Do you think a Grade 6 student is too young to take an SAT course?

Question

I'm curious because I run a tutoring business and am surprised about the number of parents who want my adult TOEFL course for their children. As for SAT and SSAT, I'm not so sure but think it's for university entrance as well. What would be the purpose/benefit of taking SAT in Grade 6?

If your an SAT teacher, what's your opinion?

Answer 1

I guess if the parents are willing to pay it is alright but unless the child is way ahead I doubt they have been taught everything that is on it.

The SAT is for entrance to college. Maybe the parents want to see how far ahead their children are.

Answer 2

I'm not an SAT teacher, but I am a high school English teacher and I don't think it's such a great idea. First of all, a new part of the SAT is an essay and a 6th grader probably doesn't have the critical thinking skills to correctly structure a strong essay. Also, the English portion (grammar and literature) is on material that a student will only learn from 8th grade up. I wouldn't suggest that an 8th grader take it though because he or she would still have a lot to learn.

Answer 3

SSAT is used for admission to private/prep schools -- one of ours uses it for admissions starting at grade five.

Ours start taking the SATS at grade seven, although I've given it to sixth graders in the past.  Taking them at this age is a good idea for students who may be headed for highly competitive prep schools (high schools)/colleges.

Answer 4

Unless their parents REALLY REALLY want them to. Or they have extreme talent and can confidentially do well on them. Otherwise, there's no point. 6th grade is really too young to start worrying about the SAT, unless, again, the student can DO WELL on the SAT (2100+). Otherwise, what's the point of taking them in 6th grade when you will amass more knowledge by the time you're in 10th or 11th grade?