How to Study for the Stanford Achievement Test in 7th Grade

The Standard Achievement Test, otherwise known as the SAT, is an evaluation exam given to students between kindergarten and high school. It is entirely separate from the college entrance SAT. It is utilized as a measurement tool to assess students' academic abilities. The questions are either in the form of multiple choice questions, short answers or an extended essay, and cover a range of subjects such as reading comprehension, mathematics and science. Preparing for the Stanford Achievement Test in the 7th grade requires discipline, patience and proper prep materials.

Purchasing a study guide to help prepare for the Stanford Achievement Test. These guides can be found at your local bookstore or online. Look at several study guides for comparison. Some may have additional practice exams while others have an attached CD-ROM to help with the study session. Using a study guide helps prepare the student for questions to expect on the test as well as the format of the test.

Set a specific time to sit down and review the study guides. This could be immediately after school, after dinner or during the weekends. The important thing is to make it a habit. Commit to 30 minutes or an hour of reviewing material, taking practice exams and studying test-taking strategies to improve your time efficiency and test-taking abilities.

Evaluate your learning style. Once a specific time and day is set to study, think about whether or not it is best to study alone or with a group of friends, at a library or at home or with a private tutor. Each child has different learning styles. Using the correct studying strategy ensures efficient use of study time and will help promote competitive test scores.

Review test rules and regulations. Become familiar with precisely how many sections there are and the amount of time that is allotted for each section. This will help to pace yourself during the exam so that you are not unexpectedly out of time without completing the section.

Prepare your body physically for the three-day exam. Just as important as preparing mentally for the exam, it's also important to fuel your body with proper nutrition to enhance concentration and focus. There are foods that help combat stress, promote memory and stimulate the brain to retain more information (see Resources). Sleep is another crucial element to performing well on the exam. Get plenty of rest the nights leading up to the exam so that you do not feel sleep deprived during the exam.

Relax and do your best. While the Stanford Achievement Test is an important evaluation of a child's academic performance, it is not the end of the world. Breathe deeply, be confident in your abilities and the rest will fall into place.