The A-B-Cs of the S-A-Ts

Throughout his junior year, my son and I both received some important advice on taking the SAT, the most important exam he'll take during his high school career. Some of the tips came from his friends who took the exam well before him, others came to me from moms who have kids his age or older. Some even came from teachers and guidance counselors.

Helpful advice came in all flavors. Test taking strategy – like when it’s better to skip a question or when to guess – was high on the list of useful tips. Advisors  were quick to point that the same strategy might not work for the ACT, the other exam colleges look at while reviewing applications.

Throughout last year, we both received advice that made my head -- and check book -- swirl on which course offered the best help in SAT preparation. Personally, I was happy with the prep class my son signed up for, and it didn’t break the bank like some have been known to do.   

Other tips both my son and I have received during the last year have less to do about the test themselves but when and how they are taken. Some can even be a little contradictory.

As summer draws to a close, I offer incoming juniors and their parents these      
stranger than fiction tips when test taking:

1. Don’t wear sweat pants or dress too casually because you won’t do your best.

2. Wear seat pants or dress casually because you want to be comfortable so you
can do your best.

3. Eat a big breakfast before you take the test. You want to have energy.

4. Eat a light breakfast before you go. You don't want to fall asleep.

5. Take the test at your high school. You’ll do better because you’re with your
friends.

6. Take the test at a school where no one knows you. You are less likely to be
distracted.

7. Chew mint gum during the test. There’s something in the mint flavor that
stimulates your thinking.

8. Take the test in May. That’s when the smart kids take their AP tests so the
curve will be better.

9. Take the test more than once, more than twice if you have to. Sometimes
three time's a charm.

10 Don't worry so much about the writing components. Some schools don't really
even look at that.

11. I know a great writing tutor.

12. Say a prayer, bring a lucky coin or wear your good luck shirt.

It’s hard to know whether any of these suggestions have any value at all. I still  think the best advice I gave my son last year was what carried the most weight. All of the above doesn't matter as much as the effort that's put into actually studying for the test.

At this point, my son has turned the corner. There will be one more opportunity to raise his test scores before putting in his applications to colleges yet unseen. Now he's busy with writing his essay and visiting colleges.       

Things sure have changed when I took the SATs way back in the Stone Age. At the time, we didn’t quite understand its purpose, review classes didn't exist, and we took them only once. But then again, that was when I walked a few miles to school every day, minimum wage was a lot less, and a pair of jeans could be bought for under $20.

I guess it's just the sign of the times.

PS – One last tip, parents. You too may also want to wear your good luck shirt -- and carry your lucky coin -- on SAT day. After all, every little bit helps.

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