SAT™ Parent Guide: How to Support Your Child
Navigating the SAT preparation process can be a stressful experience for both students and parents. Your support and guidance can make a significant difference in your child’s success. This guide provides practical tips on how you can be an effective and encouraging partner in their SAT journey.
Contents
Understanding the SAT™
First, it’s helpful to understand the test your child is preparing for. The SAT™ is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It measures a high school student’s readiness for college and provides colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.
The SAT™ has two main sections:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW): This section includes a Reading Test and a Writing and Language Test. It assesses your child’s comprehension and reasoning skills and their ability to edit and revise texts for grammar, usage, and style.
- Math: This section is divided into two parts: one where a calculator is permitted and one where it is not. It tests skills in algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and advanced math.
Scores for each section range from 200 to 800, with the total score ranging from 400 to 1600.
Creating a Positive and Supportive Study Environment
Your child needs a calm and encouraging environment to study effectively. Here’s how you can help:
- Designate a Study Space: Set up a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable area for studying, free from distractions like television or loud conversations.
- Be Flexible and Patient: Understand that your child has other commitments, like schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Be patient and flexible with their study schedule.
- Focus on Effort, Not Just Scores: Praise their hard work and dedication rather than focusing solely on practice test scores. This helps build resilience and a positive attitude towards challenges.
- Encourage Breaks: Remind your child to take regular breaks to rest and recharge. Burnout is a real concern, and breaks can improve focus and productivity.
Your Role in the Preparation Process
While it’s your child’s responsibility to study, you can play a crucial supporting role.
- Help Create a Study Plan: Sit down with your child to create a realistic study schedule. You can use our guides on Study Timelines to help plan. While our app doesn’t yet have a built-in planner, creating a manual schedule can be very effective.
- Discuss Goals: Have an open conversation about their target score. This should be based on the requirements of the colleges they are interested in.
- Stay Informed: Keep track of important dates, such as registration deadlines and test dates.
Helping with Practical Matters
You can alleviate some of your child’s stress by helping with logistical tasks:
- Registration: The SAT registration process on the College Board website can be confusing. Offer to help them navigate the registration process.
- Test Day Logistics: Plan the logistics for test day, including transportation to the test center and ensuring they have everything on the test day checklist.
Managing Stress and Anxiety
Test anxiety is common among students. Here’s how you can help them manage it:
- Listen to Their Concerns: Create a safe space for your child to share their fears and anxieties.
- Promote Healthy Habits: Ensure they are getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and getting regular exercise.
- Keep Perspective: Remind them that the SAT™ is just one part of their college application. Their worth is not defined by their test score.
Our guide on managing test anxiety offers more specific strategies and techniques.
While there are many resources available, it’s important to choose ones that are effective and suit your child’s needs. For SAT English preparation, Panchi offers a comprehensive question bank categorized by question type, allowing your child to focus on their specific areas of weakness. It’s a great way to supplement their studies and build confidence.
Encourage your child to try out the Panchi app, available on Web, iOS, and Android, to practice for the SAT English sections.
By being an informed and supportive partner, you can help your child navigate the SAT™ process with confidence and achieve their best possible score.
