As parents, we want to do everything for our kids. We want to see them succeed, have more than we could have ever dreamed of having, and we want them to be motivated while accomplishing these things and growing.
In high school, kids start having opportunities and the outcome of these will impact them for the rest of their lives. These include driving, debating what they want to do for a living, and considering colleges.
One key thing to remember for kids going straight into a university from high school is that the SAT’s are required and the scores students get are one thing universities look at. Today we are going to discuss how to prepare for PSAT’s (practice version of the test) and how to prepare for SAT’s!
While PSATs are important, they are not the real deal. They are not what universities will look at for admissions (though some scholarships may use them for consideration).
PSAT preparation available:
- Study Guides
- Practice Tests
- Tutors
- Books About the PSAT
It does not hurt to prepare for this test, but students and parents alike shouldn’t feel too pressured to cram for this test in particular.
My recommendation- don’t pay for anything having to do with your child’s PSAT preparations! This is a practice test and the results of this test can be used as a guide for what your student should brush up on and focus on studying before taking the real SAT test.
The SAT’s are the real deal. These are the real head honcho and by far the most important of any academic test your child has taken yet. These are required if your student is going straight from high school to a university.
The test generally is not required if your student is going to attend a junior college with more that one semester of transferable units to a university. Not only do universities require them, but colleges will consider the scores during the admissions process. Your score can either make or break your admission status.
While this is not a test you can fail or pass, it is a test that gauges what your student has learned and retained in school up to this point. Preparation and brushing up on the weaker areas shown in your student’s PSAT scores will contribute in helping them get an overall higher score.
Resources available and ways to prepare for the SAT:
- Study Guides
- SAT Specific Books
- Tutors
- SAT Prep Workshops
- SAT Prep Classes
- Practice Essay Writing
- Study Your Weak Areas Based on Your PSAT Scores
- Take Care of Yourself the Week Before the Test!
It is important for you to support and encourage your student while they are preparing for these tests! Don’t hover over them, as it will add on to the pressure they are already feeling. Instead, be patient and ask them if there is any way you can help them prepare. Here is a SAT information for parents 2017 guide to help you help them!
In short, the PSAT’s are not worth stressing over, this is simply a practice test and it gives your student an idea of what to expect. Instead, utilize them as a guide for what your student should review for the real SAT’s. The test will take preparation and work to ensure that your student achieves a good score! Remember, the more your student prepares ahead of test day, the less they will stress!
Originally posted 2017-05-06 19:47:47.