<p>Sorry to start a new thread, but this one might address an issue that someone else is also facing. Just got back third set of SAT scores and stuck in the high 1800s. He spent a few sessions with a tutor and did some practice on his own for the most recent test and is signed up for the November test. I know the Dec test is an option as well, but there s a major school activity that weekend. Of course the SAT will take priority.</p>
<p>He usually does well on standardized tests with a 29 on ACT and 221 on PSAT. Any tips on breaking through the hurdle in the next few weeks to get up in the 2000+ range. He really wants to attend one of the schools with NMF packages.</p>
<p>Thank you</p>
<p>He needs to take an intensive SAT prep class that is offered by Kaplan or similar…or get a tutor that specializes in SAT prep. </p>
<p>My sister spent about $1500 on such a specialize SAT tutor and her son’s score went up by 280 points.</p>
<p>BTW…he needs to apply to Bama NOW so he’ll be admitted before Dec 1st. That way, if he doesn’t make NMF, he’ll still get the full tuition scholarship that is given to NMSF.</p>
<p>*NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALIST OR NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SEMIFINALIST 2013-2014</p>
<p>As a National Merit or Achievement Semifinalist, once you are admitted to UA with a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, we will offer you a Presidential Scholarship, which pays the value of tuition for 4 years or 8 semesters. You must be admitted by December 1 of your senior year in high school to receive this award.*</p>
<p>What is the breakdown of his SAT? </p>
<p>Is he not finishing sections?</p>
<p>Is he a slow reader? If so, then you have to determine whether he is “silently pronouncing” words as he reads. This slows down reading. Instead of silently pronouncing each word in his head, he needs to have his eyes glide over each word, absorbing the words, but not “pronouncing” each one as he goes along. My younger son corrected this by just running his finger swiftly under sentences forcing his eyes to “move along” and not “pronounce”.</p>
<p>Is he leaving answers blank? He needs to narrow down and GUESS. Kids are afraid to guess because of the so-called guessing penalty, but if he can narrow down to 2 answers and guess, the penalty really doesn’t exist in the long run.</p>
<p>This weekend, if he hasn’t yet started a SAT class/tutor, sit down with him while he takes an untimed section of each type. You can have the answer key in hand with explanations of why each answer is right. You’ll see what his problems are. Is he taking too long? is he not completing the questions?</p>
<p>Then also have him take some timed sections.</p>
<p>Since he’s motivated to get the needed score, you’ll have less issues getting him to do these things.</p>
<p>610 610 670 this time around. Haven’t seen actual scores since we wanted to leave him alone last night. He usually nails the writing element but since that gets marginalized. I appreciate your advice and we will move ahead. He will go see the school specialist and we are lookiing at some tutors. He had several sessions with one prior to the last test, but it was mainly fill-ins when another client cancelled.<br>
From your experience is it better to take the “paper practice tests” or an on-line test. His school has a contract with an on-line provider so he can practice and take tests for free.</p>