With tuition rising at colleges and universities, it's natural to hope that your children will get grades and test scores high enough to qualify for a scholarship. Here's what you can do to help them do just that. These aren't quick fixes, mind you; they require dedication to helping your children establish good academic habits.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Throughout childhood and adolescence
Tips:
- Encourage reading. If you read to your kids when they were young and set an example for them by reading in your own free time, they've probably grown up to love reading. If you didn't, it's time to start encouraging the habit. Reading will help them assimilate new vocabulary and gain a functional understanding of grammar, so they intuitively know what "sounds right." All standardized tests include an evaluation of reading skills and vocabulary, because these are essential skills for future study in college. Good vocabulary and reading skills can't be learned quickly - so encourage your children to read regularly ASAP.
- Help them understand math. And I mean really help them to understand the underlying concepts and work problems out. Many high school students have the habit of cramming formulas into their heads before math tests, because that's usually enough to score a decent grade. But standardized tests challenge students to solve problems that demonstrate that they understand the underlying concepts, so encourage your kids to do that throughout their math education, no matter how young or old they are now. Like reading, math skills are always tested on standardized tests.
- Help them plan ahead. As your children enter high school and approach the PSAT, SAT, and ACT tests, don't leave them in the dark about what happens after high school. Encourage them to study regularly and try their best in school, because these years provide the foundation of their knowledge - plus, every grade will count towards their high school G.P.A. Explain what standardized test scores mean, especially in terms of college. Teenagers often long for independence and an exciting future, so show them how a certain combination of grades and test scores can win them free rides to the schools of their choice.
- Don't pressure. There's a fine line between encouragement and pressure. Don't make your children feel inadequate if they score low, and don't force them to spend every waking hour over their books - neither will help them develop the positive attitude and commitment that will lead to high scores. But do help them spend a regular, reasonable amount of time studying for their classes and standardized tests each day. Moderation is a habit that will benefit them throughout their lives.