Question: My daughter is entering her senior year of high school, and had 500 verbal, and 650 math SAT scores last May. Should she take the SAT again with the hope that she will better her score?
Answer: Your daughter is to be commended for her high achievement on the SATs. Scores in this range, combined with a strong academic program, and excellent grades, should afford your daughter a wide range of options to consider as she begins to develop her list of colleges.
I advise student to take the SAT at least twice. There is often a gain in the second set of scores, because the student has had the opportunity to experience the format and timing of the test. After the second testing session, there is not often a dramatic change unless the student is actively engaged in efforts to improve scores. Some examples of these types of efforts include activities such as test preparation programs, individual practice time with sample tests or workbooks, or computer-based training programs. Good luck to your daughter as she considers the many exciting options that she has open to her.
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Del Antaki has worked as a counselor at the junior high, middle, and high school levels for many years. Before becoming a school counselor, she taught mathematics and English.
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