Academic researchers have repeatedly tried to determine whether coaching improves SAT scores. It is a difficult question to answer objectively because of the ever changing variables. Highly motivated students—like those who sign up for test-prep courses—are likely to improve no matter what. Just taking the test again often raises scores. And it is hard to distinguish the effects of test prep from other factors that may contribute to a better score.

 

Different studies over the years have suggested coaching tends to improve performance, “The mythology is that students who are scoring in the 500s will get into the 750 range,” said Derek Briggs, a professor at the University of Colorado School of Education who has studied the effects of test preparation. “A realistic bump from commercial test prep might be about 20 to 30 points on math and verbal sections combined, but that’s on top of whatever baseline increase we’d expect of students who do everything except get commercial test prep.” The attraction towards the coaching centre in understanable. These extra points can improve the chance to get in a good school or even get a good scholarship.Knowing the stakes, many students, with the backing of their parents, pay for the coaching.

“If you can defuse frenzy around the test and make students feel confident about being a test taker, they are already going to be a success,” said Robert Franek, senior vice president and publisher of Princeton Review.

 

Survey the map. Going into the exam, students should understand various sections that will be there in the test. Most sections begin with easier questions followed by those of medium difficulty and concluding with the most challenging questions.This means the answer choices that seem obvious in the earlier questions of a section are probably correct. But answers for the most difficult questions will likely include ambiguous choices that require more thought. Students who are aware of this may trust their instincts on the easy questions, spending perhaps 15 seconds on each, to give more careful consideration to the difficult questions.

Students are best served by developing their knowledge, but cultivating a few test-taking skills can’t hurt—especially if it reduces the anxiety many feel going into the exam. So, if your son or daughter, and you, are laid-back types, relax. Skip a question here and there. Focus on what you know. And have a few backup schools in mind.