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The Unexpected Joy

So much has changed since I last wrote a blog post.

  1. My son took the SAT....(and got into college).
  2. I finished writing a book about our SAT journey. More about that later -- for now, just four little words:  It Takes A Village.
  3. And I gave a talk at Bronxville High School (see short clip above).

More to come soon about the whole kit and caboodle.  I can't wait to tell all!

 

 

In 2011, I took 7 SATs + 12 months (whew).  Here are a few pages that might be helpful:  SAT Resources,  Tips, and the FAQ page. It's just a little bit of what I learned along the way.

If you'd like to discuss having me speak at your school or to a group, please contact Jamie Brickhouse  646-281-9041.

Illustrations by Jennifer Orkin Lewis

Video by Devereux Millburn

 
11 Comments | posted January 16th, 2013
 

 
 
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Things That Aren’t True

Half the time I’m completely winging this motherhood business.” – Anne Lamott

I haven't taken the time to fully explain what this Perfect Score Project is, and what it is not.  But I plan to.  In fact, I'm writing a book that explains the whole kit and caboodle.

I can tell you that it isn't what the New York Post wrote (see annotations in link), and that the Huffington Post got it RIGHT (thanks to a super smart mom, who's been there).

I will say this, for now, and then I have to get back to work:

When I started this project, back in early 2011, I thought, as long as I have to look into this test prep thing for my own kids, and, given that I seem to be the only one left on the planet who finds the joy of the SAT,  I might as well share what I learn along the way, right?  Maybe spare others some wheel-spinning, money-wasting, anxiety-producing overwhelming high-stakes investigation energy?

I had noble intentions, I assure you.

Unless you've lived through this magilla of a process as a parent, in recent times I might add, no judging!

Here's a video that explains a little more (I hope) of what I was thinking, and how it went.

 

7 SATs + 10 months =  my 2011.  Check out the SAT Resources,  Tips, and FAQ pages for frequent updates about what I learned.

Illustrations by Jennifer Orkin Lewis

 
13 Comments | posted March 9th, 2012
 

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December SAT is Now, Past Tense

First of all, I had a blast; loved every second of today's SAT experience.  Did I get the "perfect score?"

No way.

BUT, if my score doesn't go up in math after all those hours of hard work (which were hugely fun, I might add), I don't know what to say.  I plead dyscalculia.

Reading and Writing this time around?  I felt strong and focused, though not "perfect." It was more like, "Ok, that felt good" -- with little bit of "hmmmmm..... not sure about a few of the questions," sprinkled on top.

Except for my essay -- on the essay, I felt sure. I felt strong and confident -- like I summoned my very best SAT self -- and she showed up wrote that essay about Tim O'Brien with passion and vigor -- and in an appropriate "SAT" format (I think). I linked back repeatedly to my thesis (which I had written on the top of my test booklet, lest I forget).

I wove in sophisticated vocabulary (including a well placed "jingoistic"); used varied sentence structure and punctuation (semicolons and dashes included), and then I wrapped it up with the counter example and a strong conclusion.

But, the essay is the one subjective part of the whole test.  That said, if my readers don't recognize that I aced that essay, then I give up on standardized writing.  No, actually, I'm blaming the graders. Yes, I will blame the graders if I don't come out of this SAT with at least an 11.

Anyway...I'm sad that it's over. I'm surprised at how hard this test is for me.  I'll probably keep going for that "perfect score," even if it's not in any official "perfect score project" capacity --  just because I really do think it's fun (crazy, I know -- but don't knock it till you try it).

Video attached for test day details.

I'm headed out to celebrate -- then, tomorrow morning will address the big pile of life that's waiting for me.

 

 
16 Comments | posted December 3rd, 2011
 

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November SAT Scores Are Back (learn from my experience!)

November SAT will go down in my book as the test that was ruined by the proctor. (I'm refraining from sad face emoticon.)

You can see the posts about my terrible test day experience here and here. Don't let this happen to you!

