Standardized tests play a crucial role throughout your child’s education. They can be an indication of intelligence, and are a requirement for most college admission. If your child is intimidated by upcoming tests, try using these helpful standardized test prep tips to help them relax and succeed.

How to Help Your Child Prepare for Standardized and High Stakes Exams (ie: SSAT, ACT, SATs)

1. Understand Tests & Options

You and your child first need to understand standardized test options. The most common tests for high school students are the ACT and SAT. For many middle-school students or those in private schools, there are the SSAT or the Iowa Skills Test.

The Iowa Skills Test measures students’ aptitude in reading, math, social studies, and science. The ACT is used for college admissions and takes 2 hours and 55 minutes, focusing on math, English, Reading and Math- the Science section is actually more akin to ‘technical reading’. The SAT is equally as well-known as the ACT as a college readiness exam and takes 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete. There are significant differences in their design- although both do have an optional essay section, not to be confused with the Writing section of the SAT, which is similar to the English section of the ACT. Another significant difference is that the SAT does not include a Science section, instead there are two Math sections: one with a calculator and the other without. Each of these sections also include a few fill in the blank questions- although most of the prompts are multiple choice. 

For both, whether called English or Writing, how well the examinee understands the rules of conventional grammar is the first section, followed thereafter by a Reading section. Many students have claimed the passages in the SAT hold more interest. The absence of the Science section and additional section of no calc Math lead to significant distinctions in determining which exam is better for a particular test taker.

Each exam is offered several times throughout the year and since each uses a process of converting raw scores to percentiles which are then converted and reported as ‘scaled scores’, the number of participants for each test date can and does impact the reported result.Therefore we recommend students recognize that most students are required to take the exams in October and April with their high schools. The months of December and June, tend to attract those who are typically more motivated to perform well as these are the last dates prior to Early Bird college registration. Understanding who will be taking the exam with you helps in planning which test dates will help you put your best score forward- along with pursuing the best test preparation option available to enhance your readiness. 

Most colleges/ universities will accept either the ACT or SAT (while 2- year colleges administer the ACCUPLACER to determine class scheduling needs). It is important to refer to the top choices of your student to determine the unique expectations of each and to meet with any casemanagers of your student should there be a 504 or IEP that is active for your student since school-based accommodations are not automatically granted and certain forms must be completed in a timely fashion to apply for these prior to the test date. (Also, see information related to the Accessibility Office for each college in these instances to make sure is a good fit). 

2. Take Practice Tests

Practice tests are the best way to gauge your child’s preparedness. There are booklets available with standardized test prep material. Have your child take them, and note areas where they’re lacking. Then they know what to study before retaking the test. Going through a simulated test process will also help them feel more comfortable when the actual day arrives by familiarizing themselves with the language and format of the exam they select, working under such significant time constraints and in making an informed decision as to whether the SAT or ACT will help put the ‘best score forward’ for your student. 

3. Hire a Tutor

It’s helpful to have an expert who is familiar with the test to guide your child’s studying. Standardized test prep specialists know the ins and outs of the exams and will create a custom strategy to assess your child’s needs. They can provide onsite education and insight, share example questions, and review complete tests.

If you’re looking for a standardized test prep service in the Chesterfield, MO, area, turn to EYC Academy. They’ve provided one-on-one tutoring services for middle and high school students since 2014. Their team of tutors creates a custom learning plan for each student. Call (636) 220-3344 to schedule a consultation and visit their website to learn about their educational therapy services.