Sat 2360 for 9th grader, now what ?

Parent Cafe
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<p>My son signed up on May or June for June's new SAT test, thinking just to find out where he is before entering high school, but then due to the schedule conflicting with ARML contest on June, he has to postpone his test to Oct, and surprisely, he got 800/800/760........without andy special preparation, not even a practice test since he is really too busy with his new high school stuff.....(I know I am bragging....too happy to be constrained...forgive me please)....</p>

<p>But now, what we can do about it? Is there anything we should/can do to take advantage of this good grade......any oppotunity that we should try to grab like scholarship etc.......S is my first child, so college stuff is still foreigh to me, I would appreciate it very much if any one can give some advices.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance</p>

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<p>Is his name Doogie, by any chance? ;)</p>

<p>There are programs for gifted high schoolers (Duke has one which covers the southeast and I think there are other top schools which cover other regions). Your job is going to see if you can keep him enriched and motivated. Mensa local chapters usually have programs for gifted children also.</p>

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<p>My first thought is that the score is great and congratulations are certainly in order. BUT college admissions at all levels involve so much more than that. Make sure your son has a real high school life and doesn't get caught up in the idea that his identity needs no further definition because is an almost perfect SAT I scorer. Good grades, challenging courses, commitment to some ECs that are meaningful for him...all are part of the preparation adn the package. I am sure others who are more knowledgeable about timing and scholarships will have good adn mroe specific advice. I assume that although he is only a freshman he will not have to retake the SAT I, since he is technicallya high school student (would not I think have been able to use the scores if he had taken as an eighth-grader). The NMS qualifying test is the PSAT taken during students' junior year, and one would hope that having done so well on the SAT that he will do similarly well on the PSAT and qualify as a semifinalist/finalist. (Also be alert for the possible need to take SAT IIs in two or three subjects for various colleges.)</p>

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<p>First, make an appointment with his high school counselor. Also, talk to the head of the science and/or math department. Find out what the school offers for highly gifted students. What advanced courses will he be able to take? He may be allowed to start taking AP classes as a sophomore. Find out what other students like him have done - were they able to do independent study or correspondence courses? Was the school flexible about allowing juniors and seniors to take classes at the local college? Would your son be able to graduate in 3 or 3.5 years if he wanted to? </p>

<p>It will take time to sort out your options, and your plan should be flexible, not rigid. Your son may want to study something in depth, like music or chess, which takes time away from school. He may be enthusiastic about some subjects but have no interest in others. He may fall in love and be not so devoted to schoolwork.......</p>

<p>You should look into summer programs for gifted students. He would be eligible for the very best. There is a long thread on this site where parents discuss their childrens' experiences in summer programs and give recommendations. To start, look at
<a href="http://www.ams.org/employment/mathcamps.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.ams.org/employment/mathcamps.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Mathcamp, Promys and Ross take kids at 13 years or so. Others, like Sumac, want older students. For a broader range of classes, look at CTY at Johns Hopkins University and CTD at Northwestern University. </p>

<p>For scholarships, he will want to take the PSAT next year, as a sophomore, in case he finishes high school in 3 years. There are colleges that give scholarships to high SAT scores, but you have a little time before you need to think about that.</p>

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<p>amother:</p>

<p>Congrats to your S!</p>

<p>Must run, but will post some more thoughts later. The important thing at this point, is not so much the SAT score but finding out what your S already knows vs. the curriculum for different subjects at different grade levels. If he already knows algebra, it makes little sense to take algebra II, for example. So this is something to discuss with teachers and see if the school is willing to provide acceleration. A way to check might be to take a look at the SAT-II review books and see what topics are covered.</p>

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<p><a href="Also%20be%20alert%20for%20the%20possible%20need%20to%20take%20SAT%20IIs%20in%20two%20or%20three%20subjects%20for%20various%20colleges.">quote=mattmom</a>

[/quote]
This where I was going. Plan this out as to when and what tests he should take. Don't let it slip up on you in senior year (as some of us did).</p>

