PSAT Dilemma!

[bisous]

I signed up a few months back for the PSAT for DS1. He's a junior so this is the PSAT that "counts". They are still offering it, in person! He has accommodations that allow him to take it in his own room (I think?) because he's allowed to stop time and treat his blood sugar if he has a low (type 1 diabetes). He didn't have to use his accommodation last time but I mention this only because it seems like it would be a somewhat safer situation than what is otherwise offered. I actually can't believe they're still doing the test in person! Apparently the college board is not offering a remote version this year. It is this in person test or nothing.

We can still get a refund. And I'm strongly considering. The numbers are CRAZY around me. On top of that, DS1 recently confided that he's super anxious about school in general. I realized that he was nervous about COVID and also had discovered that not being around people (generally) since March has made him more nervous to be out and about in general. What I did not realize is that he's also petrified of gun violence which I honestly did not realize at all. Basically, he's a raging ball of anxiety right now and, though tests are not generally a big trigger for him, I don't see how it could help? (He's recently started treatment for anxiety, both medication and counseling).

I'm inclined to cancel and pull out. Would you keep going?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

[HannaAddict]

I’d consider his practice scores. If he’s not seriously in national merit range, I would pass. There is a still a way to take the SAT this spring and qualify for national merit consideration too. At least being in his own proctored room would be fairly safe. But not sure if it is worth it when you are in the epicenter for insanely high Covid levels and he has an underlying condition. I’d skip it based on the status in Southern California.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[KpbS]

I’d consider his practice scores. If he’s not seriously in national merit range, I would pass. There is a still a way to take the SAT this spring and qualify for national merit consideration too. At least being in his own proctored room would be fairly safe. But not sure if it is worth it when you are in the epicenter for insanely high Covid levels and he has an underlying condition. I’d skip it based on the status in Southern California.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes to this. I would explain it to him though so he is fully informed. So many schools are going test optional now also.

[JBaxter]

Things are different in different areas of the country. Its no question they are all in person here. I'll have to ask when DS3 is taking his He took the SAT a few months ago ( in person) but wants to retake for a better score. I think he mentioned taking the ACT sometime this spring also

[gatorsmom]

I’d consider his practice scores. If he’s not seriously in national merit range, I would pass. There is a still a way to take the SAT this spring and qualify for national merit consideration too. At least being in his own proctored room would be fairly safe. But not sure if it is worth it when you are in the epicenter for insanely high Covid levels and he has an underlying condition. I’d skip it based on the status in Southern California.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree with this too. I’ve been stunned by how many of the colleges we are considering are not factoring in ACT and SAT scores. And I went through a lot of trouble to get accommodations Friday Ds’s dyslexia and dysgraphia. If I were you, I’d skip the PSAT.

[JustMe]

Agree with canceling/skipping it for all of the reasons others stated, unless your ds feels strongly that he wants to take it; even then it would be a discussion in my house as it is a risk to both the test-taker and the family.

[ett]

I agree with PP's that if he's not in contention for National Merit, I'd skip it. That's the only real purpose for taking the PSAT. It's also a practice for the SAT but I think many schools will stay test optional going forward.

DS1 has accommodations and took the SAT back in beginning of October. He had his own room with a proctor. The kids without accommodations took them in the gym or cafeteria. Our numbers were still lowish back then so I was okay with him taking it. I didn't know he was going to get his own room; but I did figure he would be in a smaller group because of the accommodations.

[essnce629]

I'd leave it up to him. It's EXTREMELY difficult to qualify for National Merit in CA. I think you have to score in the top 0.5% or possibly even less. Your kids aren't part black, Hispanic, or indigenous correct? I only ask because DS1 didn't qualify for National Merit, but did qualify for both the African American Recognition Program and the Hispanic Recognition Program, which I had never even heard of until he was notified by CollegeBoard. Many schools offer additional scholarships for this recognition (although only 1 school that DS1 applied to).

DS1 took the ACT, in person, back in October. We drove to Las Vegas to do so as we're chasing merit aid and his test scores are better than his GPA. Masks were required by all and they were all spaced 6 feet apart with about 10 kids per classroom.

[bisous]

I don't know if he'll qualify for National Merit. My sister was a finalist and got a scholarship while I was a quarter finalist (which did nothing for me scholarship wise) but DS is a great test taker. However, his state of mind right now is not great. He's kind of a mess. I don't think he'll do very well this time. And we have no diversity. The college he wants to attend weights standardized testing very highly. But he can take the tests again next year I hope!

I will see what he thinks. I don't think he'll mind not taking the test!

[cheme]

I’d skip the psat, but would try to take act/sat when numbers get better - hopefully this summer. I know there is an alternative national merit qualification using sat scores (instead of psat). I’m not sure exactly how it works, but I know it exists, so it would be something to look into.