACT or SAT in the fall and I think that’s the real advantage. </p>
<p>Not that senior year is going to be any easier. Sigh.</p>
<p>2018dad–Wow, D barely has time to sleep with four AP classes. All her AP classes had their finals last week. Two SAT II tests this Saturday, four AP tests in the next two weeks and she is done. She has a big smiley face on the 5/18 date. Looking back, it was a good decision to take the SAT/ACT at the end of her sophomore year. It is brutal this year.</p>
<p>We are down to 14 schools. She loves all these schools, I am just going to let her apply to all.</p>
<p>DS has a relatively easy schedule with only 3 APs. </p>
<p>One of his good friends, however, is carrying a very heavy load of 6 APs and post-AP classes, plus one honors class. He is also a two sport varsity athlete, a member of the varsity math team (very very competitive at DS 's school), and has the same commute as my son. </p>
<p>Not sure when he sleeps. My DS is a slacker compared to many!</p>
<p>DS has 2 SAT Subject Matter tests Saturday (with Chorus concert Th. & Fri. nights) and then rolls into exam week, with APs to follow. Will be finished in 2 1/2 weeks. Glad he took SAT in January because May is just loaded. He starts his Summer program June 1, so that SAT date is not an option. Any helpful hints to help keep the kids’ spirits up during this hell month? (I keep telling my guy that sleep is important, so he has to factor that into his schedule.)</p>
<p>This week is “stress less, laugh more” week at DS’s school. In addition to making kids aware of how to seek help if they are feeling overwhelmed, there are more lighthearted attempts at keeping spirits up. Some teachers and counselors showed up in costume, including an angry bird. There are baked goods and other treats in the hallways. Stress balls were handed out. There are even yoga lessons! </p>
<p>When APs start in a couple of weeks, parent volunteers will be on hand to pass out water and healthy snacks between sessions. </p>
<p>I’m a bit envious of you who are winding down the school year. We have until mid-June.</p>
<p>Novamom - Respectfully, I know your son’s school (have several friends whose kids are alums). Even with ‘only’ three APs there’s nothing easy about it. Your son’s working his tukkis off! </p>
<p>Momreads - congrats to your son on the track record! It’s so great to see them excel both academically and outside the classroom at something the truly enjoy. I hope he can contine, even at the club level in college. </p>
<p>4beardolls - wow! Way to go on that 36!! Be very proud. Even though your DS only has to take SATs for NMF the pressure is certainly off. We’ve never experienced ‘one and done’ but I respect and appreciate the kids who earn it. :)</p>
<p>I agree with those that feel sending a strong subject test, and AP score, can help to bolster an application and grade in a tough class. S2 got his first B+ Jr yr in APChem but a 5 on the AP, and high 700’s on the subject test. Others got As (by cheating) and failed the AP (as in a 1). This did not go unnoticed when 100 students are applying to the top instate flagship that’s very competitive. It raises eyebrows (as relayed to me by his GC). Also a B+ in a notoriously difficult honors pre-calc. His Math2 was close to 800 (can’t remember the number but know it wasn’t perfect but close). It verifies the knowledge gained in multiple ways (grade, AP, SAT) and can often put you in context of your peers applying. </p>
<p>S3 has 4 APs this year, although math is fully weighted. Next year he wanted to take 6 and we (both parents and GC) were totally against it. We met for a mini intervention. After much debate and him calling various universities we came up with a compromise of 5AP. I’m still not happy but they honestly shouldn’t be as bad as this year. Only time will tell. </p>
<p>I’ll be joining to support circle for Saturdays SATs/subject tests. S3 is taking Bio and USHistory. He’s studied some but not nearly as much as he should have. I’m hoping just being in the class and the AP prep will help.</p>
<p>Collegefortwins, its hard when siblings compare how they did against each other. I know S1 got a 35 on the ACT, and S2 a 36. S3 just found out he got a 30. This is a pretty decent score, but I know he’s not happy with it because of his brothers’. Actually to be truthful, I was hoping for at least 2 points more. Where he had a hard time was english (a 24) so I hoping that if he takes a few practice English ACT section tests, that his score will go up in June. I just hope it doesn’t go down like your daughters, but I know it can do that too.</p>
<p>Your kids are all lucky to have their school offer alot of AP tests to choose from…my S3 school only will offer 3 his senior year which he will take. This year they only offered 2. My second son ended up taking 2 APs on his own so he was able to go to college with 7, but I don’t think S3 will do this. S2 was able to start his university as a sophomore so I do love those APs. Good luck to all your kids on their tests. S3 goes to school until mid-June so he still has 6 weeks of school to get through.</p>