Standardized Testing Dilemma

We signed up to take the SSAT, along with an online course a couple of months ago. Now schools have mostly become test optional. DS’s practice test scores have not been in the range of his target schools. He’s applying as a repeat 11th grade student. Do you think we should continue trying to increase his SSAT scores through the test prep course or possibly consider a different test altogether (SAT)? His current school wants all students to take the SAT for practice in the next few months. Does anyone have an idea if the SSAT prep will transfer over to the SAT? I’m hoping that he might do better with the SAT. Or should we just drop the testing altogether?

I’d suggest doing the SAT. Improvements made there can be used to secure a good SAT score for college applications. My kids like the SAT formal better than the SSAT format. If his SAT currently isn’t in the target range for the schools he is considering, than (1) apply without scores, and/or (2) consider schools with score ranges that match where he is scoring.