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<p>amother-</p>

<p>Is your son currently participating in any of the special programs for high achievers? (thinking of Center for Talented Youth (CTY) - via John's Hopkins or Duke). I'm guessing he is based on the fact that he thought to take the SAT before 9th grade. I agree with others that you should explore ways to keep him stimulated (Marite will have ideas when she returns - and others have already made great suggestions). </p>

<p>I don't know that you can capitalize on any scholarships based on this test. The PSAT is the test that results in scholarship money and other recognition for high scorers. </p>

<p>As mattmom pointed out, SATs are only one piece of the puzzle. If you look over the Admission results threads on the various college sections of this website, you'll see 800/800 kids getting rejected form their top choice schools. A deeper dive usually reveals a lack of extracurricular activity (EC). You're far enough ahead of the game to encourage your son to explore non-academic interests in depth (if he isn't already). </p>

<p>What kind of high school is he attending? (public, private, rigorous, ??) </p>

<p>You can search this forum for the threads on "gifted" children and see what others have recommended in the past. </p>

<p>Congrats to your son!</p>

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<p>Amother, now I remember you from your posts last year. Your son was given busywork to do in the library when he needed the time to do his math homework. He is an amazing student! What kind of high school is he attending? </p>

<p>If you are unhappy with the path the school offers, I suggest you look seriously at sending him to a boarding school in a year or two. Phillips Exeter in New Hampshire is one that is truly interested in math prodigies. Your son will be familiar with some of the students' names - Tiankai Liu and Sherry Gong are two that come to mind. It couldn't hurt to send them a letter about your son, and find out if there is a scholarship opportunity for him. This is one of the best private schools in the country.</p>

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<p>Mine was in the same position (though a couple of grades earlier). I think the most important thing to remember is that he is exactly the same kid he was before he took the test.</p>

<p>The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has a bunch of programs for high-scoring gifted kids. We never actually took part in the programs, but they gave us a bunch of money to do things we couldn't have afforded to do otherwise. You might want to check them out online.</p>

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<p>I think the Jack</a> Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program has a younger cut-off age (applications are accepted for students who will be eighth graders in the next school year.) But the Davidson</a> Young Scholars program ought to fit such a young person very well. Anyone who is going to ARML and scoring high on the SAT at that age is unusual and ought to be nurtured.</p>

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<p>I've been thinking about this kind of thing a lot lately, what with the gifted kid thread etc. I have a son who at an early age was exactly this type of kid - albeit we did not have him take the SATs. </p>

<p>It's not the test scores. It's what kind of kid do you have in the raw material and what growth path will make him happiest as time goes on.</p>

<p>High SAT scores and high IQ are only one part of what makes a human being. It tends to be the part that as children gets us prizes, prizes and recognition for kids and parents. But as adults, other skills and desires can become as important and more in helping us to a happy and contributory life.</p>

<p>Is your son the type for whom his love of the cerebral will carry him through life, much else being secondary. The type who will look up from a math book to notice the girl opposite and think, "Ah, I love her", or the type who will carry the math book around looking for the girl he has a crush on and then open it up only when he can't find her.</p>

<p>Does he care about social norms? Does he like to be cool? Does he like to play sports? Who is he?</p>

<p>These are questions to ask BEFORE you think about academic enrichment vs. leaving him to follow his own teenage path. Because once you go the route of enrichment that is one choice. Once you go the route of regular, that is another choice. These things have impact beyond the mind.</p>

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<p>thanks to you all for your suggestion and advice.</p>

<p>Mattmom and curmudgeon:</p>

<p>I will look into the SATII test, and see if there are any subjects he can take early.</p>

<p>Momsdream: </p>

<p>Right now, S only has Piano as EC, he is relatively good on piano too, last year he won first place for his age division at state level, but as his piano teacher warn him as level goes up, there will be more kids who makes up their mind to be music major, they practice hours each day, so it's going to be harder and harder to win in the future........so I am not sure if this EC will bring him any recognizable award anymore.......other then that, he is in Math, Phsics and Computer team at school, and he is working on his math, hope to make it to certain level, last year his AMC10 score is 136, he is aiming at make it to USAMO someday....I am not sure those activities count as EC or still academic?</p>

