As summer winds down and back-to-school season ramps up, many parents of rising juniors and seniors find themselves asking the same question: How can I support my child through the SAT, ACT, and college admissions without overstepping or creating stress?
The good news: your support matters—a lot. But how you offer that support makes all the difference. Here’s how to be involved in a way that’s helpful, encouraging, and empowering.
1. Support in Setting (Realistic) Prep Goals Early
Fall gets busy quickly. Between schoolwork, extracurriculars, and college planning, time slips away fast. Sit down with your teen in early August or September and discuss:
- When they plan to take the SAT or ACT
- How much prep time they realistically have per week
- Whether they need support from a tutor, course, or study plan
Setting small, achievable goals early helps avoid last-minute cramming later.
2. Understand the Test Timeline
Parents who know the key test dates can help their child stay organized. Here are a few important ones:
- SAT: October 13th, and November 8th
- ACT:October 18th
- College application deadlines: Many Early Action/Early Decision applications are due by November 1st
Make sure your child registers for their test early—seats fill up quickly, especially in fall.
3. Offer Support Through Structure, Not Pressure
It’s easy to slip into “reminder mode” and accidentally create tension. Instead, offer gentle accountability:
- Ask how their prep is going once a week
- Create a quiet space at home for studying
- Offer to block off time on weekends for test prep or college research
Let them lead the process, but be the safety net if they fall behind.
4. Provide Access to Resources
Not every student knows where to start or how to study efficiently. That’s where you come in. You can:
- Help them find a high-quality test prep course or tutor
- Research college admissions timelines and scholarship options
- Encourage them to take a full-length practice test at home or through a local program like Curvebreakers
5. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Scores
Remember: a student who improves their score by 100+ points worked hard, regardless of the final number. Celebrate consistency, focus, and effort. College admissions is a marathon, not a sprint.
Be the Calm in Their Chaos
The college prep process is overwhelming for teens, even if they don’t show it. Your calm presence, encouragement, and support will go further than any test tip or college list.
If you’re looking for expert help, Curvebreakers offers SAT and ACT courses, 1:1 tutoring, and college essay coaching tailored to your student’s goals.