My oldest has been doing (and loving) TOG for 4 years. She loves it so much that she doesn't want to do other subjects like Math and Science. She skipped K and 8th grade, but according to her age she should be a freshman. She has only done half a year of Algebra and Biology in the last 2 years. I know we need to get serious in order for her to get enough credits to graduate. She is taking the SAT for the first time next month.

Would it be ok to stop all other work and just focus on SAT Prep? I really want her to do well, but don't want to pressure her to the point of getting test anxiety like I did in HS. I heard that it is ok to take the SAT multiple times to get familiar with it, but not the PSAT. She will take the PSAT for the first time next year. What year does the PSAT count for National Merit? I know she will ace writing and vocabulary for sure, but not so sure about Math.

I'm not sure if SAT prep can fill the holes left by not doing such work as Algebra and Geometry, Pammy. PSAT does count for National Merit scholarships. I do not know much about math programs, but I would counsel you to at least center significant attention on math progress until she's caught up.

I do not know whether the PSAT is rigidly given to only certain ages of kids. This would be a great thing to research

As for practice, we used paper-based (Barrons) and computer-based (Princeton Review) prep programs for our kids with much benefit. They include practice tests galore. Perhaps a first step would be to take one of the practice PSATs from these folks (buy their stuff in your local bookstore or online) and see where she scores, and what kinds of problems she gets wrong. Then, create a strategic (and rigorous!) plan to catch her up. (If needed, threaten her with NO TOG unless a daily quota of Math is completed? Tough love, I know, but we gotta do what we gotta do! )

Pammy,

The PSAT is given every October. It counts for National Merit scholarships only in the 11th grade. My ds took it last year (as a 10th grader) for practice. I believe you can take it in the 9th grade, as well. You'll need to contact the guidance office/testing center at your local high school to register your dd.

She will definitely need to have finished Algebra I and Geometry. The test includes some Algebra II questions, as well.

Blessings,

If she's only done half a year of algebra, she for sure won't ace the math. It's really pretty challenging. Go to http://www.collegeboard.com and check out the sample questions.

I agree with Marcia - SAT prep won't make up for missing math courses.

I would recommend letting your daughter do some of the research with you. At some point during the last year, my daughter has gotten interested in researching colleges - and it does seem to have helped her understand why I'm requiring of her some of the things I'm requiring.

I tell my oldest who thinks he wants to be a historian that even historians have to do well on the math part of the SAT.

Who knows since he likes military history best, he might have to calculate something about weapons.

Why did she skip 8th grade?

If your daughter is supposed to be a freshman age-wise and hasn't completed Algebra or Geometry, then it sounds like she would still be considered a freshman even if she is ahead or doing honors-levels in other subject areas.

Why the need to push her? It sounds like she still needs to learn lessons of balance, working on her weaknesses at the same time that she is growing her strengths. This comes with maturity. Maybe she could have the time she needs to continue to grow in areas that need to "catch up" with the history and literature subject areas. Then she'll be more ready for the college entrance tests (and more confident without pressure).

Strongly encourage her to take the time she needs to do all areas to the best of her ability--not just her strengths. When she is a junior or senior, in some states, she may be able to take college-level courses for dual credit, which can be a huge financial benefit. It will also make a more effective transcript if she has actually completed the high school courses she needs to be considered a college prepped student.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I've observed families go through having a high schooler who was eager to graduate early, but lacked the social and emotional maturity to actually handle a college environment. It was a difficult transition in each case.

I just want to encourage you that if she is college bound, the BEST thing you can do for her is to get her used to doing subjects she is not interested in and giving them the same diligence as she does TOG. No matter what your major, you must still slog through Gen.Ed. courses in college, unless you CLEP out of them.

I'd advise getting her a Planner Pad and mapping out the next four years on paper. If she sees the road ahead and what she has to have to graduate, it might help her to view things differently. Also, many schools are raising the number of credits needed in the maths and sciences for the 2012 grad year. My dd is a senior this year and already every college she has contacted wants to see Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Also, Biology with lab, Chemistry with lab and one other lab based science.

The ACT math test has some Trigonometry on it. In the mid-south, that is the test of choice. The SAT may be the same though.

I will just say that you cannot go wrong raising the bar for her, a little at a time, if she wants to go to college.

Be encouraged!

I'm with all the ladies here. My dd is a soph this fall. She also is college bound. She needs to put in the hard work to get where she is going. You reap what you sow. I have looked at CollegePlus! which has a prep course to help get ready for college. Maybe you could check into that. They help you map your way and get your degree during your junior and senior year.....at less money. It is accreditted. HTH!!