While it may feel like the school year just started, high school students are thinking ahead to the SAT. Proper preparation is the key to performing well on this test the first time. If you have a student planning to take the SAT this school year, here are some tips to help with the preparation.

Learn to Slow Down on the Math Section
The SAT creates its math questions so that they will trick up students who rush. Whether your student is strong in math or not, part of preparing for the SAT means learning how to slow down and take enough time. Your child just might find that the math section is easier than she think once she loses her nerves and gets going.

Know What to Do When You Don’t Know
There will be questions on the SAT that your student doesn’t know. What is the best strategy? Most guides or tips will tell students to leave the answer blank to avoid the guessing penalty that is built into the test. However, if the student can narrow down the answer to two or three potential right answers, that risk drops significantly, so making a wise choice might be the better option.

Prepare Physically for the Test
Staying up late cramming for the test will simply make your student tired and unfocused. Taking care of the body is just as important as preparing the mind for the test. Insist on good rest and nutrition in the days prior to the test, and ensure that any test prep that requires late nights happens before the week of the test.

Practice Appropriately
Is your child taking practice tests? Try to emulate the test-day conditions at home. Turn off the TV and music, take away the iPod and time the sessions as they would be timed at the testing center. This will help get your student get used to the nerves that he will have to deal with on test day.

Vocabulary Is Important
The vocabulary part of the SAT is important, and one area where many students fail to properly prepare for. Help your student by learning a word of the day every day before the test. Encourage your child to use that word in conversation, or learn it together as a family.

If your child could use a little extra help with SAT test prep, consider the Swan Learning Center. We have proven test prep programs that will give the best possible preparation for this important exam, so your child can overcome test fears, improve knowledge and enter the test with confidence.