Once we realized this was an option -- it's a school he can commute to, so saves the $18k or so in room & board -- it quickly made #1. He's supposed to put his deposit down this week. He's working extra hours to try to earn the extra money for school.

My son graduated last year, accepted to several schools (King's, Oklahoma Christian, and FIT). He took a gap year and deferred his application to OC, and applied to Old Dominion University. He was accepted to ODU, and will attend on scholarship in the fall in EE.

We rotisserie ours, with potatoes that cook in the drippings...

Each program is going to be a bit different. The club we were at had my two youngest in bonafide lessons, my middle did train a bit more, they had my oldest two in a weird program that wasn't really training and wasn't really lessons -- I think there was a misunderstanding -- not long after, they were moved to the more competitive kids, but there wasn't much technique, just a lot of fast swimming. Other swim clubs in our area seem to be somewhat different. The major thing I've heard about all of them is that the kids tend to specialize. We have a friend who has a phenominal 11 year old (swims mid/distance free, but is really a stellar all around swimmer). Her club won't let her compete in breast. Locally, the national Greek swimmer was pigeon-holed as a backstroker (his technique has gotten worse since moving here, but he's actually a very strong flyer -- something that's been overlooked). He is 16 and had NEVER swum anything over a 400 (no 800 or 1500). His younger brother is 13 and is truly an IMer, but has gotten pigeon holed into backstroke as well. I have 3 swimmers down south in the heel of the boat who just hate training there -- they joined us for a swim camp I put together and it really helped them feel more connected to the sport again. She can join the FIN (will need special clearance from a local doctor, including an EKG), B/BB times are a great place to start -- sounds like she's well on her way. The European Forces Swim League competes all around Europe (Long Distance Championships will be in Brugge, BE again next year, and Short Distance Champs will be in Eindhoven). It sounds like your DD will fit in nicely there. It would be a great way to meet and hang out with other kids from the US.

Well, no driving until she's 18 here... The closest EFSL team (if you are DoD/Civilian working for the Gov't/NATO) is going to be Vicenza. Beyond that, you have local clubs -- here is a list for the Ferrara area: https://www.federnuoto.it/federazione/societa-sportive.html?xtipologia=0&xannoagonistico=2017&xregione=08&xprovincia=038&xcomune=0&xdisciplina=&xnome=&provincia=&comune=&tipo_ricerca=0 The green squares have swimming schools/competitive swimming -- you'll need to visit in person. We haven't had much luck swimming "on the economy" as it's called. The Italian system specializes early (9-10-11 year olds are "specialists" and not allowed to swim or compete in other strokes, train very hard, very fast, and once you acheive a certain level, technique is often ignored (granted, we're in southern Italy, and most people I know are in clubs in southern Italy). Most clubs stateside tend to train all four strokes, you swim everything (even if you're a nationally ranked breaststroker or butterflier...ha!). We've had more success with kids in the learn to swim program than the competitive system (unless you are just a rock star, but I do know a Greek National swimmer who has been stationed here and a French swimmer who have had less than ideal experiences). It's just very different. If you can manage to train in town and compete within the EFSL a bit, it will really help. HtH! Lisa

My daughter has been dating a boy for nearly a year... I haven't met his parents since I evaluated him for the swim team 18 months ago (he decided to run cross country). I can't imagine sending a card out with him on it. I barely take photos of my kids with their gf/bf -- mostly because it seems like the harbinger of doom. Took photos of DS and his 1st gf... they broke up the next day. Took photos of DS and his 2nd gf (for prom), they broke up the next day... he's on gf #3, took photos of her and she moved to Alaska (lol -- she was moving anyway, she seems to be sticking, much to my surprise). I don't think I'd include them in a family holiday card unless they are engaged, or an engagement seems on the horizon.

Honestly, it would probably depend upon the individual. Past history with individuals being the main difference to how I reacted. If I've gone to great lengths to plan a meal and individuals are supposed to bring things to the meal -- I usually know what they are bringing, as I've asked. If they go off script without telling/asking me I'd be annoyed (especially if they were supposed to bring dessert, and brought another main course instead). If it was just extra food, I'd be less irked and more like "whatever."

