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Four Helpful Hints to Take the Fear Out of the SAT/PSAT — Serving Lehigh Valley, PA

Wednesday, May 04, 2011, 9:50:18 AM | admin
It’s the stressful SAT season! The results from this test (along with other activities and grades) can mean acceptance at the college of your choice with a great financial package and scholarships or a lack of future educational choices. That’s a lot of pressure, and pressure can create fear.

You need to make sure that fear doesn’t negatively impact your test taking. Let’s face it, knowledge is power. Here are four ways you can take the anxiety out of the SAT/PSAT process.

1.) What Kind of Test Taker Are You? Ask yourself. Think about these questions to identify how you test. No matter what type of tester you are, there are strategies you can use to prepare for your standardized tests.

• Are you a good guesser?
• Do you tend to be a confident – or fearful – test taker?
• How do you handle multiple-choice questions? Do you use the process of elimination?
• Can you handle time restraints?
• Are you a logical thinker?
• Is your writing organized and concise?

2.) What are your strengths and weaknesses? Assess Yourself. Once you have a better idea of where your strengths and weaknesses lie, you can take steps (like hiring a tutor) to minimize or eliminate the challenges. So how can you assess yourself? Take a practice test online or from a book. You can check out testing websites, and visit the library or bookstores for practice tests in books. What should you look at?

• What are your weak areas? What do your results show?
• Do you know your math fundamentals?
• How are your reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar skills?
• Do you have time management problems?
• Are you familiar with the types of questions and the necessary strategies?

3.) Practice, Practice, Practice. You might be tired of the old saying “Practice makes perfect,” but there’s a reason why that phrase is repeated so often. Practice truly does make things perfect – or at the very least, it provides significantly better results! Here are some helpful ways you can practice for the test:

• Practice taking the test but be sure to use actual SAT/PSAT questions
• Follow a daily and a weekly practice schedule
• Download an App on SAT vocabulary
• Subscribe to and use prep podcasts
• Add a vocabulary App on Facebook options (“Word Challenge” is one)
• Learn (and practice) some relaxation techniques
• Practice your essay writing

4.) You do NOT have to answer every question! Surprisingly, the SAT/PSAT is not a test where you must answer every single question. Keep these tips in mind when taking the test:

• Skip the question that looks strange or if you don’t know the answer
• Be sure that you skip that number on your answer sheet
• Be aware of how the test is scored and the penalties for wrong answers
• Start from choice “C” because the answer is rarely “A.”

While standardized testing is a stressful ordeal, you can take the anxiety out of the process with proper preparation. Once you’ve identified what your needs are, don’t hesitate to get some outside help. Reach out to tutors and coaches that specialize in SAT/PAST strategies and subjects.

Have you or your children had trouble taking standardized tests

4 Responses to; Helpful Hints to Take the Fear out of the ...

Comment on Four Helpful Hints to Take the Fear Out of the SAT/PSAT by Alisa Vandever
Sunday, May 29, 2011, 10:35:33 PM | Alisa Vandever
PREP tutoring is a great way for students to get the extra help they need, whether first grade or a freshman in college. I tutor for all different ages, and I enjoy working for PREP. Thank you to all the parents whom allowed me to help their son or daughter with their education, it is a pleasure.

Thanks PREP for allowing me to make a difference in a students life.....Alisa

Comment on Four Helpful Hints to Take the Fear Out of the SAT/PSAT by John C Cole
Friday, May 13, 2011, 12:39:48 AM | John C Cole
Hi, Ann, I’ve just read the blog. Sounds good….very thorough…..John Cole

Comment on Four Helpful Hints to Take the Fear Out of the SAT/PSAT by Steve Gunn
Thursday, May 12, 2011, 3:23:19 PM | Steve Gunn
Your email newsletter and your blog are wonderful! Great practical strategies.

