The BFF Tutoring
Test-Taking Advantage

 

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The BEST time to study is during the summer between 10th and 11th grades.        

Once school begins, your student will never again have this much time to focus on this daunting task. Whatever your preferred method of study, get them started before the chaos of junior year descends!   As a bonus, your child will be prepped for the October PSAT exam, which could lead to prestigious honors and even a scholarship!

 

1. Answer one practice question EACH day

If you are thinking that opening your ACT/SAT study guide during the summer is not going to happen, try this strategy – just answer a single practice question each day.

 

Download the “Question of the Day" App for each test, and set a time to do:  Breakfast is an excellent time to make this appointment with yourself –finish this task early in the day, before any other obligations intrude on your schedule. And if you feel ambitious, answer two problems!

 

2. Schedule a weekly study session

If short, daily bursts of review are unrealistic or unmanageable, choose a time each week (write it in your calendar) when you can be free of distractions, and schedule your other summer activities around this commitment.

 

If you simply resolve to “do some studying each week,” it will be too easy to postpone your review session. Your study session need not be long, but do ensure that it is focused.

 

3. Read

The simple act of reading during your summer break can positively affect your prep. Both the ACT       and the SAT are shifting to place more emphasis on reading comprehension and interpretation, so emphasize books that force you to use these skills. While you may not encounter your summer reading selections on the ACT or SAT, you will be building your familiarity with parsing, dense language.

 

4. Volunteer to teach!

Many school districts, as well as churches, clubs like the YMCA, and even public libraries, offer tutoring and academic enrichment classes during the summer months. Look for a volunteer opportunity where you can work with younger students who are learning skills in your weakest area (i.e. math or science).

 

From the perspective of your own test prep, you will generally be working with students at a much less advanced level. You may find, though, that teaching any kind of English, math, reading, science, or writing skill truly sharpens your own understanding.  And as a bonus, your volunteer activities will only strengthen your college applications.

 

 

Summer is here. Take full advantage of this time to rest and recharge, but do not forget to remain engaged with your studies, especially if you will be taking the ACT or the SAT in the fall.

 

Adapted from Time Magazine Article: http://time.com/3906983/summer-sat-study-tips/