I'm here... where are you heading?

My daughter took the PSAT 8/9 two years ago with no preparation -- however, she had already completed Algebra 2 and Geometry. Her scores were: 580 Math / 650 Verbal -- we looked over what she missed and why. (-4 Reading; -4 Writing; -9 Math) In 10th grade (still no extra test preparation other than some minor review of math concepts) her scores were: 680 Math / 680 Verbal -- we did look over exactly what she missed and why, and linked her PSAT to Khan Academy (these scores were -2 Reading; -10 writing; - 8 math) We added the blue books for Crtical Reading & Grammar, Khan Academy Math Review, and took about 4 practice tests over the following year (DD did NOT review the math portions as diligently as I had planned she should -- which did hurt her a bit, as she actually froze in the math sections). Her 11th grade scores were: 750 Verbal; 700 Math (she missed 2 Reading, 1 writing and 5 math). She then did a 6 week fast-track preparation for the 1 December SAT (mostly taking the last four tests reviewing what she would miss, why and then going over relevant sections in the blue books/PWN the SAT and an SAT prep course I had purchased (online). Her SAT scores on 1 December were: 770 Verbal (-2 Reading, -1 Writing) and 780 Math (-1) for a total of 1550. DD had a strong reading background and math background (and, as you can see by what she missed, how much one "loses" for a missed question can vary wildly from test to test!). In short, it's definitely possible to raise scores from 9th to 11th grade (or summer before senior year) from mid-500s to mid-700s. It does take work -- but planning out the work over time makes it much easier to digest, review and improve.

So... did you take a class with my Uncle? Professor Leming? Sociology...

Ours were up at 1pm Italian time (about 7am EST). I hope you all have yours now!!

Thank you -- one and done is what we were aiming for. She won't take it again. She should get commended, she'll miss National Merit. But, should still qualify for the scholarship she wanted.

Well, based upon scores -1 math = 780; -1 writing = 380 and -2 reading = 390 = 1550. Great score, but really could have used 10 more points from either math or writing for the automatic merit scholarship she was after. Math curve wasn't abysmal, but when paired with the same kinda harsh curve on writing... blech. Still, not as bad as the 10/24 PSAT curve!!

I don't know about the US version of the test... DD took the international version, which is supposed to be like the US Oct "school day" test, where -1 Math = 770, - 2 = 750; the reading curve was apparently fairly brutal as well. My DD will be opting for the ACT as well. If she weren't so close her sophomore year to the NMSQT cut, I wouldn't have even bothered, but she finished about where they predicted she would (DD is kicking herself because she didn't review the math as closely as she should have. Every math question she missed was something she knew, but forgot how to do efficiently. 8 practice exams later, DD was acing the reading and the writing (maybe missing 1 total from one or the other sections). Math? She almost always missed 3 or 4 between the two sections (usually misreading a question, or inputting a wrong number, sometimes a bubble-in mistake -- always careless errors, not errors of not knowing or remembering). She at least has had a sense of humor about prepping for the SAT. On the one hand, they tell you "NEVER ASSUME" -- then in the answers (usually one of those "BEST" answer ones), they will say, "If you ASSUME..." kills me. The other thing that screws her up, is that on science related passages they will use non-scientific logic to create the answer. So, if you are actually good at science you can mess up those parts, too. She used to be worried about the time constraints, but now having about 20 minutes left on the SAT in sections to go over her work, she's not concerned anymore. I think she'd do better on it because the test is a bit less about "tricks" and more straightforward (and the fact that when she took them in the 9th grade, her ACT score was comparatively better).

It's based upon chatter because one test (international, which is what we believe dd took) is supposedly similar/same as to a school day test from October. It's all guesswork, but that is the chatter. DD said the math portion was incredibly easy -- very few advanced concepts taught. Said the math on PSAT in October was more difficult. ETA -- apparently the school day Oct SAT had a -1=770 for the math section. College Panda's score estimates range from 1440-1570 for dd's "worst case" and what she feels she actually might have missed. This child tends to be overly critical (so when she does bad, it's not nearly as bad as she thinks. I have another child who thinks he aces things and that is usually a bad sign).

