How Parents Can Help Increase SAT/ACT Scores

Important tests like the SAT and ACT can be overwhelming. With hours of prep time, pressure to do well and all the stress that comes with it, students can have a tough time getting ready for the exam. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do as a parent to make sure your high schooler is well-prepared for the test, helping them to perform better and increase their score. 

Help Them Study

For a student, knowing your parent is there for you and wants to see you succeed can be extremely motivating. Try to help them with their test prep in any way you can, whether it’s sitting down with them to go through study materials or looking over their practice tests. Being an active participant on their journey to the SAT or ACT can show that you care and want to do what you can to help. 

Be Encouraging 

Let them know that they are capable of success. Use positive reinforcement and remind them regularly that they are smart and should always believe in themselves. A good attitude can do wonders for students on test day, so cultivating this mindset throughout the test prep process will yield excellent results. It can be easy for students to fall into the trap of feeling like they aren’t working hard enough or aren’t intelligent enough to do well, so instilling a sense of confidence early on can be extremely rewarding. 

Check In Regularly 

Preparing to take the SAT and ACT can be mentally taxing. Ask your high schooler how they’re feeling, if they are overwhelmed or anxious. Allow them to feel heard so they know they can come to you if they are feeling down or stressed out. Make sure they are taking study breaks, nourishing their bodies, exercising enough and doing things outside of studying and schooling that make them happy. Feeling a lot of anxiety during test prep or test taking is normal, but it doesn’t need to be. When students are at ease and comfortable, they tend to study more effectively and do better on tests. Help them prioritize their mental health and their academic performance is sure to improve!

In need of extra help for SAT or ACT test prep? Contact us today for more information on the tutoring services we offer.