<p>He knows sports is his weak point, so he is running couple times a week, hope to make it to Crosscounty team next year.....it's good for his health and endurance, so I am very happy that he finally is willing to do some sports.</p>

<p>Midwestner:</p>

<p>Yes, that's me. Thanks for advice on that issue too.</p>

<p>S goes to one of the best HS in this area, and the school offers a very rigid curriculum and is very flexible as to what level class you can take as long as you apply and past the test......he is already in highest level of classes for his grade(Function/trig for math, and physics in one semister next semister will be chemistry ), and he doesn't like the idea of going to the classes of higher grader, saying that makes him less oppotunity to make friends....having friends is one of big thing for him.</p>

<p>He went to mathpath this past summer, and thinking going to mathcamp or rose next summer if he can make it.........</p>

<p>about Exeter, I will take a look into it too, hope they have merit-based scholarship, our family is in a situation where financial aid will not consider us yet not that rich that we can effort him a private school on ourself......</p>

<p>I am not a pro-active mom before, so I missed a lot of oppotunity to give S some good guidence or adivce, like this SAT thing, I could advice him just review a little or practice some to make it better on writing (grammer part is where he lost 5 points ).....sign.....that's why I am here to ask this question, I am afraid I will miss something again.....</p>

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<p>
[Quote]
I could advice him just review a little or practice some to make it better on writing

[/Quote]
</p>

<p>Sounds like he's doing fine on his own...</p>

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<p>There may also be a program at a local university for kids like him. In our area, the University of Washington has an excellent program. Kids who have completed 10th grade can enroll at the UW in the Young Scholars program which puts them into the Honors program with lots of staff support, a group of similarly high-achieving peers, very small size classes for core, but the opportunity to explore their passions at a major research institution.</p>

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<p>Tokenadult:</p>

<p>We got some informations on those two program ou mentioned when S was in 7th after JHU talent search, but those two program are more for financially-needed family, which makes our family not qualify anymore.....</p>

<p>Alumother:</p>

<p>Good point, can you talk more on this? I am also be bothered by this concern often,'should I push him more or just leave him a normal life?'..... that's maybe one of the reasons I didn't look around much to puch him further before.......now things are different, going to a top University is definitely his desire, I am hoping I have done all the things I can/should so I won't be regret for slip something.</p>

<p>S is born a little 'nerdy' (for lack of better word)...so I have been pay more attention to get him into sports or none-academic activities for last couple years....it didn't work....I want him to be more well-rounded, and social more so he can at least have a good enough EQ.......but now I feel he seems doomed to be more academic-oriented......and he enjoys being on the top....he complains that tests in HS are all too easy that there are always couple kids get 100, I know his underline meaning is easy test can't make him standing out........I told him make sure you really learned the stuff is more important then fame.....</p>

<p>S obviously admires 'cool' people, but he also said that he is proud of himself too for being nerdy (since he can't be cool anyway...), he has intens interests in many things, but once his friends call, he mostly will drop his stuff to hang out (or chat )with them, as I said earlier, friends is a big deal for him.......he is also a little snoby? too, he seems enjoy be around smart people more then cool people......</p>

<p>I can tell he is in a stage that could go either way.......and too much enrichment will draw him away from his regular social life....however if he didn't go to his dream university, he will be more unhappy and regret......it's a tough thing for me too...</p>

<p>as far as 'girl'.....it's not in his agenda yet, he said once that dealing with girl is very stressful.....:-)....</p>

<p>sorry for not be very orgnized in my post......</p>

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<p>Hi, Marite:</p>

<p>How are you? Hope you still remember me? so happy to see/talk to you again.</p>

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<p>curcudgeon: How can I quote other's saying like you did? thanks</p>

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<p>Amother. It sounds very likely that going to his dream university will happen for him. Who knows if it will be Harvard per se but IMHO if he stays this course one of the top schools will come through. </p>