I'm sorry -- this is beyond ridiculous. We're facing a similar problem for the December SAT (we've heard that curve will be brutal as well). DD really prepped and was testing really well (bubble-in practice tests, not computer), she was ready to score 1560+ Now, she's just hoping to score 1450 😞 If DD has to take another college test for academic $$, it will probably be the ACT (since she does better on it anyway).

DD has been dreading the score release. She is pretty happy. NMSQT index of 220. Will most likely miss the cut-off for Virginia, but should be commended. December SAT release later this week is also dreaded, mostly because she's afraid the curve will be bad. She thinks she only missed one math question and maybe 1-2 reading, but is upset that the math wasn't more challenging. Based upon the SAT scores, we'll see if she is done, re-takes the SAT or just goes for the ACT (when we compared her scores before, she actually favors the ACT). She's going for a 1560, and has tested (practices) as high as 1580. One down, one to go -- and God willing, after this summer no more of these tests. Just want to move on to college applications and a lighter senior year! (Heha...light for her... no science, but will have Diff. Calc, linear algebra, advanced statistics and discrete math...hahaha).

One can commit verbally at any time, but actual timelines do vary from sport to sport, with other guidelines varying from division to division (D1/2/3). A verbal commitment is not binding on either the school or the student. Considering in my family's sport coaches cannot reach out to prospects until they are Juniors (they can respond to emails, but can't call/speak with the students or do official visits until Junior year), I find it difficult to really believe that it's any kind of formal commitment (national letter of intent) -- especially since there are a whole host of NCAA hoops (grades, transcripts, course descriptions, test scores) and a certain number of core courses that must be completed and approved before an athlete is even considered eligible for college athletics.

Thank you -- this is one of the schools heavily recruiting my oldest daughter. Still not sure we could afford it... but it sounds like an atmosphere my daughter would like.

Is there any reason someone shouldn't try to take the SAT again during a gap year? We only have a few dates available to us overseas for testing -- which usually just means 1 date we can attend in the winter and one date in the spring (usually during AP exams). My son was really sick for his exam last winter and wants to retake it. He will be doing an engineering internship (paid) starting in September (hence, the gap year). He'd like to attempt to take it one more time. Three schools he applied to last fall are deferring his application to this year, and he has six new applications going out. Thank you.

If it's a wake-up at 0400 kind of morning, they get brushed right away (as I will eat several hours later). If I sleep in until a more reasonable hour, they get brushed after I eat. If my mouth feels particularly awful, I *may* brush w/o toothpaste prior to eating, but in general brushing before I eat makes what I eat taste gross.

Yes, definitely planning mode. I have to cram a lot into June -- as I start coaching full time again in July. PonyGirl: 11th Grade Summer: Honors Physics (Acellus), Health (Acellus), SAT Prep, German (continued) and Logic & Argumentation Fall: 6 credits (2 courses during the summer are junior year credit) AP English Language (Acellus, Textword Press Lit & Vocabulary, Sentence Composing (College), and lots of reading) Multi-variable Calculus (MIT Scholars Online), SAT Math Review (SAT2- Math 2 exam; AP Calculus BC Review for that AP as well) AP Physics C (Physics Prep) both courses German 4 U.S. History (maybe AP exam here) PokeMan: 9th Grade English (Textword Prep Literature & Vocabulary, Abeka Grammar, Sentence Composing Book; four extra books) Precalculus (Larson Text w/ Chalkdust Videos) US History (Critical Thinking Press, about 4 books, and several movies) Physical Science (BJU Press w/videos) Robotics Animation Mandarin 2 or 3. Logic & Argumentation Blondie is in 6th and Boo in 4th.

