Tests are unavoidable throughout your child’s school career, but one of the most important is the SAT – the three-hour exam that’s supposed to measure a student’s chance of success in their first year of college. While there’s no secret trick to getting a high score on the SAT, real preparation is key and begins months before the day of the test. Here are several ways you can help your child achieve a good score on this year’s SATs.
Familiarize them with the test format.
Taking a test is a skill. Going over the layout and content of the test will tremendously help your child. Furthermore, have your child take practice SATs at home (These can be found on the SAT website). The day of the test is the worst time to learn what kind of questions are on the test. Having your child become familiar with the test format and questions will decrease his anxiety level and build test-taking stamina.
Do homework before paying for test prep.
Test preparation is a huge business and there’s no shortage of resources, but you need to make sure you find the right service for your child. There are many prep classes offered by tutoring centers, who individualize programs to encourage your teen’s success.
When researching test-prep options, take into account the way your child studies best. Some students prefer one-on-one tutoring, while others prefer a group setting with other motivated students. Knowing is the key to ensuring they receive valuable test-taking skills.
Have your student read.
The most effective way your student can improve his score on the English portion of the test is to improve his vocabulary and reading comprehension. Set aside time every day for your child to read, whether it is from a book, newspaper, magazine, or textbook.
There’s always the choice of retesting.
If your child does not get his or her desired score, there’s always the option of retaking. Research shows that students often improve their scores by retaking the test a second time. If your child takes the SAT more than once, they can select the test results they want to send to colleges.
Use this time wisely to prepare your child for the SAT. With patience and practice, it can help them be ready for an academic lifestyle beyond high school.