SAT Scores: Take the Credit!

Last week the results of the June SAT came back, and most of my students had the same reaction that my May SAT students had: mild excitement. This, despite the fact that they ALL scored the same or higher than they had on any practice test for Math, Critical Reading and Writing. This, despite the fact that in most cases, they were taking the SAT for the very first time. This, despite the fact that a few already surpassed their final goals. I was happier than they were! I understood their underwhelmed response, though, and I knew that while it had many sources, Sylvania octron there was one underlying root.

In some cases, it was disappointment because the students wanted to ace the test and never have to deal with it again. To them I said that this is an unrealistic goal for most and, necessary evil that the SAT is, to go in just wanting it to be over is probably why some details were missed and points were lost. Nonetheless, they did just as well if not better than they had in the past and that is nothing to dismiss. They now have a strong score in their "back pocket" and can build from there.

In other cases, the students had been so encouraged by their progress that they thought they would jump by leaps and bounds on the actual test. The problem with that expectation is, no matter how many practice tests they take, there is no replicating the actual test-taking experience, and the environment and nerves accompanying it. The fact that even the first-timers did so well was wonderful.

For the few who already hit their final goals, they wanted to do even better. To them I said, OK great - let's go!

Regardless of the particulars, the root of the matter was something deeper; something I certainly have experienced and in speaking to colleagues, friends and family, seems ubiquitous to all: these kids didn't want to take the credit. They could not let themselves feel good about doing well.

So to all my students, I said - and say again to anyone else reading this: Stop. Look at those scores, and look at the numbers on your PSAT, or your first practice test. Do that math. Now, before you start thinking about next October, think about last year, about how far you've come and how much work you've done. Whatever you want to do, wherever you want to go from here, fine. But just for a moment, give yourself a huge dose of praise for a job well done. Take the win. Take the credit.

You deserve it.

Alexandra Zabriskie has worked as a private tutor on standardized tests and academics for over a decade. An Ivy League graduate and New York City native, she knows what it takes to succeed, covering everything a student needs from A to Z.

For more information, go to http://www.atoztutor.com