I have long wished that there was an SAT during the summer, and finally (thanks to a global pandemic) my prayers have been answered! No, the SAT didn’t add a new summer test (the August 29, 2020 date is unchanged), but the Sarasota County School’s delayed opening means that the SAT will occur during summer vacation.

A Rare Opportunity

Having the chance to study for the SAT without having to attend school all day is perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity, so take advantage of this opportunity to study harder than you ever could before. See our 21 day SAT practice schedule and get started with your tutoring immediately.

Challenges to Overcome

Hibernating Brain Syndrome

Although not a real medical diagnosis, I think it accurately describes what has happened to most students. So, although students can study more than ever for this SAT, they probably haven’t done much academic work since March. Their brains may be empty and they certainly aren’t used to 4 straight hours of use (excluding video games). So, it is time to start using that brain every day! The best way to do that is to start doing a practice test every day.

Hibernating Kid Syndrome

Not only have most kids not been using their brains, but they have been staying up late, waking up really late and perhaps never leaving their room (other than when the router needs to be reset). So, it is time to start getting back on a school schedule. SAT registration closes at 8 AM, so you have to be on site and ready to check-in by 8 AM! When was the last time your child had a healthy breakfast, a shower and was wearing something other than pajamas by 8 AM? If they can pull off that amazing feat, they need to be mentally ready to take the test. Nobody has done that since March!!

Suggestions for Success

Fix the Alarm Clock

Start waking up 30 minutes earlier every day until you are waking up early enough to be ready to take the 8 AM test. Hopefully, the entire week leading up to the test the student will be on an optimal testing sleep schedule.

Get to Bed on Time

If a student is going to be ready to take an 8 AM test, they need to start getting to bed by 10 PM. Make sure their phones shut off automatically at 9 PM. This will allow them to do some last minute, pre-sleep practice to transform their brain into a 24/7 math problem solving machine.

21 Day SAT Practice Test & Tutoring Schedule

The entire test has four sections and lasts 3 hours. When was the last time your child studied for 3 straight hours. I have devised a 21 day SAT practice schedule to help them build up to at least doing the 80 minutes of math.

Fresh Air and Exercise

With the COVID quarantine, most people have spent too much time indoors and may have stopped exercising. Studies have shown that enjoying the outdoors and exercising have countless benefits including improved learning, reduced stress and improved mental functioning and focus.

Study Buddy

They say “Misery loves company,” so find a study buddy. Usually one or many of your friends will be taking the test on the same day. Why not do some studying together? Complete your practice tests separately and then check your answers together. You will definitely learn something unexpected and you might have some fun in the process. There’s nothing that can compare to having a highly skilled tutor to help you, but working with a trusted friend can help you both stay on schedule and they say the best way to learn something is to explain it to someone else. Give it a try…

Really Rusty? Narrow Your Focus

Almost every serious student takes the SAT more than once and usually improves on the second test. If you haven’t used your brain for six months, it might be unrealistic to expect a great score on all four sections. If your brain just isn’t at full strength yet, perhaps you should focus on getting a really good math score this test and then focus on the English portion of the test next time. This might mean that you barely study the English sections and give minimal effort on the English sections (1 & 2) on test day. Don’t wear your brain out on something you haven’t studied. Stay fresh for the math sections (3 & 4).