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What should you do to help your student be prepared for their October PSAT, SAT, or ACT?

October is right around the corner, and with it the full-on start of the '24-'25 testing season. This also means that most students have a high-stakes test on their calendar - the October PSAT, as well as an SAT and ACT date this month.

Whichever test is on your student's timeline, here are a few specific ways you can help them be their best prepared for test day.

Physical, Emotional and Mental Preparation

There are 3 categories I encourage students to consider in their preparation leading up to test day. These also helpful ways that you can help your student think through their plans and actions - especially the week before their test.

• Physical 💪- Sleep is the #1 physical component leading up to any standardized test. If a student is tired, or worse exhausted, heading into a test I can guarantee their performance is not going to be great. At least a few days before the test help them be organized so that are getting solid sleep at night, or if necessary help them work some naps into their routine. Good food, avoiding illness, and staying hydrated are also key components in being ready for test day.
• Emotional 🧡 - I always remind my students that the week before the test is NOT the time to break off any romantic relationships or to start any new ones. As much as possible, try to help them keep all those big teenage emotions on an even keel and make good choices
• Mental 🧠 - Another great way to help your student be prepared for test day is to help them think through the logistics of the night before and the morning of the test. This could include what time they should go to bed, what will they wear on test day, what time should they get up, what are the directions to the test center, what electronics need to be charged and do they have a photo ID with them? The ultimate goal for students should be to have as few decisions as possible that need to be made on test morning because everything has been decided or prepared ahead of time .

Having these preparations in place will go a long way to helping your student have a successful test day this October, no matter which test they are taking.

⏰ If your student is planning to test this fall, here are a few upcoming test dates and registration deadlines:

SAT Dates and deadlines

Various October dates PSAT (Check with your school’s calendar)

​November 2, 2024 SAT (Registration deadline October 18)

​December 7, 2024 SAT (Registration deadline November 22)

ACT Dates and deadlines

​October 26, 2024 ACT (Late registration by 10/7)

​December 14, 2024 ACT (Regular registration by 11/8, late registration by 11/22)

Be sure to add these dates to your calendar - test dates and locations often fill up early. For the most convenient location, you want to ensure that you register as early as possible.

🗞️ For some related articles to test prep registration check out these articles:

• Not sure which test your Junior student should take? Check out “3 Things to Consider When Choosing An SAT or ACT date​”​
• For sophomore or junior parents concerned about the PSAT, read my article on “Understanding the Importance of the PSAT”​

Thank you for your support of my weekly newsletter. Of course, if you found this helpful, please share it with friends or other parents who might find it valuable as well!

Best regards,

Kevin A. Doty

Rocket Scientist turned Master Tutor

P.S. Have any questions? Feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!

1075 Broad Ripple Avenue, Suite 266, Indianapolis, IN 46220
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