Comment on Four Helpful Hints to Take the Fear Out of the SAT/PSAT by Cindy Foster
Wednesday, May 11, 2011, 2:50:31 PM | Cindy Foster
Great strategies!

PREP for Success Tutors
Is Your Child Ready For Exams?

Monday, January 24, 2011, 4:00:27 AM | admin
Believe it or not, mid-term and semester final exams are just around the corner. If your child is struggling with schoolwork, you don’t need to worry that good grades are out of reach. There are simple solutions that can change the way your child studies and retains information.
Try these helpful hints to improve study habits and – ultimately – lifelong learning skills.

1.) Discover what motivates your child
Is a reward a bribe or simply a good way to motivate someone who isn’t engaged? Pick a concrete reward like a visit to a favorite place or a half hour with a video game to boost interest in studying. On the other hand, some kids are motivated by negative consequences. You may need to take away access to TV, computer games, cell phones or even visits with friends.

2.) Make studying more fun
Combine studying with exercise – have your child go for a walk with a friend and talk about the subjects they are studying. Or … invent a game or a rap to help them remember important information. Think: “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?” Repetition is the key to retention!

3.) Find out when to study
Is there a best time to study? Yes! Everyone has a peak learning time of day. Some learn better in the morning while others are night owls. Pick a time and stick to it!

4.) Get organized
Create a place just for studying. Put all of your child’s study equipment in it and make folders for each subject so all the information is in one place. Be sure that this spot is free from all distractions.

Implementing easy changes to home studying can make a huge difference in a child’s ability to learn. By creating a structure and an organized space, your child will gain a lifelong learning pattern that he or she will be able to use through high school and college. What study methods do you find work best for your children?

6 Responses to; Is Your Child Ready For Exams?

Comment on Is Your Child Ready For Exams? by Amy
Monday, May 02, 2011, 10:32:43 PM | Amy
You have some very helpful tips for parents! Anything that can keep children engaged in learning is to everyone’s benefit.

Comment on Is Your Child Ready For Exams? by cindy foster
Monday, April 25, 2011, 10:47:44 AM | Cindy Foster
Helpful hints!

Comment on Is Your Child Ready For Exams? by David
Wednesday, April 06, 2011, 9:58:43 PM | David
I like your new website, very informative and bright! Please pass along my complements to the chef. I hope your community weekend goes well.

Comment on Is Your Child Ready For Exams? by Steve Gunn
Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 12:54:49 PM | Steve Gunn
Ann, This is a great article and a great email newsletter. What practical suggestions. It is a wonderful contribution to parents ...... Steve

Comment on Is Your Child Ready For Exams? by Dorothy Cockrell
Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 12:44:04 PM | Dorothy Cockrell
This looks good. I like it. One minor comment: it’s hard to see the blue phone number against the red background.

Comment on Is Your Child Ready For Exams? by Christina Zaharchuk
Monday, February 14, 2011, 5:18:44 PM | Christina Zaharchuk
Ann has the best value for your dollar when it comes to tutoring your child. Pricing is fair and tutors are of the highest caliber. I recommend PREP for any of your learning needs from age 4 to 94

Early Preparation for PSATs & SATs — Serving Lehigh Valley, PA

Monday, July 11, 2011, 4:00:52 AM | admin
Thinking about your child’s upcoming PSATs and SATs? Two time-honored bits of advice should be front and center in your mind: “The earlier, the better,” and “practice makes perfect.” As parents, we scramble as testing dates approach to get our kids prepped with the goal of achieving higher scores. But is there another way? Does starting the preparation process months or even years in advance help improve test scores?

Well, yes – early SAT & PSAT preparations do make a significant difference … not only in test scores but in a child’s overall education as well as their ability to obtain scholarships. Remember that the SAT and the PSAT are not tests they can take only once. They are allowed to take the PSAT two times, and the SAT as many times as you (or your child) would like.

