Is your teen ready to begin preparing for the SAT or ACT but needs some guidance? Do they struggle with anxiety when it comes to high-stakes testing and don’t know where to start? Or, has your teen taken the SAT or ACT and would like to improve their score?
For most teens, going into high-stakes testing like the SAT and ACT without the right kind of preparation results in stress, uncertainty, and misdirected time and energy. The truth is that most teens believe that they’re prepared, but they’re really not. What most students don’t know is that the tests are more about strategy than the subjects they learned in school. And, although they’re given practice tests at school, they’re not taught strategy.
Here are 7 Ways to Prepare for High-Stakes Tests such as the SAT and ACT:
- Develop Strategies
Students need to know how to strategize in finding an answer quickly and when to just move on. It’s not something that can be learned overnight. This is a different approach to studying than what they are used to with chapter tests. It requires guided, consistent practice to develop strategies and skills so that they take advantage of their time and get the most out of their test-taking experience. They need to know which skills to focus on, which questions to spend more time on, how much each question is worth, how the test will be scored, etc.
Understand the Testing Format
Time being a factor, students need to know the time allotted for each section and how to address each question individually. Students need to know that it’s not a good idea to leave questions unanswered, and they need to know what to do when they encounter harder questions. They should capitalize on their strengths and know their weaknesses. This is especially important when deciding which test to take, the SAT or ACT. In our recent blog post, we go into detail about the differences between the two tests, and which ones are geared towards certain skillsets and aptitudes. This, parents, is a must read and will provide you with lots of knowledge.
- Set a Schedule
The first step is to develop a schedule weeks and/or months ahead of time to begin learning this new approach to taking a high stakes test. Once your teen has selected their test dates, they need to map out a study plan of action that will help them be successful and score high on the test. - Create a Productive Workspace
Make sure that the workspace is organized and free from distractions like cell phones or other technology gadgets. Have only the supplies a teen needs on his/her desk and remove all unnecessary items. Have a consistent location in the home that is more formal like a desk and chair—a place where the student can focus and spend positive energy on the task at hand. Choosing another alternative spot elsewhere may also be a good idea as a second option and for a change of scenery.
- Research Test Prep Materials
Do an internet search and read the reviews on all the supplemental books in the market to see which ones are ranked as best sources for practice tests and studying. Have your teen choose which is best for him/her.
- Take a Practice Test
Students should take at least one timed practice test and review the questions they missed two weeks before the test. There are also websites that offer free SAT and ACT practice tests and sample test questions.
- Prepare the Body and Mind
On the days leading up to the test, students should have a routine in place in which they are getting plenty of rest and reading something positive before going to bed each night. In the morning, they should have a movement routine to kickoff their morning in a positive light. We all know how important physical and mental activity is to being successful in school and in life.
Preparing to take the SAT or ACT requires careful planning and acquiring skills and strategies that maximize the student’s time and energy. There are several reasons why we recommend bringing a qualified Dynamis Learning Academy tutor on board to help your child with this process. Overall, it will provide them with the confidence and skills they need to successfully navigate the tedious test-taking process.
Contact Helen HERE to discuss your teen’s college planning goals that include scoring high on the SAT/ACT tests. Helen will direct you and your teen to the best possible program so that he/she is most confident and successful when entering a testing site.
Helen is an expert educator with over 25 years of years of experience. She believes in the importance of helping children reach their potential and become well-rounded, intelligent citizens with a positive influence and impact on society. Helen assists parents in accessing the best skills, strategies, tools, and resources to help children be successful and ultimately excel in the world.
Is your teen ready to begin preparing for the SAT or ACT but needs some guidance? Do they struggle with anxiety when it comes to high-stakes testing and don’t know where to start? Or, has your teen taken the SAT or ACT and would like to improve their score?
For most teens, going into high-stakes testing like the SAT and ACT without the right kind of preparation results in stress, uncertainty, and misdirected time and energy. The truth is that most teens believe that they’re prepared, but they’re really not. What most students don’t know is that the tests are more about strategy than the subjects they learned in school. And, although they’re given practice tests at school, they’re not taught strategy.
Here are 7 Ways to Prepare for High-Stakes Tests such as the SAT and ACT:
- Develop Strategies
Students need to know how to strategize in finding an answer quickly and when to just move on. It’s not something that can be learned overnight. This is a different approach to studying than what they are used to with chapter tests. It requires guided, consistent practice to develop strategies and skills so that they take advantage of their time and get the most out of their test-taking experience. They need to know which skills to focus on, which questions to spend more time on, how much each question is worth, how the test will be scored, etc.
- Understand the Testing Format
Time being a factor, students need to know the time allotted for each section and how to address each question individually. Students need to know that it’s not a good idea to leave questions unanswered, and they need to know what to do when they encounter harder questions. They should capitalize on their strengths and know their weaknesses. This is especially important when deciding which test to take, the SAT or ACT. In our recent blog post, we go into detail about the differences between the two tests, and which ones are geared towards certain skillsets and aptitudes. This, parents, is a must read and will provide you with lots of knowledge.
- Set a Schedule
The first step is to develop a schedule weeks and/or months ahead of time to begin learning this new approach to taking a high stakes test. Once your teen has selected their test dates, they need to map out a study plan of action that will help them be successful and score high on the test.
- Create a Productive Workspace
Make sure that the workspace is organized and free from distractions like cell phones or other technology gadgets. Have only the supplies a teen needs on his/her desk and remove all unnecessary items. Have a consistent location in the home that is more formal like a desk and chair—a place where the student can focus and spend positive energy on the task at hand. Choosing another alternative spot elsewhere may also be a good idea as a second option and for a change of scenery.
- Research Test Prep Materials
Do an internet search and read the reviews on all the supplemental books in the market to see which ones are ranked as best sources for practice tests and studying. Have your teen choose which is best for him/her.
- Take a Practice Test
Students should take at least one timed practice test and review the questions they missed two weeks before the test. There are also websites that offer free SAT and ACT practice tests and sample test questions.
- Prepare the Body and Mind
On the days leading up to the test, students should have a routine in place in which they are getting plenty of rest and reading something positive before going to bed each night. In the morning, they should have a movement routine to kickoff their morning in a positive light. We all know how important physical and mental activity is to being successful in school and in life.
Preparing to take the SAT or ACT requires careful planning and acquiring skills and strategies that maximize the student’s time and energy. There are several reasons why we recommend bringing a qualified Dynamis Learning Academy tutor on board to help your child with this process. Overall, it will provide them with the confidence and skills they need to successfully navigate the tedious test-taking process.
Contact Helen HERE to discuss your teen’s college planning goals that include scoring high on the SAT/ACT tests. Helen will direct you and your teen to the best possible program so that he/she is most confident and successful when entering a testing site.
Helen is an expert educator with over 25 years of years of experience. She believes in the importance of helping children reach their potential and become well-rounded, intelligent citizens with a positive influence and impact on society. Helen assists parents in accessing the best skills, strategies, tools, and resources to help children be successful and ultimately excel in the world.