How can I improve test prep habits for high school?

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Confidence Habits in High School Test Prep

For parents focused on building confidence habits, the test prep journey in high school can feel overwhelming. You may notice your child doubting their abilities, feeling stressed, or lacking motivation when big exams approach. These feelings are normal, and your support can make a real difference. By focusing on encouragement, practical strategies, and open conversations, you help your teen develop the self-assurance they need to face academic challenges with resilience. Nurturing these habits not only improves test scores but also sets your child up for lifelong success.

Definitions

Test prep habits: The routines, strategies, and behaviors students use to prepare for quizzes, exams, and standardized tests.

Confidence habits: Regular actions and mindsets that help students believe in themselves and their ability to succeed.

Why Do High Schoolers Struggle with Test Prep?

Many parents notice their high schoolers struggling to prepare for tests, even if they do well in class. This can look like last-minute cramming, procrastination, or simply avoiding studying altogether. Experts in child development note that adolescence is a time of enormous change, with increasing academic expectations and new pressures. Teens may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure where to begin. For some, test anxiety is a real barrier to learning; for others, a lack of established routines or effective strategies gets in the way.

High school is also when students start to balance more responsibilities—after-school activities, part-time jobs, and social commitments. Without strong test prep habits, even motivated teens can fall behind or feel unprepared for big exams like midterms, finals, or the SAT and ACT. The good news is that with the right support and small changes, you can help your child improve test prep habits for high school and approach studying with more confidence and less stress.

Common Mistakes: What Gets in the Way of Effective Test Prep?

• Cramming the night before: While it is tempting to pack in as much information as possible before a test, cramming does not help long-term memory or reduce anxiety. Many teachers and parents report that students who rely on cramming often forget material quickly and feel more stressed on test day.
• Lack of a consistent study routine: Without predictable, high school study routines, students may skip practice sessions or feel lost about where to start. Consistency helps build both knowledge and confidence.
• Ignoring emotional barriers: Test anxiety, perfectionism, and fear of failure can stop teens from even opening their books. These emotions are common in high school and deserve compassion as well as practical solutions.
• Multitasking while studying: Trying to study with a phone nearby or while flipping between tasks leads to shallow learning. Deep focus is needed for real understanding.
• Not reviewing mistakes: Many students avoid looking at wrong answers or past tests, missing out on a valuable learning opportunity. Reviewing mistakes helps teens see patterns and correct misunderstandings.

Building High School Study Routines That Work

Helping your child develop a solid routine is one of the best ways to improve test prep habits for high school. Routines bring predictability and reduce decision fatigue, making it easier for teens to get started (and stick with) their studying. Here are some practical steps to try together:

• Set a regular study schedule: Encourage your teen to pick consistent days and times for test prep. Even 20–30 minutes each day is better than one long session the night before.
• Create a dedicated study space: A quiet, organized space signals to your child’s brain that it is time to focus. Remove distractions like phones or unrelated screens.
• Break big tasks into smaller chunks: Instead of studying an entire unit at once, divide material into manageable sections. This helps reduce overwhelm and makes progress feel more achievable.
• Use active study techniques: Flashcards, self-quizzing, teaching the material to someone else, or creating practice tests can all boost retention and confidence.
• Schedule breaks and rewards: Short, regular breaks prevent burnout and help teens recharge. Celebrate effort, not just results.

Remember, every child’s needs are different. Some may prefer to study in the morning, while others focus better after dinner. The key is to experiment together and find what works best for your family.

Parent Question: “How Can I Help My Child Overcome Test Anxiety?”

Test anxiety can show up as stomach aches, irritability, trouble sleeping, or avoidance. If you see your child struggling, let them know their feelings are valid and normal. You can help by encouraging healthy habits: regular sleep, balanced meals, and physical activity all support brain health. Practice relaxation techniques together, such as deep breathing or visualization before a test. Remind your child that mistakes are part of learning and that their worth is not defined by any single grade.

If anxiety is interfering with daily life or academics, reach out to their teachers or a school counselor. Sometimes, accommodations or extra support are necessary and helpful. For more on these topics, visit our study habits resource page.

Coaching Tips: Empowering Independence While Offering Support

• Encourage self-advocacy: If your child is confused about a topic or unsure how to prepare, help them practice asking teachers for clarification. This skill builds confidence and independence.
• Model healthy coping strategies: Share times when you faced academic challenges and what helped you manage stress. Your openness can normalize struggles and reduce shame.
• Celebrate effort and progress: Notice and praise your child’s hard work, even if the outcome is not perfect. This supports a growth mindset and resilience.
• Set realistic goals together: Help your teen break big goals (like “ace the biology test”) into smaller, achievable steps (“review chapter notes for 15 minutes each day”).

Combining Confidence Habits and Test Prep: A Parent’s Guide

Experts agree that academic success in high school is about more than mastering content. Building confidence habits—such as self-reflection, positive self-talk, and problem-solving—helps teens face challenges with a sense of agency. You can support this by framing mistakes as learning opportunities and encouraging your child to notice their own growth. For many families, the process of working on study routines and test prep together strengthens your relationship and helps your child feel seen and supported.

When to Seek Extra Help

If your teen continues to struggle despite your support, it may be time to call in outside resources. Tutoring, study skill workshops, or extra help at school can all provide structure and encouragement. Many parents find that when their child has a trusted adult to guide them, motivation and confidence improve. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands the unique challenges of high school test prep. Our experienced tutors can help your child build effective study routines, manage stress, and develop lifelong confidence habits. We believe every student can improve test prep habits for high school with the right guidance and encouragement. We are here to partner with your family at every step.

Related Resources

• Tips for Surviv­ing Stan­dard­ized Tests – Child Mind Institute
• Seven Parent Tips for Developing Effective Study Skills – Edmentum
• Test-Taking Tips (for Teens) | Nemours KidsHealth

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].