<p>My SAT score is not so high, yet I am deciding whether to take college courses or self-study for the SAT this summer. If I were to take courses, I would be at the college from 8-12 in the morning and have an online class, would I still be able to study for the SAT? On another note, I value sleep and exercise this summer as a must-- is it still possible then?</p>
<p>By the way, I hope to improve around ~600 points, call me crazy.</p>
<p>What college courses might you take?</p>
<p>@jkjeremy I’m taking interpersonal communication, public speaking, and intro to business (as you can see I’m highly interested in business haha)</p>
<p>I would say no. Three college courses plus SAT study with exercise and sleep is too much. If anything, try one college course (Intro to Biz or public speaking) plus the SAT/exercise/sleep. </p>
<p>thank you for your input! @dyiu13</p>
<p>What is the purpose of the college course? If your SAT scores need to increase by 600 points, I am not sure that one or more college courses will be of any value in your application process. </p>
<p>I would suggest a job working with people this summer instead of courses about the same. And, many hours of dedicated SAT prep.</p>
<p>@CT1417 Not 16 yet so I cannot work. I might just do the dedicated SAT prep.</p>
<p>I agree about reducing the number of college courses and focusing on the SAT. A higher SAT score will do you a LOT more good than any of those specific courses are likely to in college admissions. But why don’t you take ONE course and do SAT prep, too? You can’t do SAT prep 8 hours/day anyway.</p>
<p>Would you be able to lifeguard? My son worked as a guard the summer before turning 16. Volunteer, babysit, something….but business courses seem like a bit of a waste unless taking them during the summer allows you to enroll in a more advance course during Jr year.</p>
<p>Not that of a great swimmer, so I don’t think I can lifeguard. I could look for an internship, but in my area it is extremely limited. Any other suggestions? I will also be studying for two competitive events for FBLA. I want to take one of the courses, but at the same time I am doubting if it will add “rigor” to my curriculum as a counselor suggested.</p>
<p>Also, consider an alternative to a college course, like joining Toastmasters (if a local group would take a kid). However, one college course might be very stimulating and give you a sense of how to manage college when it comes. </p>
<p>The only thing about things like that is that my parents are horrendous at driving to places. Either they get very annoyed or feel the need to get frustrated and blame the activity for their “burden”. Anyways, what can I do at home to essentially improve my academic profile?</p>
<p>I’m probably not going to do the college courses anymore, seeing that the SAT has a much greater importance.</p>
<p>@allude</p>
<p>“I’m taking interpersonal communication, public speaking, and intro to business (as you can see I’m highly interested in business haha)”</p>
<p>Had you told me that you were taking, say, English composition and/or rhetoric along with a strong math class, I’d say don’t bother “studying” for the SAT.</p>
<p>Even the classes you’re proposing to take offer the chance to improve your critical thinking skill. That’s a big part of the SAT.</p>
<p>As it stands, something’s gotta give. Besides, at age fifteen I don’t think you need to be killing yourself over the SAT just yet (unless for some reason you’re running out of time to take it). </p>
<ol>
<li> exercise</li>
<li> sleep</li>
<li> college classes</li>
<li> a couple decent movies</li>
<li> time with family or friends</li>
<li> time AWAY from family or friends</li>
<li> SAT prep</li>
</ol>
<p>However, you haven’t told us where you stand with regard to the SAT; you haven’t told us about your college goals. What kind of SAT score do you need?</p>
<p>My answer could be totally different depending on those factors.</p>
<p>Well, Toastmasters is usually just once a month (year-long), FWIW. </p>
<p>You might want to start a new post to brainstorm ideas for home-based summer enrichment. Include lots of detail so folks can tailor their suggestions just for you. </p>
<p>YES. Toastmasters is GREAT, although I recall it being once a week.</p>