The positive results of higher test scores will expand college choices and scholarship opportunities. Early testing also opens up opportunities to compete for National Merit Scholarships in the junior year of high school, and allows your family to make smarter college decisions.
Some parents, with their eyes on Ivy League schools and scholarships, are starting the preparation process as their children begin middle school. One of the immediate dividends they notice? Better overall performance in the classroom.

How to Start Preparing

Since strong critical thinking skills are crucial to success on the PSATs and SATs, it is important to begin developing these skills early. Unlike most school tests, critical thinking skills can’t be acquired through cram sessions…they must be built over time. Here are a few ways you can gather prep materials and begin preparing:

1.) Collect library books or borrow books and materials. These materials will help your child with test preparation. Graduating seniors, used book sales, and bookstores are all excellent sources for PSAT/SAT/ACT study materials.

2.) Look for CD, DVDs or iPhone and Android apps for learning and practice. Be sure to Google or search for SAT College Board preparation sites. There are plenty online, and many offer free exercises you can use.

3.)Practice vocabulary and writing essays early…and often. The earlier your child starts practicing these skills, the better he or she will perform not only in English classes, but on the standardized tests as well.

4.)Should you hire a tutor to find and improve your child’s weak academic areas? A tutor can teach test taking strategies and study skills. Their knowledge, experience and supervision can build student confidence and success. Tutors can also share time management suggestions and relaxation techniques to make the testing process less stressful.

Early preparation for the PSAT and SAT gives your child more advantages than just higher scores on standardized tests. With better overall performance in school, higher grades, access to a broader range of scholarships, the ability to choose colleges, and the freedom to enjoy all of the fun spring events at school without worrying about upcoming tests, what could be a smarter choice for you and your child?

What steps are you taking to ensure that your child earns high marks on the PSAT or SAT?

To contact us, either call the phone numbers listed above OR click on the Contact Us button below

Return to Top

Home — About Us — Testimonials — Blog — Contact Us

Copyright© 2008 — P.R.E.P. for Success Tutors — All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Report Website Problems to Webmaster: deb.phillips@web-design-lehighvalley.com of ANS Business Forms & Systems