Test conditions really do make a difference; know your rights for a fair test experience before you go into the SAT. Here are the official SAT test day rules. Be sure to read pages 1-11.

My reading score is absolutely a reflection of the broken rules. I never even read an entire passage because the proctor lopped off five minutes, mid-section.

Here's what I'd advise, post terrible experience:

  • Keep your own time (including the end time). BIG mistake for me not to do this. I trusted the proctor -- because all the proctors I'd had before had done their job! I've now heard that messing up the time is common (though I've never heard of a proctor lopping off five minutes mid-section).
  • Try to get a proper desk (not a deskette, which does fit the official rules but does not lead to an optimal experience).
  • If there is noise, say something. I tried to wave down the proctor during sections 7-10 when the noise became so loud that I might as well have been taking the SAT in the middle of a basketball game, but he was reading something and never looked up.

You live, you learn.

I did contact the test administrator for the next (and final) SAT I'll be taking in 2011 as part of this project to alert her about the rules being broken at the last SAT. She was very responsive and I do feel confident that I'll have better conditions.

UPDATE: A friend emailed me this quote:

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”  --Winston Churchill

 
21 Comments | posted November 22nd, 2011
 

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Nov. 5 SAT: Searching for the Lessons

November 5, 2011       SAT #6 in 2011

Location: Private School in Westchester, NY

Given that this was my 6th SAT in  2011, and the first one I can say was a truly bad experience -- I guess my odds aren't so bad (I'm trying to look on the bright side).

And, I'm trying to find the lessons to impart from my bad experience, so hopefully others can avoid the pitfalls.

1) Don't Take the SAT in a Gym if you can help it!  The SAT 2 testers were right next door in the gym (cordoned off by a very non-sound proofed sliding wall), and that test ends an hour earlier and there was very loud (and understandable) jubilation when their test was done -- and gyms amplify noise.  Are you getting the picture?

2) Maybe I'll add to this part of the story that the overly complacent proctor seemed oblivious to all of the amplified noise.

2) A Proper Desk is Very Important!  This gym had "deskettes," which were big enough to house one 8 x 11 size booklet, which meant I could forget about getting comfortable in my surroundings and instead focus on the best way to "juggle" my test book, answer booklet, calculator and pencils.  NOT GOOD.

3) Keep Your Own Time!  It didn't occur to me that I couldn't count on the proctors because I guess I got lucky in the past.  Not today.  He messed me up so badly I don't know where to begin.  Watch video for details.

4) November Test may breed Proctor Complacency. At least if I'm to judge by my experience today.  There were very few kids in attendance, and the proctors treated it like an exhibition game.

If this were a real stakes SAT for me, I'd cancel my scores before that deadline. Thankfully it's not (and I don't have to share if I don't want to).

If I were a senior and this was my "final shot," I'd be making a BIG stink right now with the College Board, that is for sure.  I'd be insisting on a re-do because those conditions could not reflect my best abilities.

But maybe I'm just too sensitive.

Video above for more details.

 

 
36 Comments | posted November 5th, 2011
 

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Is the SAT Harder Than It Used To Be?

In a word, yup.

At least if I'm to judge by the May 1997 SAT I took today (full, timed) out of the College Board RED Book (not to be confused with the Blue Book).

I felt like one of those tennis players with the wooden racquets.

First of all, it's an hour shorter.  Then, add to that the fact that each section is 5 minutes longer (which actually feels like an hour when you're used to running like the wind, under the gun for an extra hour).  It's like the marathon you were training for just became 18 miles instead of 26.2.  And they gave you Nike Airs instead of Converse.

That's what it felt like.

The math seemed to be sans "tricks" as far as I can tell, but I haven't had time to go back and study it carefully. No question though, easier.  I actually finished a section and went back and checked my answers. I haven't even come close to that on the current SAT.

