Having written the step-by-step parent and student guide on the high school to college process for all of Florida high school students, I have always helped other people navigate the college system for their students. I find often that I become the bridge between student, parent, and the colleges they wish to go- giving clear, expert information along the way.
But now with my kids growing up fast, I am starting to look at my own children’s future college plans and creating their own academic plan early (a huge step many parents leave out of the college process!). And the first thing I am doing is sign up my 7th grader to take the SAT. I know that many parents and educators might be outraged at this idea… comments will be like… “Let your kid be a kid”… “When I was that age I had no clue what I wanted to be”… “They are not ready at that age to take such a test”… “What about their self-esteem if they do poorly?”.
But hear me out. There are several reasons you too should consider early and frequent testing of your child.
As someone who deals daily with high achieving students wanting to meet their academic goals through college coursework, I know that certain programs require college eligibility requirements, such as dual enrollment and special advanced summer programs (Duke Tip, Center for Talented Youth, MIdwest Academic Talent Search and Center for Bright Kids) . Having my child take either the ACT or SAT will provide her with opportunities in a proactive format, rather than what most parents do, which is either miss the opportunities because their child has not tested or rush to get it done. So if and when we need it… we will be ready.
By taking the test as a 7th grader, and every year thereafter, she is becoming more familiar with the testing format, such as self-pacing and content knowledge. In a state with several high stake’s tests, practicing beforehand makes the actual day of testing easier to manage and less stressful. So many parents do not even think about college testing until students are in 11th or even 12th grade, putting undue pressure on the student because they are simply not prepared. If a student must remediate in areas or choose other coursework to learn the content, as an upperclassman they have no time to make those changes. Starting the process earlier normalizes the testing event and reduces anxiety that may surround testing day.
*Note- if you test in the eighth grade or below, your test scores are removed from your file at the end of the academic year you tested- they are not reported to colleges. See more information from CollegeBoard here.
Taking the SAT test also leads to developing her academic plan that is right for her, not just what the school offers. Having her college test scores helps me, as a parent, navigate what should be her specific academic plan, not what fits into her schedule. If she either needs to progress or receive more help in certain areas, the ACT or SAT will help point to those areas of strength or weakness. I will have additional information if my student is above, on, or below grade level allowing me to look for additional courses and programs that best reflect who she is as a student.
As well, the ACT and SAT provides a relatively holistic view of a student’s academic progress and level. Taken yearly around the same time will show the student’s growth in the various subject areas. This is especially important if your child is home-schooled or in a small school that might not be well known to colleges. Seeing this consistent testing can help post-secondary institutions see patterns and determine strength of curriculum throughout their entire high school career. I have unfortunately had students find out they were dyslexic in 12th grade because of poor ACT and SAT testing, which was caught by a college admissions counselor after the student’s test scores did not seem to correlate with her high grades. If the student would have tested earlier, she could have received additional support and testing strategies to help her.
Lastly, having my child begin SAT testing as a 7th grader helps her determine her own academic and career path. This is not mom pushing for it, but a student who aspires going to a highly selective college (and beyond) and succeeding. Just like her taking karate lessons, taking part in National Junior Honor Society, volunteering, and developing her art skills, taking the SAT is a part of finding out who she is and who she wants to be. It gives her the tools to be successful and allows me to help support her goals and aspirations. At the end of it, I want her to have as much knowledge about the high school to college process so she is in control of it. I receive so many frantic phone calls from parents and students who simply are not prepared, and I know that starting early will be much more beneficial to my child than pretending it will just magically happen or my student will just know how to do it.
*Also note- there are other tests such as a the PSAT 8/9 or the PSAT/ NMSQT adn PSAT 10, however, unlike the SAT, these are only offered at specific schools that request them… most schools do not let outside students in or it’s limited. In our area, we only have one private school that offers the PSAT 8/9 and with only a a select number of seats, it simply is not an option. So check with your school and local area if these pretests are an option.
Dr. Amanda Sterk is author of College UnMazed: Your Guide to the Florida College & University System. She frequently speaks to high school students, parents, and educators throughout the state about college readiness.