Tips For Helping To Prepare Your Teen For The SAT
High school is an exciting time for families, and parents typically see a lot of growth and change in their children. But high school also means taking the SAT if a teen plans on going to college following graduation from high school. As a parent, it is important to help your child to successfully prepare for the SAT. Use the following tips to get your teen ready for this important test:
Hire a SAT Tutor
While there are many SAT prep courses available, hiring an SAT tutor will ensure that your teen receives one-on-one attention. It is in your best interest to hire a tutor who is highly experienced and has a proven track record of helping students score high on the initial test or improve scores on test retakes. Begin searching for a reputable SAT tutor as far in advance as possible; great tutors are typically booked early, and your student will need several weeks of tutoring for optimal results.
Avoid Placing Too Much Pressure on Your Child
It is not uncommon for parents to want their children to score high on the SAT since the test score can help determine college acceptance and qualifying for scholarships. But most teens know the importance of the test and place enough pressure on themselves-- as a parent, try your best to avoid stressing out your child since doing so can lead to increased anxiety which can lead to poor performance on test day.
Schedule Time for Studying
In addition to being tutored, students taking the SAT should also spend time studying and taking practice tests on their own. It is a good idea to talk with your child and schedule specific times for studying. By scheduling specific study times, both you and your child will be on the same page and there won't be any last-minute cramming right before the test.
Set Your Child Up For Success on Test Day
The night before your teen's scheduled SAT testing date, make sure your child gets plenty of sleep. If needed, take away cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. Make sure that your child wakes up early so he or she has plenty of time to eat a filling breakfast. It is also a good idea to arrive at the testing site a little bit early. SAT testing sites have strict rules, so if your teen arrives late he or she will not be allowed to enter the building and take the test.