All of the SAT Prep materials will work for the PSAT. My rising Freshman is starting with the PSAT study materials -- and really just getting his feet wet. We won't start really prepping for the PSAT/SAT until his sophomore year. My rising junior has taken the PSAT 9/10 (in 9th grade) and the PSAT in 10th. She is on a serious prep schedule this summer, but we started prepping her sophomore year with 15 minutes/day of math review on Khan Academy, and I used the Blue Books (Big Book of SAT Grammar and SAT Critical Reading) as part of her English course. She will take her first practice SAT this Sunday, and continue taking about one SAT exam every 4-6 weeks until she takes the SAT on 1 December (the first day she can take it). She'll take her PSAT on 10 October. Her summer study schedule is a mixture of daily review and practice of concepts, calculator practice (she hasn't used a calculator much -- so becoming proficient with the keys, and not hitting the wrong ones -- is important), and review of test taking strategies, taking full-length SAT exams (which are longer/harder than the PSAT), and then focusing on problem areas is our main strategy. Most days it won't be more than about 30 minutes. Test days and a day or two afterwards may have more test-focus working to understand what she did wrong and how to correct it, but will quickly go back to that 15-30 minutes a day. Shorter, more frequent review sessions tend to work much better for her. Your boys are the same age as my daughter, and since they don't have a lot of experience, I would strongly suggest you print out a full-length test from the College Board website and give it to them COLD -- set aside one day, and just have them take the test in as close to testing conditions as you can. Grade it, use the materials to determine areas of weakness (they provide you with the topic areas -- types of problems), so you can tailor review/learning to those weak spots. Spend 4-6 weeks on that plan, and re-test with a different exam. Rinse and Repeat. Use the materials that work best for your child (my daughter uses a combination of online and actual texts, as I mentioned above). Prep has definitely helped with my daughter's level of anxiety on the high pressure tests. All of this said -- here's what I'd like to pass on: For a very small number of students, the PSAT could mean huge scholarships. For the vast majority of students it is simply practice, and for a large percentage, it may not even be a necessary exam. Why? Some students perform better on the ACT than the SAT. How would you know? Have them take one full practice exam of each, and see (a) which they prefer and (b) how their scores compare (there are sites that you can plug in scores and determine if your child performs better on one exam or another). If your child does better on the ACT, and is not scoring high enough on the SAT that the National Merit Scholarship is a real possibility -- don't waste your time prepping for that exam. The ACT and SAT are very different tests (even still). My daughter technically does better on the ACT than the SAT (at least when she took them both cold). But, her PSAT scores her sophomore year are high enough that she would be in contention for National Merit, which is why she is focusing on the SAT vs. the ACT. There is excellent scholarship money for both the SAT and ACT (assuming that's the goal). Most schools will accept either. This is why I say -- start prepping for the test your child does best with. There is nothing mystical about the preparation process -- and a little every day goes a long, long way. All the best to you and your boys!

DD took her first SAT2s... apparently she got so comfortable on the Math2 test (it was so much easier than she expected), that instead of pushing to finish, she relaxed too much and ran out of time (she was so mad with herself...kind of funny). She only scored a 650 on the math, so will retake it. She at least now knows that she knew the material well enough to score a 750+ on it (she's a sophomore... so she has time). She got a 720 on the Bio -- not high enough for MIT (they want 750), but will take Physics next year and try again. She's spending her summer going through an honors Physics course just to solidify concepts and then will begin AP Physics C in August, completing both courses by April -- giving her a month to study and prep for exams. This is her big test prep summer... PSAT, SAT, 3 SAT2s, and 4-5 APs (not sure about one, because it depends upon the schools she wants to focus upon and their CLEP/AP policies). still hoping she can have some fun, though.

DD has visited Messiah -- she loved the campus and the feel of the school. She hasn't visited Princeton yet -- we'll see how communications with the coach go over the next year. She probably needs swimming to get into that school. Loved our visit with Gardner-Webb. The coach's father reached out to me and told me about their program... we also met with the coach (his son) last summer. They definitely recruit based more on times and heart than height statistics. We learned a lot about what questions to ask, and what to look for on their rosters thanks to Gardner-Webb and my time at Navy last summer. Just a few more months until we can hear from D2 and D1 programs...