<p>Does anyone have any tried & true methods for lessening your kids stress about the SAT/ACT. Full disclosure I understand why a standard test is used for admissions but my own experience tells me the SAT is not a valid guide. I scored at least 100 pts higher then 2 friends both of whom were much better students in HS. In college they were even more academically superior.
My D is a very good student because besides being smart she takes school seriously- I could imagine the stress for her is far greater then for a smart slacker student when taking the SAT.
I have shown her the list of SAT optional schools so she can see that there are many fine schools that she should/could look at no matter what her scores. I did not include any schools that use SAT scores at all even II’s so no Conn Coll or Middlebury. Still leaves over 30 fine LAC’s or Universities.</p>
<p>Whether or not a kid stresses depends a lot on personality–as much as level or preparedness. If she is as prepared as she is likely to be, then the focus should be on relaxing. Having a good night’s sleep, having everything ready the night before so that there is no last minute panic search for needed items (including snacks and ID), eating a good breakfast. additionally, there are some relaxation techniques that can also be very helpful.
If she is concerned about her level of preparation, some review, a few practice tests to familiarize herself with the format could lessen her anxiety.</p>
<p>mathmom- D took the SAT in 8th grade and scored 1000 (500 each section). She took the PSAT for “practice” in 10th grade without any prep and got a wake up call. The scores were not what she expected. That is why the stress may come in. In her practice tests she is running around 600+. She will not be looking at top schools-her range will be LAC’s between 50-100 per US News. I think she will be ok with 1800+ on the SAT.
Marite- thank you for the suggestions.</p>
<p>when she took the PSAT in 10th grade, did she identify areas of weakness? Did she check her answers against the correct ones? With some preparation using the Xiggi method, she could really improve her scores well past 600.</p>
<p>Perhaps your daughter would do better with the ACT since it has score choice. I know that aspect of the test helped my daughter relax and thus do better.</p>
<p>I think everyone should at least take practice tests of both the SAT and ACT and see if they have a preference as to format or do better on one.</p>