Shahar Link is the CEO and founder of Mindspire Tutoring and Test Prep, which has tutored thousands of students across the country for over a decade in the SAT, ACT, and every other academic subject. Shahar has been teaching in high schools and tutoring standardized tests for over 25 years. He earned a master’s degree in history from Stanford University, writing his thesis on the history of IQ testing. Ever since he has been determined to help students succeed on standardized tests and in high school. Welcome to the show, Shahar!
Key Takeaways
- SAT & ACT: Some kids are better at one test versus the other. Knowing which test is better for your teen makes a big difference in their success and which one they might take.
- A majority of universities across the country are now test-optional. This doesn’t mean that it’s not an important aspect of their application.
- Students who score with an above average score for the school they’re applying to, will have a better chance of getting into that school verses someone who does not submit a score.
- If your teen’s score is less than average for that school you will want to consider whether or not they submit a score.
- There are some students who don’t match what they’re capable of on the standardized tests. This could be for a variety of reasons like test anxiety, learning behaviors, etc. They may want to consider not taking the test or working to improve their ability before taking the test.
- Parents can help their teens overcome test anxiety and stress by practicing breathing techniques and by taking practice tests to help normalize test taking.
- Make learning active: have your teen write down what they’re learning: flash cards, journaling, note cards. This takes what they’ve learned to a deeper level of remembering.
- Students who ask teachers for support and help will do better. Empower your teen to be a self-advocate.
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