SAT prep strategy stands the test of time

Well, the times of trials are here for the juniors and seniors of Watertown High School. Yes, it’s that special time in life when high school students go all out to go to college.

Have you juniors been keeping those grades up?  Have you seniors decided on your future colleges and careers yet?

Even if you don’t know what career or college you want, most students are going to college. It’s no small feat. Students have to make sure that their grades are good and their GPA is high as a kite. If that’s not daunting enough, then be prepared to say hello to the SATs and ACTs.

Both of them are standardized tests that colleges take a good look at when deciding if an applicant will be accepted. Now the tests may seem daunting, but they are not impossible — especially with some tips from Testive.

Testive is an online company that helps students prepare for the SATs and ACTs. Representatives from Testive held a brief seminar at Watertown High on Oct. 9, giving test tips and explaining to students and parents what the website provides.

The hourlong talk was led by Testive founder Miro Kazakoff — as well as mascot, Sly the Testive fox — during which he explained about how his company helps with test prep, as well as several tips, such as:

• Know that the test matters to schools;
• Know when and how long to prep;
• Know how to prep;
• Spend more time reflecting on how the answers were solved (or not);
• Parents are cheerleaders, not taskmasters;
• Do the work.

Kazakoff explained the history and inner workings of Testive, which offers free practice questions and tests, as well as paid coaching sessions with people who scored in the 99th percentile on the their standardized tests.

For those who missed the presentation, but are interested in Testive’s services, go to its website at www.testive.com.

For all the juniors and seniors stressing about the SATs/ACTs, don’t be afraid to browse — and may you have the best of luck.

–Dec. 1, 2014–