SAT test preparation: Test prep teacher shares advice with students and parents

Part 2 in this series on College Admission and learning more about preparing for your SAT test with advice to parents and students from a test preparation professional.

Bryan Carey is a university professor with experience teaching Business, Management, Accounting and Finance. He has also been teaching and tutoring students in preparation for their college undergraduate and graduate admission exams for the past 5 years. He has been with the Houston Kaplan office for three of those years.

What questions do parents or students most commonly ask you about the SAT?

Kaplan test prep tutor and teacher :Some common questions include the use of calculators and the acceptance of the SAT for admission to specific schools. The answer to the first question might surprise some people: Yes, students are permitted to use a calculator on the SAT. Not only can you use a calculator, you can use any type of calculator. Thus, it makes sense to use a more sophisticated calculator, like a graphing calculator, for maximum effectiveness.

With admissions, nearly every college in the United States accepts the SAT for admission. Still, it is best not to take any chances. Logon to the web site of your college of choice or call the admission department first, just to make sure the SAT is an accepted test.

What is the best advice you can give to students regarding the SAT? And to parents?

Kaplan test prep tutor and teacher: For students, the best advice is to properly prepare for the test. Don’t assume, based on high school success or other factors, that you won’t have any problem achieving a high score on the SAT. At the very least, students should purchase an SAT study guide and attempt at least one full- length sample test (online or in print form) before taking the actual test. If time and money permit, an SAT test prep course through Kaplan, Princeton Review, or some other test preparatory operation is a worthwhile investment and can payoff significantly at test time.

For parents, the best advice is to encourage students by providing quiet time for study. Also, if you are the parent of an SAT student, take the initiative and purchase a workbook study guide or enroll your child in an SAT course. Don’t wait for your son or daughter to ask- show your concern by taking this important step on their behalf.

Bryan, thank you so much for the opportunity to talk to you about the SAT and gain some insight not only the test but the importance of being prepared.

The SAT is offered seven times a year in the United States, in October, November, December, January, March (or April, alternating), May, and June. The cost of the SAT test is $45 ($71 International), excluding late fees.

For more info:

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Should I Go to Grad School?

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What I Should Know About Alcohol Abuse in College
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How Can I Succeed in College Academics?
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