<p>Now please excuse me for being blunt, but I gather that English is not your first language? If not, and if you are Asian, the only risk I see other than the luck of the draw that we can't control in highly selective admissions, is having him be "typed" into a stereotype. But that stereotype usually involves the pushy parents in the back, along with math/science, piano, and non-team sports i.e. tennis, golf, etc. I am sorry for my country that these stereotypes exist but they do. If I am wrong about your native language, ooops. Big apology.</p>

<p>So you are in the best possible situation. Don't be pushy. Let him go his own route. Sounds like his desire for enrichment is genuine. If he likes smart people better than cool people (unfortunately in most high schools there's generally a smallish overlap of those two sets) then send him to CTY, or EPGY, or one of those programs. That way he will pursue his "nerdy" pursuits in the company of friends, best of both worlds. BTW, tell him I say the nerds shall inherit the earth. If that is his heart good for him and he should follow it.</p>

<p>I would say the question is, as someone pointed out above, since he is so far ahead, what specialty does he want to follow. What unique facet of academics really tunes his engine? Or is it chess or music or philosophy? Or research? What makes him hum happily under his breath as he does it? </p>

<p>Marite can be an excellent resource to you if his true passion is math. Because the final piece is, as others have pointed out, making sure he doesn't get bored and superior-feeling in school, causing him to lose motivation and start playing videogames all day:). If it's not math, enrichment in school can be tough and you may have to go the independent study route. Luckily, there are lots and lots of verbal avenues for the gifted. I recommend the New Yorker and the Economist for starters...</p>

<p>Just enjoy. Enjoy what he brings to you and what his perceptions are on the world.</p>

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<p>amother:</p>

<p>I remember your S's travails in his middle school, too. I'm glad he survived the bad experience!</p>

<p>What you can do to nurture your S's interests and capabilities depends on many factors, including his own preferences. Talk to your S about what kind of friends he wants. Do they have to be the same age? What makes him want to cultivate the friendship of some kids: their non academic interests, personalities, or something else? Depending on his answers, he might be better off accelerating through the curriculum as my S did. My S took APs beginning in 8th grade and made friends in his classes as well as through his ECs. It did not bother him that he was younger than the majority of his friends, at least for the first couple of years. As he continued, the age difference largely disappeared. Also, both the Science Team and Math teams attracted students from all grade levels.</p>

<p>Besides your son's own preferences, it depends on whether the school is flexible enough to allow a student to advance through the curriculum and take AP courses earlier than others. We found that it was of immense importance to S to be academically challenged (and it seems it continues to be: the only course he has complained about is one in which he knew some of the materials already). So it is equally important that teachers be willing to provide extra challenges to highly capable kids. My S never felt he was being penalized for being bright; on the contrary, he was far more invested in these extra challenges than what he considered busywork.</p>

<p>For kids like that, it's hard to wait until summer to get the challenge they crave. That is why it's important for your S to have access to enrichment throughout the school year, whether through the school or outside it. So the first step is to talk with teacher and the GC and enlist their help in providing an appropriate level of challenge to your S.</p>

<p>It matters whether you have access to enrichment programs throughout the academic year, not just the summer. These enrichment programs may be math and science competitions or some other programs. Another consideration is whether your son can access distance learning programs and receive credit for such courses and it depends on whether there is a local college where he could take college-level courses if he runs out of APs to take. If these are not available, he would be far better off at an excellent prep school such as Exeter. I believe Chinaman's son(s) went there on full scholarships. One of them is currently attending either Yale or Princeton (I forget which), also on full scholarship.</p>

<p>I would not worry about ECs. My S had no sports, no arts. All his ECs, such as they were, were academic, whether they were school-based or not. At least your S is a talented piano player and is willing to do sports. Had my S had had more time, it is likely he would have picked up another academic EC!</p>

<p>I hope this helps as you consider how best to help your S achieve his potential.</p>

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<p>Chinaman's son is at Princeton. And here's how you quote:</p>

<p>{quote}blah blah blah{/unquote}</p>

<p>Except use [] where I used {}.</p>

<p>Make sense? The blah blah blah is of course the quote:).</p>