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With SAT season in full swing, an expert shares tips on how to get a better score

With SAT season in full swing, an expert shares tips on how to get a better score

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — This Saturday marks the first round of SAT tests for the year, sparking a time of stress for many parents and students.

“Parents want to see their child succeed and they will generally do what they can to help,” said Chase McCloskey, a private tutor with the online tutoring platform Varsity Tutors.

Out of the 60 students McCloskey tutors each week, about half are currently preparing for the SAT.

Whether it’s online or in-person, tutoring is a way to help boost a score.

“Those traditional classes are good in their own way, but they’re designed to teach a class at all levels,” said McCloskey.

Instead, McCloskey says online tutoring can provide tailored instruction in a flexible setting.

“I have definitely seen an increase in students making the move to online SAT prep over the last two years,” he added.

Before hiring a tutor, McCloskey says its important for both parents and teachers to have a discussion about what school the student is hoping to get into and to understand what kind of test the SAT is.

“The goal is to internalize the ideas and patterns you keep seeing in practice tests so that you can apply them to different questions no matter what kind of question comes up on the test,” McCloskey said.

He says the SAT isn’t about memorization, but rather testing how well a student can learn a skill and apply that skill to a real life situation. In this instance, that situation is the SAT.

McCloskey also advises students to keep normal diet and exercise routines the week leading up to the exam.

It’s also a good idea to not study the night before. Instead he says to pack a bag with pencils, an ID and the admission ticket.

“You have to show up confident knowing you’ve done what you can and you’ve put in the work,” McCloskey adds.

For more SAT dates and registration deadlines, click here.