Here are the take-aways:

1) If you're looking for more reading passages (i.e you've run out of Blue Book material), these are legit.  Same deal (but with the extra time allotted, which you can adjust accordingly if you want to).  The "Verbal" sections also have the analogies, but I think it's still a good exercise for the new SAT (i.e. thinking deeply about the meaning of words).

2) I think the math is legit practice too -- unless you're on the high end of the spectrum, and then I think this will be too easy.

3) Full recap of the experience in the video above (including my score).

 

Illustrations by Jennifer Orkin Lewis

 
19 Comments | posted October 27th, 2011
 

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October SAT Scores Have Arrived (How’d You Do?)

Given my inexorably optimistic nature, all I can see is the good news (Sorry.  I realize that must seem annoying).

Hopefully I'll come down from my cloud in time to study for the next SAT (Nov. 5)

The math.....what is wrong with me?

  • 1.  I love it......still, despite my score.  Love.  Well, maybe love/hate.  But more love.
  • 2.  I've learned a ton of math, regardless of my SAT score.  No Question.  Ask anyone who knows me.
  • 3.  I'm not giving up (never never never)
  • 4.  I'm feeling like it might be time to try Dr. Chung again.
  • 5.  All of you math show offs from comments in this post, I refuse to let you bring me down.  I'm having fun.  I'm working hard.  I'm smart, for goodness sakes.**

**I have a former boyfriend who used to always say to me, "I'm not lazy!"  -- Like I was calling him lazy or something; except that I wasn't.  In fact, I wasn't even thinking it (because he wasn't lazy).  But after the 50th time he told me he wasn't lazy, I asked him if someone had called him lazy when he was a little boy, because I was not calling him lazy.

That's what I feel like with this SAT Math -- like I want to post my IQ score so everyone knows "I'm not dumb you guys...."  And, I'm not lazy (I swear. Ask my kids.)

It's got to be the fault of the test. (I'm kidding.  Don't pounce.)

Ok, gtg hit the books now.

I GOT AN 80000000000000000000 ON THE WRITING!!!

Illustrations by Jennifer Orkin Lewis

 
54 Comments | posted October 20th, 2011
 

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Beseeched, Proctored, and Dagoba Chocolate

Beseeched by PWNtheSAT and proctored by mom, 11th grade son agreed (reluctantly) to take a full, timed 11th hour practice test before test day.

It helped.

And trust me when I say, no one wants to do a FULL TIMED TEST before the actual test.  But it works.  I'm scheduled to take another full one tomorrow (reluctantly).

Incidentally, it was the first piece of SAT advice I ever received, but it took a lot of pain and lack of progress for me to finally submit to carving out those hours and energy.

Son's other feedback: The super dark chocolate helped, so it's not just me.  A few bites during the break and you're ready to roll for the next section, I promise. Must be 75% cocoa or higher.

I'm into the Dagoba these days (ALL of them!).

 

 

 
5 Comments | posted October 13th, 2011
 

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SAT #5 Down the Hatch: Insights and Afterthoughts

Took SAT #5 at DeWitt Clinton High School with Akil Bello.

LOVED the whole experience.  You'll have to watch the video for details because I'm just too tired right now to even string one more sentence together.

This is Akil (wouldn't you love to be greeted on SAT morning by this guy?):

 
3 Comments | posted October 1st, 2011
 

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SAT Cross-Training Meets The Princess & The Pea

11 more days until test day, and the training continues.

Today's homework (per PWN, because trust me, I never would have signed up for this on my own) was a full, timed, practice test (i.e. 4+ hours).

Horrible.  I'm feel like my brain has been wrung out.

If I don't improve on this next SAT, I give up.

(Kidding)

Seriously though, I am working hard.  I swear to you, I am giving it my all.  I like the SAT, for heaven's sake -- how many people can say that?  I deserve to improve.......

Ok, I am extremely noise sensitive though.  Ask my kids.  Oy.

Video update above.

 
10 Comments | posted September 19th, 2011
 

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