	Four Helpful Hints to Take the Fear Out of the SAT/PSAT — Serving Lehigh Valley, PA Wednesday, May 04, 2011, 9:50:18 AM \| admin It’s the stressful SAT season! The results from this test (along with other activities and grades) can mean acceptance at the college of your choice with a great financial package and scholarships or a lack of future educational choices. That’s a lot of pressure, and pressure can create fear. You need to make sure that fear doesn’t negatively impact your test taking. Let’s face it, knowledge is power. Here are four ways you can take the anxiety out of the SAT/PSAT process.
	1.) What Kind of Test Taker Are You? Ask yourself. Think about these questions to identify how you test. No matter what type of tester you are, there are strategies you can use to prepare for your standardized tests. • Are you a good guesser? • Do you tend to be a confident – or fearful – test taker? • How do you handle multiple-choice questions? Do you use the process of elimination? • Can you handle time restraints? • Are you a logical thinker? • Is your writing organized and concise? 2.) What are your strengths and weaknesses? Assess Yourself. Once you have a better idea of where your strengths and weaknesses lie, you can take steps (like hiring a tutor) to minimize or eliminate the challenges. So how can you assess yourself? Take a practice test online or from a book. You can check out testing websites, and visit the library or bookstores for practice tests in books. What should you look at? • What are your weak areas? What do your results show? • Do you know your math fundamentals? • How are your reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar skills? • Do you have time management problems? • Are you familiar with the types of questions and the necessary strategies? 3.) Practice, Practice, Practice. You might be tired of the old saying “Practice makes perfect,” but there’s a reason why that phrase is repeated so often. Practice truly does make things perfect – or at the very least, it provides significantly better results! Here are some helpful ways you can practice for the test: • Practice taking the test but be sure to use actual SAT/PSAT questions • Follow a daily and a weekly practice schedule • Download an App on SAT vocabulary • Subscribe to and use prep podcasts • Add a vocabulary App on Facebook options (“Word Challenge” is one) • Learn (and practice) some relaxation techniques • Practice your essay writing 4.) You do NOT have to answer every question! Surprisingly, the SAT/PSAT is not a test where you must answer every single question. Keep these tips in mind when taking the test: • Skip the question that looks strange or if you don’t know the answer • Be sure that you skip that number on your answer sheet • Be aware of how the test is scored and the penalties for wrong answers • Start from choice “C” because the answer is rarely “A.” While standardized testing is a stressful ordeal, you can take the anxiety out of the process with proper preparation. Once you’ve identified what your needs are, don’t hesitate to get some outside help. Reach out to tutors and coaches that specialize in SAT/PAST strategies and subjects. Have you or your children had trouble taking standardized tests
	4 Responses to; Helpful Hints to Take the Fear out of the ... Comment on Four Helpful Hints to Take the Fear Out of the SAT/PSAT by Alisa Vandever Sunday, May 29, 2011, 10:35:33 PM \| Alisa Vandever PREP tutoring is a great way for students to get the extra help they need, whether first grade or a freshman in college. I tutor for all different ages, and I enjoy working for PREP. Thank you to all the parents whom allowed me to help their son or daughter with their education, it is a pleasure. Thanks PREP for allowing me to make a difference in a students life.....Alisa Comment on Four Helpful Hints to Take the Fear Out of the SAT/PSAT by John C Cole Friday, May 13, 2011, 12:39:48 AM \| John C Cole Hi, Ann, I’ve just read the blog. Sounds good….very thorough…..John Cole Comment on Four Helpful Hints to Take the Fear Out of the SAT/PSAT by Steve Gunn Thursday, May 12, 2011, 3:23:19 PM \| Steve Gunn Your email newsletter and your blog are wonderful! Great practical strategies. Comment on Four Helpful Hints to Take the Fear Out of the SAT/PSAT by Cindy Foster Wednesday, May 11, 2011, 2:50:31 PM \| Cindy Foster Great strategies!
	Is Your Child Ready For Exams? Monday, January 24, 2011, 4:00:27 AM \| admin Believe it or not, mid-term and semester final exams are just around the corner. If your child is struggling with schoolwork, you don’t need to worry that good grades are out of reach. There are simple solutions that can change the way your child studies and retains information. Try these helpful hints to improve study habits and – ultimately – lifelong learning skills. 1.) Discover what motivates your child Is a reward a bribe or simply a good way to motivate someone who isn’t engaged? Pick a concrete reward like a visit to a favorite place or a half hour with a video game to boost interest in studying. On the other hand, some kids are motivated by negative consequences. You may need to take away access to TV, computer games, cell phones or even visits with friends. 2.) Make studying more fun Combine studying with exercise – have your child go for a walk with a friend and talk about the subjects they are studying. Or … invent a game or a rap to help them remember important information. Think: “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?” Repetition is the key to retention! 