Dealing with (Overbearing) Parents

Three tips that will help keep them at arm's length.

They mean well. They really do. But sometimes parents can add an unbelievable amount of stress to the SAT process. Here are some tips for dealing with them: • Take ownership of your own SAT preparation. Think of it from their perspective: their pride and joy is taking an important test, and they want to do everything in their power to make sure you get the highest possible score. If they see that you’re signing up, studying, etc., on your own, they’ll realize they don’t need to worry and nag. • Give them updates. Keep your parents in the loop about your SAT plans, and be loud and obvious about all of the studying you’re doing. • Manage expectations. It’s tough to know in advance how you’ll do on the SAT. But when you do have an idea of how you’re doing based on practice exams (and the PSAT), you should tell your parents. If your parents understand your possible college admissions outcomes, it will spare them an emotional roller coaster (and spare you the fallout!).