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Helping High Schoolers Prep for College Entrance Exams
Special to The Truth
Whether taking the SAT,
the ACT or both, excelling on college entrance exams can
significantly strengthen one’s school applications.
While students need to
take personal initiative when prepping for these crucial
tests, families can lend a helping hand in many ways.
Prioritizing Study Time
Good study habits are
important for academic achievement and will come in handy in
college. They are also especially important during college
exam preparation.
Ensure your student has a
quiet area to study for the big day, free of distractions
like televisions, squabbling siblings and social media.
A study schedule should be
practical. If possible, consider giving your student a free
pass from chores on days he or she takes a full practice
test -- this will require several hours and be mentally
taxing.
The Right Tools
Mathematical coursework,
test-taking and preparation require the right gear. Set up
your student for achievement with scientific and graphing
calculators that feature a range of high-level functions.
Remember, some questions in the math sections of the SAT
can’t be solved without a scientific or graphing calculator.
Choose one that is right
for the task. For example, Casio’s CLASSWIZ fx-991EX is the
first scientific calculator to feature spreadsheet
functionality. It enables users to create spreadsheets with
up to five columns and 45 rows. It can also convert graphs
into QR codes which can be displayed on a projector screen,
allowing students to work seamlessly with their teacher or
test prep tutor.
Designed for elementary,
middle and high school students, Casio’s range of
calculators focus on such subjects as general math,
trigonometry, statistics, algebra, geometry and physics, and
are available in a wide variety of colors (a potential
motivational tool for students who want to do math in
style!).
Whatever model you opt
for, be sure it is authorized for use during the test and
has an intuitive interface that will speed up calculations
when time matters.
Deeper Understanding
It’s not always enough to
memorize materials. A competitive edge is gained with true
comprehension. Fill your home with books and magazines on a
wide range of subjects. Picking up new words in a practical
context will happen naturally without feeling like work.
On the math front, check
out practical tools that encourage deeper understanding of
difficult concepts, such as research-based books and
education workbooks on topics like critical thinking,
algebra, geometry and statistics.
Test Day
The night before the test
is not the time to cram. Students should arrive at the test
site refreshed, well-rested and well-fed. Fatigue or an
empty stomach will prove distracting. Fill up on brain food
containing Omega-3s, antioxidants and vitamin E. For those
needing a morning boost, consider jogging the brain into
action over breakfast with a challenging article or math
problem.
College entrance exams can
significantly impact an academic career. Take every step you
can to ensure a maximum score.
Courtesy StatePoint
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