3.) Find out when to study Is there a best time to study? Yes! Everyone has a peak learning time of day. Some learn better in the morning while others are night owls. Pick a time and stick to it! 4.) Get organized Create a place just for studying. Put all of your child’s study equipment in it and make folders for each subject so all the information is in one place. Be sure that this spot is free from all distractions. Implementing easy changes to home studying can make a huge difference in a child’s ability to learn. By creating a structure and an organized space, your child will gain a lifelong learning pattern that he or she will be able to use through high school and college. What study methods do you find work best for your children? 6 Responses to; Is Your Child Ready For Exams? Comment on Is Your Child Ready For Exams? by Amy Monday, May 02, 2011, 10:32:43 PM \| Amy You have some very helpful tips for parents! Anything that can keep children engaged in learning is to everyone’s benefit. Comment on Is Your Child Ready For Exams? by cindy foster Monday, April 25, 2011, 10:47:44 AM \| Cindy Foster Helpful hints! Comment on Is Your Child Ready For Exams? by David Wednesday, April 06, 2011, 9:58:43 PM \| David I like your new website, very informative and bright! Please pass along my complements to the chef. I hope your community weekend goes well. Comment on Is Your Child Ready For Exams? by Steve Gunn Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 12:54:49 PM \| Steve Gunn Ann, This is a great article and a great email newsletter. What practical suggestions. It is a wonderful contribution to parents ...... Steve Comment on Is Your Child Ready For Exams? by Dorothy Cockrell Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 12:44:04 PM \| Dorothy Cockrell This looks good. I like it. One minor comment: it’s hard to see the blue phone number against the red background. Comment on Is Your Child Ready For Exams? by Christina Zaharchuk Monday, February 14, 2011, 5:18:44 PM \| Christina Zaharchuk Ann has the best value for your dollar when it comes to tutoring your child. Pricing is fair and tutors are of the highest caliber. I recommend PREP for any of your learning needs from age 4 to 94 Early Preparation for PSATs & SATs — Serving Lehigh Valley, PA Monday, July 11, 2011, 4:00:52 AM \| admin Thinking about your child’s upcoming PSATs and SATs? Two time-honored bits of advice should be front and center in your mind: “The earlier, the better,” and “practice makes perfect.” As parents, we scramble as testing dates approach to get our kids prepped with the goal of achieving higher scores. But is there another way? Does starting the preparation process months or even years in advance help improve test scores? Well, yes – early SAT & PSAT preparations do make a significant difference … not only in test scores but in a child’s overall education as well as their ability to obtain scholarships. Remember that the SAT and the PSAT are not tests they can take only once. They are allowed to take the PSAT two times, and the SAT as many times as you (or your child) would like. The positive results of higher test scores will expand college choices and scholarship opportunities. Early testing also opens up opportunities to compete for National Merit Scholarships in the junior year of high school, and allows your family to make smarter college decisions. Some parents, with their eyes on Ivy League schools and scholarships, are starting the preparation process as their children begin middle school. One of the immediate dividends they notice? Better overall performance in the classroom. How to Start Preparing Since strong critical thinking skills are crucial to success on the PSATs and SATs, it is important to begin developing these skills early. Unlike most school tests, critical thinking skills can’t be acquired through cram sessions…they must be built over time. Here are a few ways you can gather prep materials and begin preparing: 1.) Collect library books or borrow books and materials. These materials will help your child with test preparation. Graduating seniors, used book sales, and bookstores are all excellent sources for PSAT/SAT/ACT study materials. 2.) Look for CD, DVDs or iPhone and Android apps for learning and practice. Be sure to Google or search for SAT College Board preparation sites. There are plenty online, and many offer free exercises you can use. 3.)Practice vocabulary and writing essays early…and often. The earlier your child starts practicing these skills, the better he or she will perform not only in English classes, but on the standardized tests as well. 4.)Should you hire a tutor to find and improve your child’s weak academic areas? A tutor can teach test taking strategies and study skills. Their knowledge, experience and supervision can build student confidence and success. Tutors can also share time management suggestions and relaxation techniques to make the testing process less stressful. Early preparation for the PSAT and SAT gives your child more advantages than just higher scores on standardized tests. With better overall performance in school, higher grades, access to a broader range of scholarships, the ability to choose colleges, and the freedom to enjoy all of the fun spring events at school without worrying about upcoming tests, what could be a smarter choice for you and your child? What steps are you taking to ensure that your child earns high marks on the PSAT or SAT?
To contact us, either call the phone numbers listed above OR click on the Contact Us button below Return to Top
Home — About Us — Testimonials — Blog — Contact Us
Copyright© 2008 — P.R.E.P. for Success Tutors — All Rights Reserved Worldwide Report Website Problems to Webmaster: deb.phillips@web-design-lehighvalley.com of ANS Business Forms & Systems