Others don’t think about these tests until their senior year.

Here are some ways you can help your child prepare for these important exams:

1. Insist that your child take challenging courses. There is no substitute for a rigorous traditional curriculum. Students who are considering college need two years of algebra and a year of geometry. They need laboratory sciences (not watered-down courses like “Consumer Chemistry”).

2. Make sure your child reads. The more time students spend watching TV, the lower their verbal scores tend to be on college admission tests.

3. Require your child to study. Students who spend at least ten hours a week on homework do better on college exams than students who don’t.

4. Find out whether your child’s school offers a course to prepare for the college tests. If one is offered, encourage your child to take it. These courses are helpful to most students.

5. Make sure your child is familiar with the kinds of questions that will be on the test. There are many workbooks, computer programs, study guides, and videotapes that can help.

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