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You are here: Family Magazine >
Education > Preparing for
the ACT/SAT
Preparing for the ACT/SAT
By Stephanie Estabrooks
Tests!! Due to different philosophies, some parents rely heavily on these in
their homeschooling efforts, whereas others dislike assessing their children’s
progress in this manner. Regardless of their personal opinions, however, there
comes a time when some parents and students have no choice but to face the
challenge of the ultimate academic test - the college entrance examination. If
your young adult has been called by God to attend college, there is practically
no avoiding the ACT or SAT. Most colleges require one or the other.
Contemplating the impact that this single test can have on a high schooler’s
future often causes parents and students alike to feel overwhelmed and downright
panicked. That is a normal reaction but not one that needs to persist for long!
God is our source of peace and sustaining grace. Having had four high schoolers
successfully travel through this process, I would like to share some suggestions
that I’ve gleaned from books and personal experience that helped our family
during this stage of their education.
First, you must realize that a student can and should study for this important
test. In addition to prayer, one of the most effective ways to combat any fears
and uneasiness associated with the ACT/SAT is to be as prepared as is reasonably
possible. I believe that this task can be accomplished by following a few steps
in a very intentional course of action:
1. Plan ahead: Choose a test date so that your student will have two to three
months beforehand in which to prepare. Spreading the study period over a lengthy
span of time lessens the daily impact so that the normal high school course work
can progress as usual. It also eliminates any need for last-minute cramming
which can be very counter-productive and anxiety producing!
2. Choose the right prep course for your student: There is no dearth of
available materials! Much help is offered on-line (www.actstudent.org,
sat.collegeboard.org) and in hardcopy, so you can choose either type of resource
or both. My experience is exclusively with hardcopy, and I strongly recommend
that this format be used for at least a portion of the study. Whether you use
printable tests available on-line or purchase prep books, it is important that
your student can practice with tests that are exactly like the real exam, with
the same number of questions and taken exactly the same way-with paper and
pencil! Because the prep books are what I am accustomed to using, these form the
basis of my suggested course of study. The two books that I specifically
recommend are The Real ACT Prep guide, 3rd edition published by Peterson’s and
The Official SAT Study Guide, 2nd edition published by The College Board and
Educational Testing Service. Both of these include multiple practice tests and
were written by the people who design the actual ACT and SAT respectively.
3. Study and practice: At the outset of the preparation, choose one test to
evaluate your student’s stronger and weaker areas of performance so as to
eliminate any unnecessary study time. This may be done in one sitting or over
several days. Next, design a plan that will help him work slowly and steadily
through the book, as needed. As he progresses, make good use of the practice
tests! These may each be divided into individual sections concentrating on those
subjects that need the most work. Be sure to time each test so that your student
can learn to pace his work well.
4. Administer one complete test: As the test date approaches, set aside a time
to have your student take one entire test, in one sitting, simulating the real
testing experience. This requires a quiet atmosphere, and if possible, you can
do this during the corresponding time of day the actual test will be given (i.e
starting rather early in the morning!). The Saturday before is a good choice,
for then you may allow your student a week of well-deserved rest!
In conclusion, I would like to offer an additional note of encouragement. Be
sensitive throughout this preparation time as to whether your student is
handling the schedule well. You want him to be prepared, not burned out! An
adequate number of days, proper materials, and focused study at an appropriate
pace can help your high schooler do his very best on the exam.
Stephanie Estabrooks is a homeschooling mom of five sons, ages 29 to 13 years.
By God’s grace all of her children are exclusively homeschooled (grades 1-12)
with the four oldest either currently enrolled at or graduates of a four-year
college. The youngest is presently in the eighth grade. Stephanie lives with her
husband, Bates, and four of her sons near Knoxville, Tennessee, where she enjoys
birdwatching and various ministry opportunities.
Copyright, 2011. Used with permission. All rights reserved by author. Originally
appeared in The Homeschool Minute,
September 28, 2011.
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www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com to view a
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