The Score, Issue #20: Welcome to Panic Season!
Managing Autumn Test Prep Stress: Tips for ACT and SAT Tutors, Students, and Parents
Greetings, Quiz Hackers!
As a test prep tutor, the approach of the Autumnal Equinox signals more than just falling leaves, shorter days, and the soul-crushing realization that, for yet another year, I’ve failed to save up enough money to jet off to Germany for Oktoberfest. In addition to the sudden ubiquity of acorn paraphernalia and pumpkin-spice fumes, the onset of fall also heralds the start of Panic Season—that time of year when students who fell short of their target scores on the summer SAT/ACT exams scramble for last-minute help. It's a surge in demand both invigorating and challenging.
Navigating Panic Season Successfully
Panic Season presents unique challenges that demand an adaptive approach. Time becomes an especially precious resource, and planning accordingly can make all the difference. Here are some things I’ve found helpful for handling the exigencies of this special time of year:
Pull a Switcheroo
Typically, when starting with new students, I focus first on the Reading section, since it often requires more time to improve. However, Panic Season may call for a different approach. Consider where a student can gain the most points in the shortest time frame. This may lead you away from Reading and towards English/Writing, where relatively quick gains are often feasible.
Major in the Minors
Regardless of the section you're working on, it's crucial to prioritize the low-hanging fruit—areas where smaller efforts can yield significant results. Start by addressing careless errors and tackling straightforward, rules-oriented question types, such as Punctuation Questions. These can often be rapidly improved with a rudimentary grasp of sentence mechanics and memorization of basic grammar rules.
On ACT/SAT Reading, Non-Citation Questions can be an opportunity to pick up a few points quickly. Contrary to what many test takers believe, these questions often turn on relatively basic reading comprehension skills, with answers plainly stated in the passage. A little bit of knowledge about how these questions work can lead to noticeable progress in a short time. For more detailed insights into strategies for Non-Citation Questions, check out my article on the subject.
Manage Expectations: Realism and Honesty
Panic Season is fueled in part by high school seniors looking to hit their target scores in the face of looming college application deadlines. This sense of urgency sometimes leads to unrealistic goals. While it's vital not to quash enthusiasm, it's equally important to be candid with parents and students about what can be realistically achieved.
Your mileage may vary, but, for substantial score improvements on ACT or SAT Reading, I generally recommend four to six sessions as the bare minimum, assuming homework is being done diligently between sessions. For ACT English or SAT Writing, the minimum is usually a bit less – around three to five sessions. Meeting at least once weekly is also key, while having sessions twice a week can significantly boost focus and thus results.
Yes, being upfront about expectations might mean you lose some prospective clients to smooth-talking tutors who tell them what they want to hear. But do you really want to work with clients who insist on grand promises? Ultimately, setting achievable goals benefits both you and your students.
Focus on Focus: Consistency and Commitment
Focus is a linchpin of successful test prep. It's frustrating when a student's progress stalls due to missed sessions or incomplete homework. This is especially true during Panic Season, when it feels like one false move can derail the whole endeavor.
Parents, you can be invaluable partners by emphasizing the importance of consistency and dedication. For tutors, it's essential to convey this message and to remind yourself that score improvement is a two-way street. Taking responsibility for results is commendable, but you shouldn’t blame yourself for circumstances outside of your control.
Learn from Mistakes: Patience and Persistence
The typical Panic Season student has a long way to go and a short time to get there. Thus, it's particularly important to assess why they didn't succeed previously and to address those problems, asap. However, this is sometimes harder than it sounds. A couple of common reasons include:
Clinging to Old Approaches: Some students stick with faulty strategies, even when they know those strategies failed. Resistance to change is a natural human tendency, and tutors need patience to help students let go of what's familiar but ineffective.
No Formal Prep: Others may have attempted the test with no formal prep at all, believing they could rely on their raw abilities. Convincing them to embrace a pointedly tactical approach may require persistent persuasion.
A Resource for All Seasons
The fall test prep whirlwind brings both challenges and opportunities. While the time crunch can be stressful, many will make the most of the situation and achieve success on the ACT and SAT. Whether you’re a student, parent, or tutor, my goal is to provide you with the absolute best resources for writing your own ACT/SAT success story.
Previously, my expertise was only available to my private students. But now, thanks to the genius of Substack, I’m able to offer my hard-won test prep insights to everyone, at a fraction of the price for one-on-one tutoring. For just $5 per month, you'll gain full access to my extensive archive of strategies, answer explanations, drills, and other powerful test prep tools. To get started on the road to higher scores, subscribe now!
Until next time, remember to Prep Smarter!
~ Dave
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