As an entrance exam used by many colleges and universities to make admissions decisions, scoring high on the SAT can expand your child's options for attending and paying for college. Early preparation is associated with numerous benefits—from helping high school students develop time management skills to boosting test-taking confidence. With that in mind, here are five reasons why your child should start prepping for the SAT now.
Students who start studying earlier score higher.
High school students who start studying earlier tend to perform better on the SAT and feel more confident on test day. According to a study by the ACT, students who participated in test prep prior to taking the ACT scored higher than students who did not prepare in advance.
When investigating the most effective types of test preparation, researchers found that students who receive one-on-one, personalized tutoring scored significantly higher on standardized exams. To help your student raise their scores and fit in meaningful test prep before their junior year, enroll them in an SAT prep program by searching “SAT boot camp near me“ or signing up for an online SAT class at Zinc NYC. Online SAT boot camps help students prepare for all content areas of standardized tests with experienced SAT instructors, and many programs offer flexible scheduling so students don't have to worry about sacrificing their summer.
Studying earlier helps fight text anxiety.
Your student's SAT score can influence their admission to college and access to scholarships, and it's normal for them to feel stressed before the exam. Studying earlier gives your student the opportunity to take more practice tests, perfect their time management skills, and learn what to expect on test day.
Starting early helps prevent last-minute cramming.
Studying for the SAT is a marathon, not a sprint. Scoring high on the SAT requires various skills—from time management and creative thinking to language and math—that require months of prep to fully master. Starting test prep a few months in advance can help students feel more confident in the weeks leading up to the exam and prevent last-minute cramming.
Last-minute cramming can cause extra stress, test anxiety, and lower confidence. Instead of studying the day before the exam, encourage your child to do something enjoyable, like spend time with friends or watch a movie.
Most students retake the SAT.
The College Board encourages high school students to take the SAT at least twice, as most students improve their scores when taking the SAT a second or third time. Starting to study toward the end of the sophomore year allows your child to set realistic goals and take a diagnostic test to determine how much studying is needed.
After your child receives their first test score, they can take time to decide if they're satisfied with their score, whether their score qualifies them for admission at the college they want to attend, and whether they have enough time to retake the test.
Some students need longer to study than others.
Some students need more test preparation than others. For example, students with ADHD tend to need more time to study, as the symptoms of ADHD can interfere with learning and performance in traditional classroom settings. Students with ADHD are not less intelligent than students without ADHD—however, students with ADHD tend to learn and process information differently than their counterparts.
If your child has a hard time focusing, consider reaching out to your school psychologist or working with a mental health professional. If you're not sure where to start, try searching ”psychologist for ADHD child near me” or contacting The Ross Center. The experienced team of child psychologists and psychiatrists at The Ross Center offer services ranging from testing and assessment to therapy and medication, so you can rest assured knowing your child will be prepared to take on the SAT.
Studying early, taking practice exams, and leaving enough time to retake the SAT if needed can help your student reach their full potential on test day. Ultimately, remember that it's essential for your child to prepare meaningfully in the months leading up to the SAT instead of cramming a few days before.
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