SAT Boot Camp: A Strong Study Schedule

Want to help your teen ace the SAT? The key is to establish a schedule for studying and then stick to it. Sure, spending an hour or more studying may sound like a drag. But by the time the big day rolls around, your teen will be cool as a cucumber while his classmates are wishing they'd trained to get into SAT shape! Here's a step-by-step guide to getting underway.

1. Time frame: The best study schedule will encompass a period of 1 to 2 months. Your schedule should be for five days a week over the entire period.

2. Finding Time: Decide how much time can be devoted to studying each night, while making allowances for homework and extracurricular commitments. It should be at least one hour, and preferably 2 – 3 hours, per night.

3. Making a Plan: Write out a schedule for studying. Each night focus on one area of the SAT. If your study time extends past an hour, be sure to schedule a break every hour. Each week re-make the schedule to fit what needs to be studied the most.

4. Studying: When it comes time to study, ensure your child has a place that is quiet and free of distractions (no computers, phones, television, video games, etc). If needed have them go to a library to study.
   

5. Practice Tests: Finish each week’s schedule with a timed practice exam. This allows you to refocus next week’s schedule, and also to gauge your son or daughter’s progress.

6. Sticking to the Plan: It isn’t enough to just make a plan. Obviously you have to ensure that your teen sticks to the plan. A gentle reminder each night will probably be enough to keep them from procrastinating.

A Sample Schedule (for one week):