Empowering Your Child’s Future: Navigating SAT and ACT Success for Scholarships and College Acceptance

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Every parent wants to create the best possible future for their children. For parents of aspiring college students, part of that effort should be dedicated to preparing kids to succeed on the SAT and ACT. By helping your child improve their scores on these important tests, you can empower them to earn scholarships and gain admission to their dream colleges. Here’s how!

The Impact of ACT and SAT Scores on Academic Success

Before we explore the ways you can improve your child’s ACT and SAT scores, let’s first break down how those scores can impact your child’s academic future.

College Acceptance

Not all colleges require students to submit their ACT or SAT scores to be considered for acceptance. In fact, many schools have made the transition to test-optional admissions policies in recent years. However, standardized test scores are still an excellent way for students to gain a competitive edge and set themselves apart from others in the applicant pool.

By submitting high test scores with their application, your child can paint a clearer picture of their academic abilities for admissions officials, increasing their chances of acceptance. This is particularly useful when they are applying to highly selective schools or programs that receive a large number of applications each semester. SAT and ACT scores are not the center of your child’s application, as admissions officials will also consider a number of other factors like extracurricular activities, transcript, application essay, and more, but they can give them the extra boost they need to secure a spot in a competitive program.

Earning Scholarships

Good ACT or SAT scores can also be a gateway to financial aid through scholarship opportunities. For many families, the high cost of college can hinder a student’s ability to apply to certain schools or even attend college in general. It’s important for students to get as much financial assistance as they can through scholarships so that they can achieve their academic dreams and emerge from university with as little debt as possible.

Some schools may offer merit-based scholarships. These financial aid opportunities are based on a few different academic factors, including high school transcripts (classes and grades) as well as standardized test scores. Schools may increase the amount of merit-based financial aid they offer a student if that student submits impressive ACT or SAT scores. These merit-based scholarships can provide a huge financial boost for students, enabling them to attend schools that they may not have otherwise been able to afford.

Though it does not technically tie directly into the SAT, the National Merit Scholarship is also important to consider. Students can earn substantial financial assistance by becoming a National Merit Scholar, Finalist, or Semifinalist. To be eligible for a National Merit Scholarship, students must take the PSAT/NMSQT no later than their junior year of high school and achieve a score that lands in the top 1% of juniors taking the PSAT in their state. Students can earn a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship, a corporate-sponsored scholarship, or a college-sponsored merit scholarship depending on certain requirements.

Academic Preparedness

The SAT and ACT are designed to measure how prepared students are to enter their first year of college. The scores from these tests can act as a useful benchmark for students who are looking to improve their understanding of certain subjects before embarking on their journey through secondary education.

The test-taking environment for standardized tests can also help prepare students for the more rigorous coursework they will encounter in college. As they study for the ACT and SAT, students will learn test-taking strategies that they can carry forward and implement throughout the rest of their academic career. They may figure out ways to overcome or better cope with stress and anxiety related to testing or academic environments in general.

Communication Is Key

The first step to helping your child prepare for the SAT or ACT is communication. Parents should communicate with both their children and school staff like teachers and guidance counselors to establish the best plan of action.

Talk to Your Child

Sit down with your child and discuss their goals, expectations, and plans for the SAT and ACT. How do they want to use their scores? Do they have a target score in mind? How do they plan to prepare for the test? Are they experiencing any anxiety or stress related to preparing for or taking the exam? Are there ways you can help them feel more prepared? It’s important to understand your child’s goals and take steps to give them the support they need to achieve those goals.

Talk to Their Teachers

Teachers, guidance counselors, and other members of school staff can offer guidance and support for both you and your child during test preparations. They may be able to help you understand how your child is currently performing in certain subjects and suggest steps they can take to improve that performance. They can also point out resources like test prep materials, courses, and reviews to bolster the studying process. Most teachers and counselors have prior experience preparing students for these tests, so they can typically offer advice and resources tailored directly to your child’s needs.

Supply Resources

Your child cannot do their best studying if they are not equipped with the right resources. Talk to your child about the study materials they need to prepare for their exams. Both the ACT and the SAT offer digital resources like online tests that students can use for their studies, but it may also be helpful to look into purchasing workbooks. Prep Expert’s founder, Dr. Shaan Patel, has compiled a Digital SAT Playbook full of winning strategies that students and parents alike can use as a resource during test prep.

It’s important to make sure your child has a quiet area free of distractions that they can use to study as well. If they choose to study in their room, try not to disturb them or let siblings and pets distract them. Many students feel most comfortable studying at the library or in another quiet location. Offer to drive them to their preferred study location when needed.

Empower Your Child’s Studies

Some students are self-led when it comes to their studies, but others may benefit from extra assistance, especially when developing a study routine. Talk to your child about their exam goals and help them create a realistic study plan that enables them to achieve those goals. Motivate them to stick with their routine by periodically asking about their progress and offering rewards that support and encourage their hard work.

Take Advantage of Online Courses With Prep Expert

Online courses are an excellent resource for students preparing to take the SAT or ACT. Prep Expert, a leading provider of online test prep, offers a variety of courses designed to cater to students’ unique study styles. From weekend reviews to self-led courses to full flagship programs, our courses help students develop a deeper understanding of exam material while also teaching valuable test-taking strategies they can use throughout the rest of their academic career. With guidance from expert instructors who actually know how to make studying fun, your child will improve their scores and set themselves up for success.

To learn more about helping your child prepare for the SAT or ACT, you can also check out perfect scorer Dr. Shaan Patel’s free webinar that shares 10 Secrets To Raise Your Child’s SAT/ACT Score & Go To A Top College.