Test prep strategies every high school student should know

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Struggling Learners in High School Test Prep

Many parents of high school students notice their child feeling overwhelmed or discouraged when it comes to test preparation. If your child is a struggling learner, it is important to remember that challenges with studying and test-taking are common and do not reflect a lack of potential. High school introduces new pressures—more challenging material, bigger exams, and greater expectations for independence. For some students, especially those who have always found school tough, these demands can feel daunting. Knowing how to improve test prep strategies high school can make a world of difference, not just for test scores but for your child’s confidence and resilience. With understanding, patience, and research-backed approaches, you can help your child face these hurdles and develop skills that last beyond the classroom.

Definitions

Test prep strategies are the specific techniques and habits students use to prepare for quizzes, midterms, finals, and standardized exams like the SAT and ACT. Study habits refer to the routines and methods students use to learn, remember, and apply information over time.

Why Do Struggling Learners Find Test Prep Hard?

Experts in child development note that test anxiety and inconsistent study habits are leading barriers to academic success for high school students. Many teachers and parents report that struggling learners often feel lost when it comes to knowing where to start, how to organize their time, or how to manage stress about upcoming tests. Factors like learning differences, attention challenges, or lack of previous success can make the process feel even more intimidating. This is why learning to improve test prep strategies high school is especially important for students who have faced setbacks in the past.

How Can Parents Help Improve Test Prep Strategies High School?

Parents are uniquely positioned to support effective test preparation at home. Here are practical ways you can help your high schooler strengthen their approach:

• Normalize the struggle. Remind your child that finding tests hard is normal. Share stories about your own experiences or how other students have overcome similar challenges. This helps reduce feelings of isolation and shame.
• Break down big tasks. Large exams can feel impossible if approached all at once. Help your child divide study material into smaller, manageable chunks. Use a calendar to map out what needs to be reviewed each day or week.
• Set up a dedicated study spot. Choose a quiet, comfortable area of your home for studying. Keep it stocked with pens, paper, and any needed supplies, so your child is not distracted by searching for materials.
• Practice retrieval, not just re-reading. Encourage your child to quiz themselves rather than just reading notes. Writing practice tests, using flashcards, or teaching material out loud helps the brain remember information better.
• Encourage regular study routines. Consistency beats cramming. Setting aside the same time each day for studying builds a habit that supports memory and lowers stress as test day approaches.

By focusing on these basics, you can help your child improve test prep strategies high school and foster a sense of control over their learning.

Essential Study Habits for High School Test Prep

Developing strong study habits is the foundation for better test performance. Here are some proven strategies:

• Active note-taking. Instead of copying everything, encourage your child to summarize key points in their own words. This helps with understanding and long-term recall.
• Use of planners and checklists. Simple tools like planners help your child track assignments and upcoming test dates, reducing the risk of last-minute panic.
• Spaced practice. Reviewing material over multiple sessions is more effective than a single long study session. This approach strengthens memory and reduces overwhelm.
• Healthy habits. Encourage good sleep, nutritious snacks, and movement breaks. A healthy body supports a focused mind, which is essential during test prep.

Many students benefit from visual reminders or color-coded notes. For more ideas, visit our study habits resource for parents and students.

Test Prep Strategies High School: Tips for Parents

Supporting your child’s test preparation goes beyond just providing reminders. Here are some additional ways to help:

• Talk about test formats. Discuss the types of questions likely to appear—multiple choice, short answer, essays—and encourage your child to practice each type.
• Help them find their learning style. Some students remember better by seeing, others by hearing or doing. Experiment with visuals, recordings, or hands-on activities to discover what works best.
• Model stress management. Share relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or stretching, and practice them together before tests.
• Celebrate small wins. Recognize effort, not just grades. Compliment your child for sticking to their study plan or for approaching a tough subject with determination.

By using these approaches, you are showing your child that improvement is possible and that you are on their team—an essential factor for struggling learners who may doubt their abilities.

Questions Parents Ask: Why Is My Child Distracted During Test Prep?

It is common for high school students, especially those who find learning challenging, to lose focus during study sessions. Distractions can come from phones, social media, siblings, or even worrying thoughts about past test performances. Here are some strategies to maximize focus:

• Limit digital distractions. Encourage your child to put their phone in another room or use apps that block notifications during study time.
• Use short, focused study blocks. The Pomodoro Technique—a method of studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break—can work well for students who have trouble sustaining attention.
• Set clear, realistic goals for each session. Instead of just “study biology,” try “review cell structure notes and answer two practice questions.”

For more focus-building strategies, explore our focus and attention resource for practical help.

High School Test Prep Strategies: Building Confidence and Independence

Building your child’s confidence is just as important as reviewing content. Many struggling learners feel discouraged if their hard work does not immediately translate to higher grades. Encourage your child to reflect on what went well after each test, even if the overall score was not what they hoped. Over time, noticing small improvements can help shift their mindset from “I cannot do this” to “I am learning and growing.”

As your child becomes more independent, involve them in making decisions about their study schedule or the tools they use. This fosters responsibility and helps prepare them for college or future careers, where self-management will be essential. Remember that the goal is not perfection, but progress.

Grade Band Focus: High School Test Prep Strategies That Work

High schoolers face tests that carry real weight—final exams, state assessments, and college entrance exams. Here are some grade-specific strategies to improve test prep strategies high school for struggling learners:

• Start early for big tests. The SAT and ACT should not be crammed for. Begin reviewing vocabulary, math concepts, and practice questions months in advance.
• Seek help when needed. Encourage your child to ask teachers for clarification or attend after-school help sessions if they are confused about material.
• Use official practice resources. Many schools and test providers offer free sample questions. Practice under timed conditions to build familiarity and reduce anxiety.
• Reflect and adjust. After each test, sit down together and discuss what went well and what could change next time. This helps your child see mistakes as learning opportunities, not failures.

By focusing on these habits, parents can help improve test prep strategies high school and set their children up for long-term success.

Test Prep Focus Tips: Building a Support System at Home

One of the most valuable test prep focus tips is to create a supportive environment where your child feels understood and encouraged. This might mean adjusting expectations, helping with time management, or just listening when your child needs to vent about a tough day. When students see that their parents believe in their ability to improve, they are more likely to persist despite challenges.

Related Resources

• Help Your Child Prepare for Standardized Tests – Scholastic Parents
• Parent Tips: How to Help Your Child Prepare for Standardized Tests – Colorín Colorado
• 14 Tips for Test Taking Success – Harvard Summer School Blog

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands that every learner is unique. Our experienced tutors are equipped to help high school students and their families develop practical, individualized strategies to improve test prep strategies high school. Whether your child needs help with organization, motivation, or mastering difficult content, we are here to support their growth at every step.

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].