12.Practice.Tests.for.the.SAT_2015-2016_1128p

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I 1 2 Practice Tests for the SAT
If you didn't take the SAT yourself, you can remember some time when you had to prepare for an
important event-a test, a presentation at work, or a job interview. All of these events are daunting
because, to some degree, they shape the course of our lives. You might not remember what you got
on the SAT, but saying, "Oh, in 15 years, no one will care what you got on the SAT," WILL NOT HELP.
This test matters to your child right now-a lot. Recognize that, and make sure your child knows that
you know how important this test is and that her anxiety isn't abnormal or strange.
Most of all, talk to your child about this anxiety-gently. Know when it's the right time to approach your
child and start a casual discussion. Try sharing over dinner a time when you were worried about a big life
event. Then let your child open up on his terms and share his thoughts and feelings. Let him know you
believe in succeeding at this together and, no matter what happens, life will continue after the SAT.
Set Measurable Goals and Increase Your Child's Confidence
A good first step is to determine some target schools. Offer to help your child with this, serving as a
sounding board for her thoughts and offering helpful advice. Keep in mind that your goals and hers
might be completely different. Even if you don't have a sense of where your child's SAT scores are right
now, consider things such as school size, location, academic competitiveness, and academic majors.
Having a realistic list of schools will help the unmotivated student see the point of studying for the
SATs and will help the super-motivated student keep things in perspective.
By setting goals, you can reward steps along the way. If your daughter learned 25 new vocabulary words
this week, reward her-an iTunes download perhaps-even if she hasn't shown a 20-point increase on
her practice test yet. If your child continually sees how proud of her you are, she'll be more likely to be
proud and confident herself on Test Day. Successes along the way will make Test Day feel much less
like a "make or break" event and more like an "I'm going to conquer this test'' opportunity.
Lead by Example and Manage Your Own Stress
If you want your child to stick to his study schedule, lead the way. Share some tricks that you use to
help with time management and, most importantly, use them. If you say you're going to be home at
5:00 to drive him to hockey practice, be home at 5:00, not 5:30. If you say you're going to exercise
three times per week, then exercise. We've all had that boss who tells you to respond to his emails
within 24 hours but who only responds to yours after three follow-up emails. You know what you think
when he says, "Please respond within 24 hours to all emails'.' You think, If you don't do i then why
should!? Your child thinks this, too.
Also, manage your own stress about the SAT by keeping these things in mind:
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With commitment and dedication, it will all work out. Your child's confidence may waver, and
she may feel as if studying is a losing battle at times, but stay positive and believe that, in the
future, it all works out.
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Your child gets to focus on his SAT score; you get to focus on praising your child for effort and
encouraging him to succeed in a healthy and positive way.
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Stay calm and supportive, and your child will come to you for help.
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By choosing Kaplan, you have a lot of resources to guide you through this process.