SAT/ACT Prep Strategies for Students with ADHD
Preparing for the SAT or ACT can be a stressful time for any student, but for those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it can be particularly challenging. At Breakthrough, we understand the challenges that students with ADHD face in staying organized, managing their time, and staying focused while studying for these important tests. That's why we offer specialized, one-on-one tutoring sessions that are tailored to the individual needs of each student. In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the strategies we utilize in private tutoring sessions to help students with ADHD stay focused and organized while studying for the SAT or ACT.
Study planning, schedules, and routines
Work with the student to create a personalized study plan that outlines what material will be covered each session leading up to the test date.
Provide a consistent schedule for tutoring sessions to help the student establish a routine.
Provide a list of recommended study materials and resources to help the student stay organized.
Instructions and assignments
Break down practice problems and questions into step-by-step instructions to help the student understand the problem-solving process.
Use attention-getting phrases to emphasize key concepts and important strategies for tackling different types of questions.
Check in frequently with the student during practice sections to ensure they understand the work and are on track to meet their goals.
Introducing new concepts/lessons
Use worksheets and practice tests to highlight key words and concepts that will be important on the actual SAT exam.
Provide a review of previously covered material before moving on to new concepts to ensure the student has a solid foundation to build upon.
Encourage the student to try different methods for answering questions, such as circling or saying out loud, to help them find what works best for their learning style.
Building organization and time management habits
Help the student create a personalized study schedule that takes into account their other commitments and responsibilities.
Encourage the use of organizers, assignment notebooks, and mind-mapping software to help the student stay on top of their tasks and assignments.
Break down larger projects and assignments into smaller, manageable tasks with clear deadlines to avoid overwhelm and procrastination.
Preparing for the SAT or ACT can be overwhelming for students with ADHD, but there are effective strategies and resources available to help them succeed. At Breakthrough, we offer personalized one-on-one tutoring to help students with ADHD stay on track, manage their time effectively, and tackle challenging concepts with confidence. We encourage parents and students to stay positive and focus on progress, rather than perfection. With the right support and mindset, students with ADHD can achieve academic success and exceed their own expectations.
