OK, so I am a good flutist. I have signed up to go to Solo and Ensemble at Bloomington North HS in IN to do a solo and a quartet. This is special to me because in the quartet is a friend that has moved and this will be the last time I get together with her or see her.
Time: unknown yet (a.m./p.m.)
But on the same day I have to take an SAT test. (I am only thirteen.) It is because of my above average scores on the ISTEP+, the standardized state test in the grade before. It is at Southport HS in IN near Indianapolis in Southport. (duh)
Time: 8:00 - 11:45 a.m.
If you check on MapQuest, it takes about an hour to get from Southport to Bloomington, or vice versa. My greatest hope is that the time is after afternoon, around 1 or 2 p.m., so I can make it.
But if it isn't, then which should I select? My parents paid $80 for the SAT testing, and to rearrange the testing date is and extra $20. The band contest took $15.
2007-01-04 07:09:16 · 19 answers · asked by shrad 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Standards & Testing
I too live in Indiana and remember Solo and Ensemble well. I'm glad to see a fellow Hoosier instramentalist (I actually go to Indiana University in Bloomington!)
Anyway, while the SAT is important for your future, you will have many chances to take it. It's unfortunate that you already paid for both the SAT and ISSMA, but I would choose the band contest, ig you do end up having to choose. You're in ensembles with friends that are probably relying on you to be there and it's a one time thing verses the SAT which you can take multiple times.
I think that should take into consideration several factors. One, that you may be able to finish the SAT before 11:45. I'm not suggesting that you rush, but most people are able to finish early. A second is traffic, on Saturday afternoon, traffic in and around Indy is not fun at all and it may take longer than an hour to travel from Indianapolis to Bloomington. The last factor is, rather you want to have time to practice or warm-up before your performance. If you think you may end cutting it very close between the SAT and ISSMA, then that's another consideration you need to take.
I think that you should definitely talk to both your parents and your friends about the conflict.
Good luck!
2007-01-04 07:18:52 · answer #1 · answered by Joy M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I took the SAT test when I was 13, and honestly it meant nothing to me. Not only was it a challenge to do the test, and I guessed on a lot of it, but the scores were useless. I'm not even sure where they are anymore, and colleges certainly don't look at those scores because most likely, you'll do better when you're in 11th or 12th grade because you have learned more. Not the mention that the test format was changed between the time I first took them and now. Point being, it's not like it even helped me to learn the format.
Basically I'm saying the SATs are useless. As for the money issue, talk to your parents and get their opinion. Maybe you could pay the $20 to rearrange the testing date. I think the contest will mean a lot to you and pay off more in the long run.
2007-01-04 07:14:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the SAT can wait. you're not trying to get your scores in right now or anything. if you were a senior, this would be a lot different.
i'm not saying the SAT is not important - because it definitely is. but just hope for the best :) ideally, you'll be able to go to both your band contest and to take the SAT. but if it comes down to choosing between the 2, i say go to the band thing and then pay the extra $20 if you feel you still want to take the test. i know you might feel bad for making your parents pay extra money .. but maybe instead of going out with friends next weekend, stay at home and you'll save some money and you can stop feeling guilty, hehe :)
2007-01-04 08:01:46 · answer #3 · answered by music123 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think about it this way....which could potentially better your future more? I'd say being able to take your SAT at such a young age would be good, as long as you'll benefit from it...moving up a grade...getting into college early, etc.
If there is no benefit to you right now to take the SAT then do your band contest now and the SAT later. You're only 13. Fun needs to be worked into the equation too...Band is Fun!
P.S I played the flute in school too and I LOVED the Solo and Ensemble competitions.
2007-01-04 07:13:59 · answer #4 · answered by Emily B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Band contest. You're 13. Taking the SAT that early has very little value. Could almost be seen as a waste of time. Unless you're super gifted and plan on attending college in a year or two, I'd just move the test date.
2007-01-04 07:16:09 · answer #5 · answered by Linkin 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're only 13 so the SAT shouldn't be that much of a priority.
Just pay the extra 20 bucks so you can do both the band thing and the SAT.
2007-01-04 10:31:29 · answer #6 · answered by Lotii 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Early high scores in the SAT will start the Universities watch on your progress now. Plus the $80 isn't refundable. That's more to lose than the $15. Plus if you don't take the test your parents won't let you hear the end of it.
2007-01-04 07:13:31 · answer #7 · answered by The Druid 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the band contest. Play your heart out. If your parents or counselor tries to guilt you about the SAT, remind them that the better colleges want well-rounded people with extra-curricular activities LIKE BAND, not just high test scores.
2007-01-04 07:25:07 · answer #8 · answered by Robin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do the band thing...work for your folks for the $20 to cover the extra fee for SAT. You are so young the SAT will wait for a couple of months....FYI...I'm a parent with 2 older teenagers. You'll regret not performing with your friend and the SAT will always be there.
2007-01-04 07:12:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless money is tight for you, compete in Solo and Ensemble. The SAT for you is just a preliminary gauge that does not even count toward college.
2007-01-04 12:52:57 · answer #10 · answered by ethereality 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